Master of Science in Cyber Security

Executive Leadership in Information Assurance Specialization

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New Term Begins

5th Jan, 2026

Program Duration

2 Years

Number of Courses

12 (36 Semester Credits) 

Learning Format

Online / Hands-On

Certifications Included

Up to 3

Ranked Among the Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Degrees by Fortune®
Ranked Among the Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Degrees by Fortune®

Achieve a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security and Become a Leader in Information Assurance

With a curriculum that goes beyond traditional academic frameworks, EC-Council University integrates practical training with industry-recognized certifications, such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), and Certified Network Defender (CND). This approach equips you with tangible skills and a competitive edge, enabling you to tackle cybersecurity challenges with confidence.

This advanced degree prepares you for cybersecurity leadership roles at the highest corporate level, like CISO and CTO, by equipping you with expertise in global business leadership, executive governance and management, and project management in IT security.

Master In-Demand Technical Expertise

Build Practical, Hands-on Skills

Advance with Management & Soft Skills Mastery

Admission Inquiry

World-Class Cyber Security Education Focused on Information Assurance Leadership

Discover the True University Experience with ECCU

Gain In-Demand Skills to Advance as an Information Assurance Leader

Project Management in IT Security

Develop the acumen to effectively plan, execute, and manage IT security projects. This includes understanding project lifecycles, resource allocation, risk management, and budget control.

Leadership and Management in Organizations

Master leadership styles, communication strategies, and team management techniques to inspire and guide a cyber security team towards achieving organizational goals.

Executive Governance and Management

Establish strategic direction, manage security risks at an enterprise level, and ensure alignment between security initiatives and overall organizational objectives.

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

Sharpen your skills and knowledge of tools used for vulnerability assessment, pen testing, and ethical hacking.

Network Security

Gain expertise in network protocols, configurations, and security measures essential for various cyber security job roles.

Soft Skills

Augment your technical skill set with improved communication, leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking capabilities.

Master of Science in Cyber Security - Executive Leadership in Information Assurance Specialization

ECCU’s Master of Science in Cyber Security program with the Executive Leadership in Information Assurance specialization consists of 8 foundational courses, 3 specialized courses, and 1 Capstone project.

Foundational Courses

ECCU 505 Introduction to Research and Writing (3 Credit Hours)

This course introduces you to basic English writing skills and research methods, including APA-style writing, citing sources, determining when a website is credible, and using effective business communication.

This course deals with organizational behavior, allowing you to experience the basic facets of organizational theory and define the skills required to understand and apply the theory to real-world environments. Elements of the course are organizational structure, effective communication, team building, ethics, and project management, as seen through the organizational lens.

This course encompasses an extensive research project about cross-cultural differences in leadership conducted by a group of researchers in 62 countries. It lays a foundation for understanding the process of leadership. The study examines the roles, functions, and impact of global leadership concepts, along with team exercises that simulate the speed at which leaders must act. Research and views into how most cultures respond to this management area are also provided.

While cyberspace has increased human communication, connectivity, creativity, and capacity, it has also increased crime exponentially in the last decade. This crime aspect is exploited by everyone from hackers in high school to international terrorists. IT criminals threaten businesses, governmental agencies, militaries, and organizations of every kind. This course will survey the spectrum of psychological attributes that make up the profile of IT criminals.

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in business principles, equipping you with essential knowledge and skills applicable across various business environments. You’ll develop a strong understanding of key business concepts by exploring how successful entrepreneurs navigate global competition and evolving market dynamics.

This course evaluates network and IT security issues, designing and implementing successful security policies and firewall strategies, exposing system and network vulnerabilities, and defending against associated threats. Topics include network protocols, network attacks, intrusion detection systems, packet filtering, proxy servers, Bastion hosts and honey pots, hardening routers, hardening security, email security, virtual private networks, and creating fault tolerance.

This course focuses on how perimeter defenses work, how intruders escalate privileges, and methods of securing IT systems. Additional topics include intrusion detection, policy creation, social engineering, DoS attacks, buffer overflows, and virus creation.

This course focuses on configuring a secure Linux network using the command line and graphical utilities. Emphasis is placed on file-sharing technologies such as the Network File System, NetWare’s NCP file sharing, and File Transfer Protocols. Additional topics include securing data, user security, file security, and network intrusion detection. You will take on the role of a problem solver and apply the concepts to situations that occur in real-world environments.

Specialized Courses

ECCU 511 Global Business Leadership (3 Credit Hours)

This course will help you understand global leadership concepts such as developing technological awareness, appreciating diversity, building partnerships, creating a shared vision, maintaining a competitive advantage, acting with integrity, and leading for change. You will study current and historical leadership theories, specifically how to view leadership functions in the context of global organizational behavior and designs.

This course is designed to bring together all the components required for a C-Level position by combining governance, security risk management, controls, audit management, security program and operations management, core concepts of information security, strategic planning, finance, and vendor management to lead a highly successful Information Security program.

*Upon successfully completing this course, you can take the Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) certification exam.

Note: Students interested in taking the CCISO exam must purchase a voucher from the ECCU Bookstore. To take the CCISO exam, students must have at least 5 years of experience in three of the CCISO domains.

This course shows you how to manage IT security projects by providing an operational framework to design your own IT security project plan. You will learn how to maximize your IT project management skills by accessing a roadmap for implementing IT security in your organization. The course also incorporates the best practices and legal standards related to corporate IT security.

Capstone

ECCU 519 Capstone (3 Credit Hours)

The Capstone is a summative experience, allowing you to demonstrate all program outcomes by drawing on the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. You can enroll in the Capstone after successfully completing all core degree requirements, but it must be within six semester credit hours of graduation. You must attain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and have the Registrar’s approval to undertake the Capstone.

Invest in Your Cyber Security Career

Your investment includes

New Term Starts On

January 5th, 2026

$1,620

Cost per Course

$19,440

Total Program Fee

A Degree That Offers Significant Returns on Investment

With this specialization, you’ll gain advanced skills to become a well-rounded leader in cyber security and meet the rising demand for experts who defend organizations from cyber threats. You’ll master key elements of information assurance and cyber security governance, along with strategies that connect cyber security and business continuity to minimize downtime and data loss during crises. You’ll prepare to step into high-impact roles that are vital to safeguarding digital infrastructure and data.

Chart Your Earning Potential

1 in 2 ECCU graduates earn annual salaries of over $100,000 after completing the program.

Chart of Earning Potential

A Chief Information Security Officer’s Salary Progression

Organizations offer highly competitive salaries and pay hikes to recruit and retain qualified professionals skilled in this vital cyber security discipline.

Watch how Linton Harris transformed his career after graduating from the program.

The Most Affordable Way to Upgrade Your Cyber Security Career

Flexible Payment Options

Financial constraints should not hinder your career aspirations. At EC-Council University, we offer flexible payment plans designed to accommodate your circumstances to support your career development, giving you peace of mind as you study on your own terms. Contact our Finance Team to explore payment solutions tailored to your needs.

Credit Transfer

Leverage your previous academic achievements by transferring credits—such as from an associate degree or other accredited academic programs—toward a bachelor’s degree in cyber security at ECCU, allowing you to fast-track your program. Furthermore, if you hold relevant certifications, you may be eligible to convert this expertise into academic credits.

Scholarship Eligibility

At ECCU, we understand that the cost of higher education can be a challenge for many, which is why we offer a range of scholarships and grants to support your academic journey. For example, the Cyber Security Dean’s Scholarship is offered to deserving students who are academically gifted and dedicated to making their educational experience a successful endeavor.

Prepare for Executive-Level Cyber Security Job Roles

Enhance Your Credentials

Graduate with a master’s degree and a string of EC-Council Certifications to raise your technical expertise and professional credibility.

