Master of Science in Cybersecurity at PLU
PLU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity prepares you to step into a field where your work truly matters. Cybersecurity protects the systems and data that support health care, finance, government, and critical infrastructure for everyday life.
Led exclusively by PLU’s Computer Science faculty, you’ll be part of a heavily technical program, distinguishing it from other cybersecurity master’s programs in South Puget Sound. Coursework covers secure software development, ethical hacking, network defense, incident response, forensics, and AI in cybersecurity. Together, these areas prepare you to identify vulnerabilities, understand adversaries, and respond with confidence. Ultimately, you’ll leave with the skills needed to strengthen digital security and protect people, communities, and organizations.
This technical cybersecurity master’s is for students and professionals with a bachelor’s degree and some technical background — whether you’re a recent graduate ready to specialize, a professional looking to build more skills, or you’re entering the field for the first time. With evening or weekend classes and a hybrid format, the program fits the needs of students who are balancing work, family, or other commitments.
As the need for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise across every industry, you’ll graduate ready to meet that demand. You’ll also bring your passion, curiosity, and care for others into a field built around protecting what people value most.
Cybersecurity MS Highlights:
- Hybrid format
- Evening and weekend classes
- 18-month program, 36 credit curriculum
The application for the Cybersecurity MS program at PLU is not yet open. More info coming soon!
Why choose PLU’s MS Cybersecurity?
A flexible hybrid structure designed for working students
The program uses a hybrid format with regular in-person meetings held in the evenings or on weekends, along with online components. This structure is designed to support students with other professional and personal commitments.
Technically focused by design
A computing-based degree centered on building, testing, and securing systems — taught entirely by PLU’s computer science faculty. You’ll study secure software development, network security, ethical hacking, security operations, digital forensics, and incident response. Advanced coursework also examines how AI is influencing both cybersecurity defenses and emerging risks.
Hands-on learning
Lab courses and applied projects give you practical experience through simulations and exercises in areas such as penetration testing, secure coding, and incident response.
Purpose-driven curriculum
Cybersecurity protects critical infrastructure, healthcare systems, financial institutions, and public services. By focusing on the technical work behind digital protection, the program prepares you to contribute to a field that directly affects people and communities.
A final project that connects theory to practice
You’ll complete either a cybersecurity internship or an applied project, working closely with faculty to demonstrate how technical knowledge translates to real-world systems and challenges.
Career Prospects
Demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow rapidly as organizations face increasing threats to digital systems and data. When systems are compromised through cybercrime, ransomware, or data breaches, the impact is felt by people and communities — driving the need for highly trained cybersecurity professionals.
This demand spans industries and career paths, creating strong opportunities for graduates with advanced technical preparation. PLU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity is designed to meet this need by equipping you with the technical skills and applied experience to step into cybersecurity roles immediately upon completing the program.
“Our lab courses put students in the middle of the action. You’ll troubleshoot attacks, test defenses, respond to incidents, and build secure code through hands-on simulations and projects.” —Laurie Murphy, Chair of Computer Science
Career Prospects by the Numbers
National growth demand for cybersecurity professionals (2024-2034)
Expected job openings in cybersecurity each year
National median annual salary for cybersecurity specialists
Median annual salary for cybersecurity specialists in Washington State
*Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics