wgu capstone project curriculum and instruction

What Is the Capstone Project in a Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Degree Program?

Krystle Dodge

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There’s more to earning a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction, one of the highest paying master’s degrees , than just checking off a list of courses. Before you can graduate with your master’s degree, you may have to complete a capstone project, course or experience. Generally, a capstone project or experience is the finale of your graduate education, capping off your studies and showcasing how the skills and knowledge you have learned can be put to use in the real world. The capstone in a curriculum and instruction master’s degree program can take several different forms, including a thesis or research project, an internship or practicum, a portfolio, a comprehensive examination or some combination of these components.

Writing a Thesis or Dissertation

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One of the most common forms of a capstone project is the master’s thesis, a long and detailed academic paper. A thesis is typically based on original research that may be quantitative in nature, like experiments and surveys, or qualitative in nature, such as case studies. Conducting the research and composing and defending your thesis requires a great deal of time and work. You may choose to focus the research for your thesis on any area of the field of curriculum and instruction that interests you, from examining how new instructional technologies perform in the classroom to delving into issues involving the experiences of students and teachers.

Throughout the process of completing your thesis, from the initial topic proposal to the final review and defense of your thesis, you will work with an advisor. You may wish to submit your finished research manuscript to a journal for publication.

Completing an Internship or Practicum

Another requirement that exists in many curriculum and instruction master’s degree programs is an internship or practicum experience. An internship or practicum is a sort of real-world experience that allows you to use what you’ve learned in a practical setting. For graduate students of curriculum and instruction , this usually means working in school, although internships can also take place in non-profit programs or in for-profit companies that focus on curriculum development.

As a form of experiential learning, internships entail more than just observing. They provide students with an opportunity to work on tasks like creating programs, researching teaching methods and cultivating learning materials and a curriculum that fit the school’s curriculum standards and learning goals. In your intern or practicum experience, you will work alongside established instructional coordinators, curriculum specialists and administrators. Throughout your internship, you may need to complete assignments and written reflections on your experiences as part of your course requirements.

Internships can be paid or unpaid, but even unpaid internships count toward the credits you need to earn your degree.

Building a Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your work. While you may think of portfolios as applying primarily to creative occupations, it isn’t only artists, writers and musicians who can cultivate a portfolio. For students preparing to graduate from a master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction, a portfolio often includes artifacts and evidence of any fieldwork experiences you completed, as well as reflections on the coursework you completed and the skills you have developed.

Your portfolio may be a graduation requirement, but putting it all together can also help you prepare to find a job with your degree. Opportunities for instructional coordinators are growing at a faster than average rate, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), but these jobs are much rarer than classroom teacher roles. The BLS reported that there are only 192,900 instructional coordinators in the U.S., compared to a combined total of 3,257,700 kindergarten, elementary , middle and high school teachers . As you compile reflective statements, standout assignments and information on your field experiences and coursework into your portfolio , you will become better prepared to write effective cover letters that accompany job applications and answer the questions that arise in a job interview. You may even choose to submit all or part of your portfolio as part of job applications in your field.

Many portfolios today are web-based rather than printed. In any case, you need to follow the structure and requirements of your program.

Taking a Comprehensive Exam

A written test may feel like the least exciting of the capstone projects offered to graduate students, but – especially for non-thesis programs – it does serve the purpose of demonstrating your knowledge. A comprehensive examination may consist entirely of a written assignment or include an oral component. Although the primary aim of the comprehensive examination is to judge your knowledge of perspectives and best practices in curriculum and instruction, the quality of your personal insights and your writing style can also contribute to your score. Often, the comprehensive exam is in the form of essay questions rather than multiple-choice questions. Instead of having to choose the right answer from dozens, or hundreds, of questions, you may be asked to write an astute response to just a few questions.

The content of the comprehensive exam you take may cover knowledge accumulated over the course of your studies, or it may focus on a couple of specific areas of knowledge relevant to your coursework and career goals and determined by your advisor.

Additional Resources

What Kind of Form Does a Dissertation in Curriculum and Instruction Usually Take?

What Kind of Classes Will I Be Taking in a Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Program?

What Are Some Areas I Can Specialize in as a Curriculum and Instruction Student?

Do I Have to Write a Thesis to Earn a Master’s Degree?

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The Capstone Project is a self-driven academic project linked to a student’s chosen elective concentration , typically completed in the fourth year. It provides an opportunity for students to apply independent thinking, creative problem-solving, and critical skills crucial for practicing medicine.

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Students may identify up to 3 Capstone Project Mentors — faculty mentors who will offer invaluable guidance, expertise, and supervision throughout their project.

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News from the Columbia Climate School

Student Spotlight: Navigating Sustainable Development for My Career Through Capstone Projects

Lylia Saurel

Adrienne Day

Marcella Petiprin and Andrew Pontius, two seniors from the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development (SDEV) program, have completed capstone projects at Columbia’s Climate School. They share some of their experiences and advice for students who wish to pursue an academic career in sustainability.

Marcella Petiprin was born in Flint, Michigan, and grew up passionate about the outdoors with a focus on water. Her family owns a Christmas tree farm and she is enthusiastic about giving back to the community. She currently sits on the board of the Flint Classroom Support Fund.

What drew you to the sustainable development major or special concentration?

I was most excited to discover that the sustainable development curriculum was one that focused on the social and economic features of environmental and climate issues. While I initially came to Columbia as an environmental science major, I’d always been aware of and interested in the important interactions between people and the environment because, to me, understanding these interactions is fundamental to making the monumental changes necessary to combat climate change and environmental degradation.

What advice do you have for students who wish to enroll in the Sustainable Development program?

My advice is to take as many cross-listed courses as possible. The sustainable development major is unique in the wide breadth of courses offered in different departments, and I wish I’d taken advantage of more economics, engineering and environmental biology courses. Through the Sustainable Development program, not only have I been able to build a strong foundation in Earth and environmental science, I’ve been able to explore how to build upon them in the real world and to shift the priorities of businesses and governments toward a more sustainable future.

What was your favorite class in the Sustainable Development program and why?

The energy law course with Michael Gerrard sparked my interest in renewable energy, motivated me to choose a career path in the energy sector, and gave me a robust foundation of knowledge which has been supremely valuable.

How did the program shape your understanding of sustainability?

The program has most strongly expanded my view of sustainability as being universally applicable. Sustainability is important and accessible to all people, all communities and all sectors. Sustainability is not only a discipline in and of itself, but a part of all other disciplines. While this certainly expands the scope of sustainability, it also gives me great hope for a future where sustainability is an ingrained practice for everyone.

Can you talk about your capstone project? 

The Pearl River in Jackson, Mississippi, has a major flooding issue exacerbated by a local precedent of permitting development in the floodplain and bureaucratic gridlock within local, regional and state authorities, which has prevented Jackson from moving forward on any new flood control projects for nearly 40 years. In a partnership facilitated by the Community and College Partners Program (C2P2), our capstone project has been working with the nonprofit Mississippi Citizens United for Prosperity (MCUP).

We developed a detailed community survey to make up for a historical lack of tangible data on the scale of flooding and the direct and indirect impacts on the local neighborhoods. Our visit to Jackson and direct engagement with the local community improved our understanding of the issue tremendously. We noticed there was a lack of understanding of relevant hydrology principles, available flood management options, as well as the private, nonprofit and political interests, which were all vying for public support, all stemming from a lack of centralized information.

Ultimately the capstone workshop was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic career. It was incredibly meaningful to work with MCUP to develop deliverables that would be useful to the community and have a positive impact. My advice for future groups, those working with MCUP and in general, is not to underestimate nor underutilize local embedded knowledge. There is a long history of privileged students parachuting into communities with backgrounds that are often different than our own and attempting to implement what we idealize as effective solutions, but it is extremely important to remember that the people who live in these communities are informed, knowledgeable, thoughtful and should be engaged in problem-solving every step of the way.

Andrew Pontius is originally from Bremerton, Washington. Before joining the Sustainable Development program at Columbia, he had an 11-year dance career in Seattle and Europe where he toured and performed in both ballet and contemporary dance. As a lover of the outdoors, Andrew has also lived on a sailboat in Seattle.

