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Be the first line of defense for organizational networks and elevate your career as a cybersecurity professional. The MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Network Defense at Capella prepares you to assess, develop and implement solutions that safeguard information assets in today’s complex digital environment. You’ll acquire hands-on experience in our virtual lab, managing real-time responses to security breaches and performing vulnerability assessments using Nessus®. Plus, you’ll gain the knowledge to prepare for certifications like the CEH, CNDA, and CISSP®.
Apply today with no application fee.
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
This specialization prepares information security professionals to assess, develop and implement solutions to safeguard information assets and enterprise IT infrastructures in organizational settings. Students examine the technical and managerial controls critical to the success of network defense, including network security controls and testing, telecommunication, cryptography, penetration testing, visualization, risk assessment and information security regulation standards.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
$715 per credit, $175 resource kit, 48 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50–$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
“Working full time as a Network Technician meant I needed to take classes at times that would work for me. Capella checked off all the boxes! The flexibility was outstanding.”
Will Resendes* – BS IT
*Actual Capella student who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University has been designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Network Defense must provide the following information for admission:
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
Learn more about international student admissions.
Job titles to explore
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
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Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Network Defense.
Job titles to explore*
Employment settings to explore*
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
