Amid headline-grabbing cyber attacks — like the hack at MGM Resorts in 2023 and the Social Security Number breach this summer — it’s no surprise that cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow 33% within the next 10 years. According to CyberSeek.org, there are more than 460,000 cybersecurity-related jobs open across the nation. 

UNLV has steadily contributed to Nevada’s cybersecurity workforce through its traditional M.S. in Cybersecurity degree for years, and now it’s introducing the state’s first online and hybrid interdisciplinary degree options to match the growing demand. 

"There's a critical shortage in our cybersecurity workforce both locally and nationally, and bolstering our online course offerings can help us reach more students to further fill that gap," said Yoohwan Kim, computer science professor and director of the UNLV Cyber Clinic. "Most of our courses are synchronous or hybrid, so students are never left out of touch from instructors or their peers.” 

The program, developed jointly by Lee Business School and Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, is now accepting applicants for its spring 2025 semester.

UNLV’s Unique Curriculum

The M.S. in Cybersecurity degree, which only takes a year and a half to complete, accepts students from all undergraduate disciplines who are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity.

Thanks to the collaboration between Business and Engineering, students benefit from faculty expertise, industry connections, and resources of both disciplines. The online format features the same curriculum as the in-person program, and the faculty who teach on campus also instruct the online courses.

On the engineering side, students develop a strong base of technical skills, including system and network administration, cryptography and digital forensics, network security and security data analytics, and web security. 

“We utilize a state-of-the-art cyber range from Cyberbit for practical, hands-on experience in a simulated corporate environment. This training allows students to engage in realistic cyber defense scenarios, enhancing their skills in a controlled, yet dynamic setting,” explains Greg Moody, director of the M.S. in Cybersecurity program and professor of information systems in the Lee Business School.

The program is enhanced by its connection to the College of Engineering’s Cybersecurity Center, which has been nationally recognized by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for academic excellence.

The cybersecurity industry offers a fast-growing, high-paying career path, with entry-level roles averaging over $89,000. Cybersecurity managers, however, earn $162,426 on average. To get to that level, they need to combine their technical engineering knowledge with business management.

UNLV’s interdisciplinary program includes courses focused on the managerial aspects of security and risk management. Students gain critical insights into policy challenges in large organizations, along with training in incident response and management, guided by expert faculty in the Department of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology. 

The blend of technical and managerial training gives UNLV graduates a distinct edge in the job market, setting them apart from candidates with education in business or engineering, but not both.

M.S. in Cybersecurity Benefits

From when they log on for their first class to the day they receive their diploma, students can count on UNLV for resources and support.

The curriculum — online, hybrid, and traditional in-person — keeps workforce-readiness and career advancement in mind through a range of benefits:

• Career-Building Connections: The program’s strong ties to both the College of Engineering and the School of Business means that students benefit from twice as many networks of experts and professionals in the field. Students are encouraged to join cybersecurity associations such as the Information Systems Security Association, International Information System Security Certification Consortium, and Information Systems Audit and Control Association.
• Vegas Advantage: The program leverages Las Vegas’ status as a growing tech hub by offering students access to cybersecurity events, guest speakers from the industry, and hands-on projects with local companies. Students also receive a ticket to attend DEFCON, a world-renowned hacker convention based in Las Vegas.
• Real-World Experience: Each required course includes a team project for students to engage with real clients on cybersecurity projects. By the end of the program, students have a portfolio of real-world, resume-building work experience. They’ll also have honed their management, collaboration, and communication skills.

Training Cybersecurity Leaders for Now and the Future

The unique curriculum and the career-focused resources mean that graduates of the program are able to change and rise quickly in their careers. 

Many students start the program without a technical background. They graduate to become leaders in cybersecurity. 

Because of the large shortage of professionals in the field, students can find a career in cybersecurity that suits their interests — from a cybersecurity specialist who responds to attacks to a chief information officer who provides leadership and creates regulations. 

The program’s interdisciplinary, workforce-focused approach ensures that graduates are prepared for today’s challenges and also ready to lead the cybersecurity industry of tomorrow.