Admission Requirements
Admission to the Cybersecurity MS program is based on a holistic review of the applicant’s academic preparation, work and volunteer experiences, and potential contributions to the classroom experience, the profession of cybersecurity, and society. Review of applications and acceptance into the program is determined by faculty evaluation.
Review is based on the following requirements:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Knowledge of computer networking, computer programming, and mathematics. This can be demonstrated by the following:
Computer Programming: Education with an introduction to programming course(s) in Java, C#, C++, C, or Python, including data structures. And/or professional experience in programming.
Networking: Education in an introductory computer networking course. And/or professional experience and/or certification in an applicable credential such as CompTIA Network+, CCNA, etc.
Mathematics: Courses taken in discrete structures and introductory statistics.
Guaranteed Graduate Admission is offered to PLU Computer Science and Data Science graduates who hold a 3.0 or higher GPA.
The MS Cybersecurity program is not yet accepting applications. To be notified when the application opens, please fill out this form.
Application Process
Click on each item in the list below to view the instructions in an expanded section, and then follow the steps to submit your application.
Create your application account
- Create your PLU application account (note: the application is not yet open)
- Select ‘Pacific Lutheran University Application 2026’, then ‘Graduate Application 2026’ & ‘Create Application’
- You’ll select your program on Page 2 of the application.
Complete application & submit all required supporting items
- Transcripts from ALL colleges/universities you’ve attended
- You may upload official OR unofficial transcripts to the application, or send them to gradadmission@plu.edu.
- If you are a PLU student or alum, you do not need to submit your PLU transcripts.
- Note: While we will accept unofficial transcripts at the application stage for domestic students, you must request official transcripts from all colleges/universities to be sent to PLU before you enroll in a PLU graduate program.
- If you are an international applicant, you must submit official transcripts with the credential evaluation. See the International Applicants section below for more information.
- You may upload official OR unofficial transcripts to the application, or send them to gradadmission@plu.edu.
- Personal Statement
- Please describe where you acquired your knowledge of computer networking, programming and mathematics. It might be from a college course, work experience, or self-taught.
- Essay
- Tell us why you would like to pursue your MS Cybersecurity and how it will help you reach your future goals (250-500 words).
- Resume
- Recommendations (Optional)
- Identify up to two references on your application. Academic recommendations are encouraged.
- Your references will receive an email invitation with instructions for completing the reference electronically.
- Application Fee
- Pay the non-refundable $65 application fee.
- Note: The application fee is waived for all PLU students and alumni.
If you need to submit additional documents after submitting the online application, you can email them to gradadmission@plu.edu.
International Applicants
This program is not yet able to host international students. We are in the process of applying for authorization and hope to be approved soon.