During my time in Dresden, Germany, I had fantastic roommates who encouraged me to be more mindful about my consumption and to live more efficiently. That is how my concern with consumption and waste started, but then once back in Seattle, waking up in the morning to ash everywhere from nearby forest fires was a real wake-up call. Without the beauty of our natural world, what is there?

Do it! We need everyone tackling sustainability problems and how to share resources for all. There are a lot of great classes to choose from, so be curious and try new things. The workload is heavy, but professors are very supportive. If you’re searching for a way to connect with a grassroots community organization, I would recommend completing a capstone with Radley Horton .

What were your favorite classes in the Sustainable Development program and why?

As someone with interests in the future of energy in the US, the energy law class with Michael Gerrard was one of my favorites and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about energy. The Catskills watershed class was a very cool way to learn about New York City’s deep roots and history for sourcing its water. All the sustainable development professors I’ve had the chance to work with were kind, approachable and inspiring.

This is an empowering degree and I’m very thankful to have gone through such a rigorous yet enjoyable program. The program taught me that sustainability means different things for different people and that not everyone can afford to switch how they source and use energy or what products they buy. My classes have highlighted that sustainable development is a complex issue that needs to be addressed from a variety of angles.

Can you talk about your capstone project and what it entailed?

The Jackson Mississippi capstone group collaborated with a community organization on flood-related research. Together, we developed a comprehensive survey and crafted an informative story map for their webpage. Additionally, utilizing a Problem Tree framework—an approach to problem identification and solution generation used in engineering—we identified and connected various direct and indirect causes and effects of flooding in Jackson, providing valuable insights for the community.

The best part of the capstone project was working with local community members and getting to know people who fight for the well-being of their community. We conducted research while visiting the neighborhoods most impacted by persistent flooding. There are of course work expectations, but it is also somewhat freeform, so you have to apply yourself to learn and contribute to the group. The project taught me about comprehensive social and Earth sciences that informed both my personal and professional lives.

Related Posts

All in the Family: One Environmental Science and Policy Student’s Path to Columbia

Sustainable Development Program Hosts Annual Alumni Career Conversations Panel

Register to Present at the Climate School’s Earth Month and Student Research Showcase

Celebrate over 50 years of Earth Day with us all month long! Visit our Earth Day website for ideas, resources, and inspiration.

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Master of Science

Online Master's in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

A Cybersecurity Master's Degree and IT Certifications in One Program

WGU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance prepares you to expand your toolkit to better protect invaluable data at top organizations. Curriculum that is aligned to the  NICE Framework, NSA Center of Academic Excellence guidelines, CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), and government initiatives  help give you valuable, real-world experience as part of your program.

Advanced topics include Cloud Security, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), Penetration Testing, and Enterprise Architecture Design. This online degree program also gives you the opportunity to earn multiple industry-recognized certifications at no extra cost . These certifications include:

• (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
• CompTIA PenTest+
• CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
• ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher

Many different organizations want and need to hire information security professionals— from federal and local government agencies, to tech companies, and other organizations across a variety of sectors —all are looking for security experts. Earn your M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance to progress in your career and make an impact.  

63% of graduates finish within 

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less! Plus, you can earn valuable industry certifications for no extra cost.

Certifications in this program

This online cybersecurity and information assurance program includes 5 top industry certifications, helping enhance your résumé before you even graduate, at no additional cost.

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Courses in the Cybersecurity Master's Degree

Program consists of 10 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

This cybersecurity program is composed of the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost. 

The M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program is an all-online program that you will complete through independent study with the support of WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete at least 8 competency units (WGU's equivalent of the credit hour) each 6-month term. (Each course is typically 3 or 4 units).

The WGU M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance online degree program was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from the experts on our Information Technology Program Council, ensuring you learn best practices in systems and services, networking and security, scripting and programming, data management, and the business of IT. The experts who make up the WGU IT Program Council know exactly what it takes for a graduate to be successful in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of information technology.

Security Foundations lays the foundation for understanding terminology, principles, processes, and information security best practices at local and global levels. This course further provides an overview of networking components, network security vulnerabilities, and countermeasures for protecting information assets through planning and administrative controls within an organization.

