FAQ
What are the defining characteristics of your program?
Our Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance will prepare students to bridge the communication gap between IT security professionals and key business stakeholders, and to lead, design, and frame a business case for investment to senior executives, Boards of Directors, and government officials. Taught by industry leaders and practitioners, students will learn, hands-on, to identify, assess, and manage cyber risk, and to develop and implement a proactive cybersecurity strategy to effectively defend, mitigate, and recover from a cyber attack. Our program emphasizes skills in leadership, ethics, management, critical thinking, analytic problem solving, and communication to prepare students to meet and respond to the varying issues presented by the rapidly changing cyber ecosystem
What careers are typically available to graduates of the MS program? Students will be prepared for a career as a cybersecurity professional in private industry and government. Depending on a student's educational background and career experience, possible positions include, but are not limited to:
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Compliance Officer
- Cyber & Network Security Director
- Cybersecurity & Enterprise Services Director
- Cyber Policy Analyst
- Cyber Intelligence Analyst
- Privacy and Security In-House Counsel
- Privacy Analyst
What is the current job outlook for students with an MS in Cybersecurity?
"The New York Times reports that a stunning statistic is reverberating in cybersecurity ... there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2021" - CYBERCRIME Magazine
How many courses are required for this program?
10 courses (6 core and 4 electives) are required (30 credits total).
What are the requirements for admission?
- Online application form
- Application fee $60 (to be paid as part of the online application)
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited college with GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official transcripts from undergraduate institution
- Personal Statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resumé
- Although we prefer 3-5 years of professional experience involving information technology, cybersecurity related issues, business management, communications, privacy, risk management and compliance, and/or law enforcement and national security concerns, Applicants with less than 3 years of professional experience will be considered for admission based on their academic credentials and relevant coursework and are encouraged to apply.*
*Applicants who do not meet this requirement also may be considered for admission with the following condition: the completion of an approved course(s) as a non-degree student within the Cybersecurity Program, as approved by the Program Director, with a grade of B or higher. If you have any questions, please contact the Program Director at kevin.powers@bc.edu
What if my GPA is not a 3.0? Am I still eligible to apply for the program?
Yes. We will consider your application and weigh a variety of factors (including industry experience) to determine whether we are able to offer you admission. Applicants who do not meet this requirement also may be considered for admission with the following condition: the completion of an approved course(s) as a non-degree student within the Cybersecurity Program, as approved by the Program Director, with a grade of B or higher. If you have any questions, please contact the Program Director at kevin.powers@bc.edu
Do you offer admission to international applicants?
International applicants requiring a student visa are currently not eligible to apply for the MSCY program.
Must both letters of recommendation be from an academic source?
No, we prefer that one letter of recommendation be from an academic source, and another from an employer or person in a supervisory capacity who can speak about your interests and experience.
How much does the program cost?
The tuition for the Acadmic Year 2021-2022 is $3,744.00 per course, three credits. Visit our Tuition & Aid page for more information.
There is also a $25 registration fee for each semester.
Do you offer financial aid?
All students are eligible to apply for financial aid. The Woods College also has additional scholarships for students who qualify based upon both merit and need. You are welcome to inquire further with regard to your specific circumstances and needs.
Do you offer graduate course credit transfer?
Students may be able to transfer up to 6 graduate credits (2 courses). Decisions on whether to accept transfer credits will depend on an assessment as to whether such course(s) to be transferred fit within the MS in Cybersecurity Policy & Governance curriculum.
Can you tell me about your faculty members?
All of our faculty members have advanced degrees in their specific fields of expertise and are accomplished practitioners in private industry and government. Their specializations range from cybersecurity IT, to corporate governance, risk, and compliance, to forensics and investigations. As leaders in cybersecurity, our faculty members are shaping industry standards, while working with or for Fortune 500 Companies, Federal, State, and local governments, large national law and consulting firms in the Greater Boston area, and academic departments. Each faculty member is committed to equipping students with the necessary, real-world cybersecurity knowledge and skills to prepare them to meet and respond to the varying cybersecurity issues faced by private industry and government today.
What is the deadline for admission?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall, spring, and summer enrollments.
How long does it take to complete the degree?
This is variable and is largely based on how many courses a student takes at any given time. If you take 2 courses per semester, you can complete the degree in 15 months.
Can students work full-time and pursue this degree?
Yes. We have designed the program to be flexible to accommodate a variety of scheduling needs.
When can students enter the program?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall, spring, and summer.
Do you offer graduate student housing?
No. Boston College does not currently offer housing for graduate students but our Office of Residential Life does have a staff member who can help you find off-campus housing.