Certified Network Defender (CND)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Logo
Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) Logo

Immerse Yourself in the Future of Online Learning

Immerse Yourself in the Future of Online Learning

Get the unrestricted advantages of ECCU’s acclaimed Learning Management System (LMS) when you join the Master of Science in Cyber Security program. Our platform offers a fluid and user-friendly UI that seamlessly integrates your library of learning resources and program activities into an engaging virtual classroom that you can access anytime, anywhere. Here’s what you’ll experience:

Live Sessions

Live Sessions (30 Mins)

Courseware

Courseware

Virtual Labs

Virtual Labs

Quizzes

Quizzes

Discussions

Discussions

Essential Tools

Essential Tools

24x7 Online Library

24x7 Online Library

Capstone Projects

Capstone Projects

Assignments & Assessments

Assignments & Assessments

Accreditations and Recognitions

A Testament to Our
Academic Excellence 

ECCU’s online cyber security programs are crafted to empower driven professionals to turn their aspirations into reality and achieve their career dreams.

Academic Excellence of ECCU

93%

Employment Rate

ECCU graduates land jobs in leading organizations after completing the program.

82%

Report Career Enhancement

ECCU graduates mention that the programs have had a demonstrable impact on their career growth.

80%

Apply Training at Work

Graduates of ECCU say that the knowledge and skills acquired from the programs are regularly applied at work.

Our Alumni are Making an Impact at the World’s Leading Organizations Across Sectors

Work Alongside Our Alumni in Top Companies

JP Morgan

Pfizer

Apple

Microsoft

Accenture

Amazon

IBM

Lead in Key Industries

Technology

Technology

Finance

Finance

Healthcare

Healthcare

Education

Education

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Government

Government

Aerospace

Aerospace

Non-Profits

Non-Profits

Retail

Retail

Incident Management and Cyber Security Operations Expert

From Learning to Leading - Your Roadmap to Success

01

Application

Submit the application form along with relevant documents for this online cyber security master’s degree.

02

Evaluation

The Admissions Team evaluates your documents, transcripts, and diplomas to determine eligibility.

03

Registration

Sign the official Student Enrollment Agreement after paying the tuition fee.

04

Orientation

Attend an online orientation session that guides you through the program.

05

Program Completion

Clear the final exams of each course, accompanying assessment, and the Capstone project to acquire credits.

06

Cyber Security Certifications

Earn up to 4 industry-recognized EC-Council certifications. 

07

Graduation Ceremony

Graduate with your master’s degree in cybersecurity.

08

Career Guidance

Get expert career guidance and resume-building assistance from ECCU.

Roadmap To Success

Your Admission, Made Simple

Experience a seamless and hassle-free admission process when you enroll in this program. From your first question to your first class, our dedicated Enrollment Advisors are here to guide you every step of the way.

What You’ll Need

Depending on where you’re applying from and your academic background, you might be asked to submit:

Official transcripts of prior education

Valid government identification

Completed application form

Application fee payment

Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)

Not sure what applies to you? No worries - help is just a click away!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is information assurance in cyber security? How is it different from information security?

Information assurance in cyber security refers to the management of business data and sensitive information.

Information assurance focuses on ensuring the integrity, availability, authenticity, and confidentiality of data. On the other hand, information security is centered around protecting data from unauthorized access.

EC-Council University’s Master of Science in Cyber Security degree with the Executive Leadership in Information Assurance specialization offers you a straightforward avenue to become a Chief Information Security Officer. The program also empowers you with skills needed to become an IT Project Manager, Chief Security Officer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Information Security Officer.

Some of the essential leadership qualities of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) are the ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, persuasion skills, conflict management capabilities, and the ability to manage critical situations, among others. EC-Council University’s Master of Science in Cyber Security degree with the Executive Leadership in Information Assurance specialization will help you hone these desirable leadership qualities.

The total annual pay for Chief Information Security Officers in the U.S. ranges from $246,758 to $454,683, with an average pay of $339,489.

(*Please Note – Source: Salary.com. EC-Council University does not guarantee the salary details mentioned above. The salary will be influenced by factors including but not limited to experience, industry, location, and bonuses.)

Yes! Most of our students work full-time and manage their studies by learning in the evenings and on weekends. When pursuing ECCU’s Master of Science in Cyber Security, Executive Leadership in Information Assurance specialization, you should plan to dedicate 10 to 12 hours per week per class. Depending on your schedule, you can take one or two classes per term to balance work and studies effectively.

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