Security Operations provides learners with the fundamental skills to handle and respond to computer security incidents in an information system. The course addresses various underlying principles and techniques for detecting and responding to current and emerging computer security threats. The course also helps learners explore strategies to leverage intelligence and threat detection techniques, analyze and interpret data, identify and address vulnerabilities, and suggest preventative measures. Methods are introduced to effectively respond to and recover from cybersecurity incidents, evaluate risk assessment methodologies, and apply incident handling laws and policies.

Penetration Testing introduces learners to the skills necessary to perform penetration testing and vulnerability management within an organization. The course covers widely used penetration testing techniques and tools that focus on planning and scoping, information gathering, vulnerability identification, and attacks and exploits. In addition, it offers hands-on experience and a focus on penetration testing engagement plans.

Cloud Security prepares learners to design solutions for cloud-based platforms and operations that maintain data availability while protecting the confidentiality and integrity of information. Course topics include cloud service models, deployment methods, identity and access management (IAM) strategies, auditing and monitoring strategies, assessing and mitigating common cloud security threats, and managing compliance and regulation requirements. The course also offers hands-on experience deploying and assessing IAM controls in a cloud environment.

Cybersecurity Management prepares learners to develop organizational information security programs and policies that follow recognized standards, comply with all governing laws and regulations, and meet the needs of the company culture and management organization. The course covers how to perform risk management institutionally, how to manage compliance to information security requirements, and how to delegate compliance, risk, and security functions to specific roles within the organization. It also helps learners apply strategic decision-making as companies adapt to new technologies, processes, and people practices related to processing, managing, and protecting information resources.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance provides learners with advanced skills and knowledge to authorize and maintain information systems utilizing various risk management frameworks. The course focuses on the strategic and long-term alignment of an organization's information security program to regulatory requirements and organizational policies. Course topics include compliance and regulatory requirements, data classification and prioritization, security and privacy controls, compliance audits and remediation, and risk management plans.

Secure Network Design provides the foundational knowledge and skills to design secure physical and logical network architectures for wired and wireless networks. Course topics include the characteristics of a secure network, techniques to securely configure network devices, network segmentation strategies, root cause analysis, and mitigation approaches based on industry best practices. The course also offers hands-on experience in network vulnerability analysis and network configuration.

Secure Software Design focuses on the variety of elements needed to address and implement secure software acquisition and development throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC). The course addresses people, technology, tools, and processes to design and develop consistently secure applications from start to finish. Additionally, it underscores the importance and value of the Defense in Depth principle across the entire SDLC. The course also introduces techniques to adapt common security activities to modern software development practices such as Agile and DevSecOps.

Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering provides learners with advanced skills and knowledge to design secure enterprise architecture solutions. The course focuses on assessing cybersecurity readiness and implementing enterprise-wide solutions to protect data and comply with an organization's policies and frameworks. Course topics include integrating software applications, applying enterprise data security controls, evaluating cloud and virtualization solutions, analyzing threats and vulnerabilities, and responding to incidents.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (MSCSIA) Capstone project allows learners to demonstrate their capability to establish a durable cybersecurity and information assurance program. The capstone project challenges learners to integrate skills and knowledge from all program domains into one project that addresses a significant real-world cybersecurity problem.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

Using knowledge acquired through your studies at WGU, you will complete a final assignment that challenges you to propose a solution to a real-world business issue relevant to today’s IT industry. 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

• Cyber Security:  Developed processes that integrate best security practices across an organization, enhancing overall cybersecurity posture and minimizing vulnerabilities.
• Information Assurance:  Created a risk management plan for threat mitigation countermeasures relevant to the organization, ensuring proactive identification and mitigation of potential cybersecurity risks.
• Incident Response:  Detected adverse events using cyber defense tools, enabling rapid response and mitigation of cybersecurity incidents.
• Cybersecurity Strategy: Developed an information security strategy that aligns with organizational goals, objectives, and existing security strategies, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive approach to cybersecurity.
• Problem Solving: Compared alternatives to select the optimum solution to a problem, demonstrating analytical and decision-making skills in resolving cybersecurity challenges.
• Incident Response: Created policies and procedures for an adverse cybersecurity event, establishing clear guidelines for responding to and recovering from cybersecurity incidents effectively.

“WGU’s advantage is its flexibility. The education itself is top-notch, and the flexibility allows busy people to get through school. I recommend WGU to everybody, particularly in IT fields. The certifications you get at WGU are fantastic—some of the best in the industry”

—Ken Krauss M.S. Information Security and Assurance

WGU vs. Traditional Universities Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

AVG. cost For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

Included with your tuition cost

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 2 years

*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay some fees for membership to complete their certification requirements.

Earning Potential

According to a 2023 Harris Poll , just two years after graduation, WGU grads report earning $22,200 more per year, and that amount increases to $30,300 four years after graduation.

On Your Schedule

No class times, no assignment deadlines. You are in charge of your learning and schedule. You can move through your courses as quickly as you master the material, meaning you can graduate faster.  

Entirely Online

The cybersecurity master's degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're on vacation—it's entirely up to you.

Accredited, Respected, Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized. 

IT CERTIFICATIONS

3rd Party Certifications Included

These valuable industry certifications can help you boost your résumé as soon as you earn them, even before you finish your degree. Your low, flat-rate tuition and fees cover exam costs for five industry certifications. Earn valuable industry certifications at no extra cost as you work toward your degree. This allows you to utilize both your degree and additional certifications to demonstrate your expertise and learning. 

WGU Ranked #6 Best Online Cybersecurity Master's Program

Fortune.com ranked WGU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance as the sixth best online master's program for cybersecurity in the country.

COST & TIME

An Affordable Cybersecurity Master's Degree

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

A College Degree Within Reach

There is help available to make it possible to pay for school:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out if you're eligible for the $5,000 WGU Cybersecurity Scholarship.

* WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

"Because of WGU's competency-based model I was able to leverage my experience and progress through the courses at my rate. My degrees have opened many doors for me and prepared me with the skills and knowledge I need to succeed.”

—Jason Franklin M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

CAREER OUTLOOK

Become a Leader in the Dynamic and Lucrative Cybersecurity Field, Where You Can Outsmart Criminals

We constantly share data, socialize, and complete transactions online, making the need for experts who can protect our information increasingly critical. The knowledge, techniques, and certifications you’ll earn as you complete your cybersecurity and information assurance degree will prepare you to:

• Defend against internal and external threats
• Strengthen online systems
• Create a safer online environment

Cybercriminals target sensitive data in top industries. A master's degree in cybersecurity prepares you to successfully fill the ever-growing demand for information security specialists that protect vital information. An online degree in cybersecurity from WGU allows you to become a leader of any security team, protecting reputable organizations and government agencies from threats.

Return on Your Investment

On average, wgu graduates see an increase in income post-graduation.

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source:  2023 Harris Poll Survey  of 1,655 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

The number of positions for information security analysts is expected to grow by 31% from 2021 to 2031.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Our Cybersecurity Master's Degree Alumni Are Making a Real Difference in Protecting Data and Information

Our M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers:

• Cybersecurity Manager
• Cybersecurity Architect
• Cybersecurity Engineer
• Director of Information Technology
• Information Security Officer

Diverse Industries

• Large or small businesses
• Critical infrastructure
• Higher education

Major Employers

• American Express
• Blue Shield of California
• State and Local Government
• Federal Agencies

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

Admissions requirements unique to the cybersecurity master's program.

To be considered for enrollment in this program, you must:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field , a business degree (Quantitative Analysis, Accounting, Economics, Finance), or degree with a similar quantitative focus. 

2. Possess any bachelor’s degree PLUS one of the following:

• Two years of related work experience
• Relevant and current IT certification
• Related IT coursework 

NOTE: You do not need to take the GRE or GMAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.

Transfer Credits

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

FAQs about Cybersecurity Master's Programs

• General IT Program Questions
• Cybersecurity Master's Program Questions

What if I can't meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in the IT program I am interested in?

You should speak with an Enrollment Counselor. WGU can often provide advice or resources to help a prospective student fulfill enrollment prerequisites.

Why are certifications and other prerequisites required?

When you enroll in a WGU degree program, our goal is to see you through to graduation. Admission requirements are designed to increase your likelihood of success. Years of data and experience with the nontraditional students WGU serves have shown us how various types of academic and professional experience can be highly important in helping a student persist to graduation. Industry certifications are one of many ways a student can meet eligibility.

