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Get the Skills to Lead in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Information Security Engineering
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Online Cybersecurity Master's Degree—Designed for Working Professionals
Ranked Among the Top 5 Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs by Programs.com.
Our Master of Science in Information Security Engineering (MSISE) program is designed to be completed while you work full time, applying the cyber security concepts and technical skills you learn in class on the job. To help you balance work, school, and life, we offer a variety of course delivery options—including a 100% online option—and personalized support from a student advisor from start to finish.
Success Stories
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SANS courses are fully aligned to what is happening in the industry. Course materials are continuously updated based on new developments in cybersecurity. It is rigorous, challenging, and relevant.”
Karim LaljiSenior Manager and North America Penetration Testing Lead, AccentureRead Karim's Story - Slide 2 of 4
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Every course I’ve taken at SANS has been directly relevant to my job. There’s no filler, just practical knowledge that makes an impact.”
Christina WestfallSenior Threat Detection Engineer, AnvilogicRead Christina's Story - Slide 3 of 4
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SANS is the Oxford of security studies, so expectations are naturally quite high. Living up to those is not a trivial accomplishment!”
Shawna TurnerPrincipal Engineer, NikeRead Shawna's Story - Slide 4 of 4
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Having a SANS degree tells employers that you have what it takes to do the job. You have the hands-on experience to get the job done from day one. The SANS name truly opens doors.”
Richard “Rick” Halsell Jr.Principal Security Architect, MicrosoftRead Rick's Story
Admissions Timeline
Apply by Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1 or Nov 1.
Receive a decision 30 days later.
Start courses as soon as one month after admission.
Where Technical Mastery Meets Cybersecurity Leadership
The SANS.edu master’s curriculum combines hands-on cybersecurity training, real-world problem solving, and leadership development.
Designed for Leadership
Prepare to lead by building technical expertise alongside management and communication skills.
- Gain technical, hands-on skills you can apply immediately on the job.
- Deepen your understanding of new and underlying technologies.
- Develop the capabilities required for organizational leadership.
Career-Focused Electives
Customize your master's degree with an optional Special Focus Area.
- Cloud Security
- Cyber Defense Operations
- Cybersecurity Leadership
- Incident Response
- Industrial Control Systems
- Penetration Testing
GIAC Certifications
Earn 9 GIAC certifications as you complete your master’s degree.
- Validate your skills with globally recognized, industry-respected certifications.
- Demonstrate job-ready expertise across key cybersecurity domains.
- Build a portfolio of credentials aligned to real-world roles and responsibilities.
Gain Depth of Knowledge in Cybersecurity
Build your professional reputation by contributing to our collection of peer-reviewed graduate student research papers, considered for publication in the SANS Reading Room and industry journals.
Flexible Learning Options
Your mind has no borders. Why should your college? Our online and in-person course options are designed to fit your life and how you like to learn.
OnDemand
Our most flexible online option gives you 24/7 access to courses recorded by top cybersecurity practitioners. You can rewind and repeat content, including hands-on labs, quizzes, and exercises.
Live Online
Study from home—and save on travel and lodging expenses—through live, interactive scheduled online courses with SANS instructors and hands-on labs in a virtual environment.
In-Person
Immersive weeklong courses are held across the country and around the world throughout the year. Meet fellow students and instructors and attend exclusive in-person events.
Join Us For a Free Online Info Session
SANS.edu offers a career-focused cybersecurity education with a lot more flexibility and personalized support than you'll find in a "traditional" college. Join a free online info session to learn how our world-class programs can help you meet your cybersecurity career goals.
Where Innovation Meets Real-World Performance
The SANS Technology Institute’s innovative, hands-on approach to cybersecurity education translates directly into success—in competitions and in the cyber workforce.
SANS.edu Sentinels Excel at Fall 2025 NCL Competition
Competing against more than 7,800 students and 1,200 teams across the US, the SANS.edu Sentinels delivered another standout performance, earning the #1 Power Ranking and fielding the #1, #2, and #4 individual players in the Experienced Student bracket.
SANS.edu Named One of the Top 10 Innovators in Cybersecurity Education
The SANS Technology Institute has been recognized as a global leader in cybersecurity education by Help Net Security, joining the ranks of top institutions like Stanford, MIT, Carnegie Mellon and Oxford.
SANS.edu Sentinels Earn 2nd Place in the NSA Codebreaker Challenge
Congratulations to the SANS.edu Sentinels for earning second place in the Division I category of the National Security Agency’s 2025 Codebreaker Challenge—and to the 8 SANS.edu students who successfully completed the challenge.
“There is no faster way to go from walking to flying in the cybersecurity industry than through the M.S. in Information Security Engineering program. The coursework knowledge was so valuable to my company that they promoted me before I finished the program.”
Tuition
Total Program Cost: $54,000 USD
Tuition includes the cost of the course, textbooks, and certification tests that serve as mid-term or final exams for courses.
Application Fee: $100 USD
Credit for Prior GIAC Certifications
Students who have taken SANS training classes and have active GIAC certifications can waive up to 9 credit hours toward the cybersecurity master’s degree.
Seamless Credit Transfer to Master’s Degree
Graduates of the SANS.edu bachelor’s degree program who are admitted to the master’s program may apply up to 18 credits toward their master's degree.
Students who complete a SANS.edu graduate certificate program may receive credit for all eligible SANS.edu courses and GIAC certifications that apply to the master’s program.
Funding Options
A degree or certificate from SANS.edu is a great investment in your career. Explore funding options that can make your cybersecurity education more accessible.
Pay Per Course
Students pay tuition per course which allows you the financial flexibility to pay smaller amounts as you go.
Employer Assistance
Because we are regionally accredited, our tuition is eligible for most employer-sponsored education benefit programs.
VA Education Benefits
All SANS.edu programs are eligible for US and Canadian Veterans Education Benefits.
Tuition Payment Program (TPP)
Eligible students can spread out the cost of their degree or certificate program in monthly installments with no interest.
Education Benefits for Federal Employees
All SANS.edu programs are eligible for the education benefits available to US Federal Government employees.
529 College Savings Plans
529 College Savings Plan funds may be used to pay tuition for any SANS.edu cybersecurity degree or certificate program.
SANS Voucher
If you’d like to use a SANS Universal Voucher Account, confirm with your voucher administrator that course tuition is an eligible expense.
Canadian Funding Options
All SANS.edu programs are eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and Canadian veterans’ education benefits.
External Cybersecurity Scholarships
Explore independent cybersecurity scholarships administered outside of SANS.edu.
Get More Info
Discover how SANS.edu can help you launch or advance your cybersecurity career. Fill out this form and we'll send you more information, invitations to upcoming online info sessions, and updates.