Master of Information Assurance (MSIA)
Become the Future of Information Security
Position yourself on the cutting edge of information security technologies. The Master of Science in Information Assurance (MSIA) degree program at the Herberger Business School is an interdisciplinary course of study designed to prepare students to be experts in information assurance, equipped with the knowledge and skills to support and protect the nation’s information infrastructure and conduct advanced research. Information assurance is a recession- and pandemic-proof global industry experiencing unprecedented growth — join SCSU students from around the world in this high-demand, high-compensation field!
Offered through the Department of Information Systems together with the Department of Computing, Informatics, and Data Science, our MSIA program is designed to launch you from graduation directly into a career in cybersecurity and its related fields. Students holding a baccalaureate degree can earn their MSIA in as little as 2-4 semesters, while undergraduate students may apply for the 5-year B.S./M.S. Information Systems track.
Courses conveniently offered at our St. Cloud campus, St. Cloud State at Plymouth, and 100% online.
Five-year track students are eligible to apply for one of 45 National Science Foundation STEM scholarships, a two-year grant that includes a $12,000 stipend.
Program Hightlights
- One of the most affordable MSIA programs in the nation.
- Classes conveniently scheduled once a week in the evenings or online, with admission periods in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
- Pre-requisite courses available for students without a strong computing background.
- Comprehensive curriculum develops competency in management and technical areas including: Computer forensics, cryptography, intrusion detection and prevention, database application security, security policy implementation, and risk management.
- Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
- All faculty members hold a Ph.D in their field.
- Graduate assistantships offered each year; graduate assistants receive up to a $9,250 stipend per year and tuition reimbursement for up to eight graduate credits per semester.
- Students are eligible to apply for the Scholarship for Service from the National Science Foundation that includes: $34,000 stipend/year for up to two years, up to 24 credits of tuition/year, up to $2,000
for books & supplies/year and up to $4,000 for professional development and travel to a cybersecurity job fair.
Top Careers
- Data analyst
- database admin/security
- systems admin/security
- network security
- business systems analyst
- quality control/assurance analyst
- programmer
- project manager
- product manager
- systems engineer/systems developer
- IT audit/governance
- risk analyst
- cybersecurity analyst
- enterprise architect
- software engineer
Learn More
Prepare for your career in cybersecurity with a world-class degree. Visit the SCSU Graduate Admissions Department online to request more information. Ready to apply? Begin your online application today!