Why doesn't WGU accept certifications that are older than five years?

WGU has an obligation to our graduates—and their current and future employers—to ensure WGU alumni have mastered the most up-to-date, current competencies and skills needed in the workplace. Recency of certifications helps us ensure that students have demonstrated competency in skills as they are needed in today's working world.

Is this program truly "at your own pace"?

As a full-time student, you will be required to maintain a minimum pace of 12 competency units (CUs) per term for undergraduate programs or 8 CUs per term for graduate programs. However, there is no maximum speed—once you complete a course, you move immediately to the next, and you complete a course not by waiting for the syllabus, the professor, or the rest of the class. You progress by learning the material and proving it—so you can move through your coursework at the speed of your own learning and experience.

If there aren't classes or lectures, what role do Instructors play?

Instructors are highly educated, experienced experts in the subject matter of a course. Unlike in a traditional university where going to class means listening to an instructor lecture while you take notes and try to learn in a group setting, WGU's Instructors provide one-on-one instruction and support when you need it—tailoring the instruction to your precise needs when you need it. Instructors also provide additional resources, lead topical discussions in online communities, and find countless other ways to bring a specific course to life for students.

Who may want to earn a cyber security master's degree?

If you currently work in IT or security, a cybersecurity master's degree can help you be prepared to take the next step in your career. It can prepare you to move forward to positions such as a CISO, CIO, CTO, cybersecurity manager, cybersecurity director, and more.

Why should you earn a master's in cyber security?

A master's degree in cybersecurity can be ideal for those who are looking to move up the career ladder, earn more money, and be qualified for additional responsibilities. A master's degree in cybersecurity can help you move into a more security focused field, increase your earning potential, and add on your current skills to make you more valuable to employers.

What are a few career paths one may take with an MS in cybersecurity?

Some jobs that are available with a master's degree in cybersecurity include:

• Chief information security officer (CISO).
• Chief technology officer (CTO).
• Computer information systems manager.
• Computer network architect.
• Cybercrime analyst/investigator.
• Cyber security analyst/consultant.
• Cyber security architect.
• Cyber security director.
• Cyber security engineer.

Is master's in cyber security worth it?

Earning a master's degree in cybersecurity can be well worth the time and effort. Many graduates will see an increase in earning potential, promotion opportunities, and increased job stability as a result of their higher education.

What jobs can I do with a master's degree in cyber security?

There are a wide variety of career paths you can pursue with the help of a master's degree in cybersecurity. You can move up the ladder and become a cybersecurity senior analyst, a cybersecurity architect, a cybersecurity consultant, a cybersecurity manager, or even a CISO with the help of this advanced degree.

Who may want to earn a cybersecurity master's degree?

Those who are looking to advance their professional career in information security or cybersecurity analysis may want to earn a cybersecurity master’s degree. Those who are feeling they lack upward mobility in their current role may be interested in pursuing an advanced cybersecurity degree. Those who enjoy solving complex problems are good candidates for a master’s degree in cybersecurity.

What kind of degree do you need for cybersecurity?

For the best jobs in cybersecurity, you will want to earn a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. The more education, experience, and certifications you have, the more qualified you will be for advanced positions with higher influence and salary potential. A master’s degree in cybersecurity may prepare you for jobs including chief information security officer and information security manager.

What is the best degree for cybersecurity?

If you’d like to pursue a career in cybersecurity, the best degree might be a specialized cybersecurity bachelor’s or master’s degree. In these types of degree programs, you’ll learn about basic computer science, information security, cybersecurity architecture and engineering, and secure network design. 

How long does it take to get a master’s in cybersecurity?

Traditionally it will take 2 years to earn a master's degree in cybersecurity. However, online options like the program at WGU may allow you to accelerate and work at your own pace, giving you the opportunity to finish much faster. At WGU, students the cybersecurity and information assurance master's degree in less than 2 years.*

What if I already have one of the certifications offered?

If you already have one of the certifications that are offered in this program, you will submit it for a transfer evaluation. It’s possible that it will transfer in and it can shorten your pathway to graduation.

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