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Master of Science in Information Security Engineering (MSISE)

Join the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Leaders
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Designed for Working Professionals

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.

Next application deadlines: November 1 to start in January or February 2024; February 1 to start in April or May 2024

  • Join a free online info session for insider tips on Crafting a Strong Cybersecurity Master's Degree Application on Tue, Oct 3 at 1 pm (ET). Register here.
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      The SANS.edu Advantage

      Because cyber threats are constantly changing, our courses are continually updated for real-world relevance. But that's just the beginning.
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      GIAC Certifications

      Earn 9 industry-recognized GIAC cybersecurity certifications.

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      World-class Faculty

      Learn the latest skills and techniques from the world's top cybersecurity practitioners.

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      Powerful Network

      Make connections with some of the most talented students and teachers in the industry.

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      Flexible Schedule

      Our programs are designed to fit into your busy life and work schedule.

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      100% Online Option

      You have the option of completing the program through live or rewindable online courses.

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      SANS.edu Academic Pricing

      Get SANS.edu academic pricing on SANS courses and GIAC certifications.

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      Join an Online Info Session for Graduate Cybersecurity Programs

      • Get tips on crafting a strong application to our cybersecurity master’s degree program and information on the next steps in the admissions process. Tue, Oct 3, 1 pm (ET). Register here.
      • Learn more about our cybersecurity master's degree and graduate certificate programs for working professionals. Have questions? We'll answer them. Tue, Oct 10, 12 pm (ET). Register here.
      • Learn about our 8 highly technical, job-specific graduate certificate programs for working professionals. Tue, Oct 17, 12 pm (ET). Register here.

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      “I pursued the master's degree out of delight in studying the technical side of things, but time and again the focus of the program on communication, presentation, and leadership has been on point and much needed." - Tim Collyer, Director of Information Security, Motorola Solutions

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      Earn 9 GIAC Certifications

      As you complete the program, you’ll earn 9 industry-recognized GIAC certifications, and be set up to sit for the GIAC Security Expert (GSE) lab whenever you’re ready after graduation.

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      Gain Depth of Knowledge

      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.

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      “I receive compliments from senior leadership when I present — all directly related to feedback I received from my SANS faculty research advisors. When SANS.edu advertises that the program changes careers, this is a concrete example — it's the best graduate program on the planet.” - Jim Horwath, Director of Security Engineering, Guardian Life

      Focus on Leadership

      Prepare to lead through a carefully designed curriculum that develops both technical expertise and management and communication skills.

      • Technical, hands-on coursework gives you skills you can apply immediately on the job.
      • Simulations like NetWars deepen your understanding of new and underlying technologies.
      • Management, policy development, and communications coursework and group projects simulate the organizational leadership roles you expect to take on.


      Career-focused Electives

      Customize your cyber security master's degree with an optional Special Focus Area.

      • Cloud Security
      • Cyber Defense Operations
      • Incident Response
      • Industrial Control Systems
      • Penetration Testing
      • Security Management

      Course Delivery 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.
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      OnDemand
      Our most flexible option gives you 24/7 access to online courses recorded by top cybersecurity practitioners. You can rewind and repeat content, including hands-on labs, quizzes, and exercises.
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      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.
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      In-Person
      Immersive weeklong courses with hands-on labs are held across the country and around the world throughout the year. Meet fellow students and instructors and have the chance to attend special events, NetWars, vendor presentations, and more.
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      Take Your Next Step

      Need more information? We’re happy to answer your questions. Join us for an info session, email info@sans.edu or call 301.241.7665.

      Ready to apply? We look forward to learning about you and your career goals.

      Request Info Apply Now
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      “Nothing pays dividends like practical experience. Many programs attempt it, but the SANS Technology Institute helps students use the latest cyber techniques to pursue objectives commonly encountered on the operations floor." - Matthew Toussain, Founder, Open Security

      Success Stories

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      Shawna Turner
      Shawna Turner earned a master's from SANS.edu while working full time at Nike, so online course options and the ability to adjust her schedule to her life needs were critical to her success. Discover how this former theater tech transformed herself into a cybersecurity subject matter expert.
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      Karim Lalji
      Karim Lalji, Senior Manager and North America Penetration Testing Lead for Accenture, considered other cybersecurity master's programs, but found them too theoretical. He chose SANS.edu because it was the “gold standard,” but was still blown away by the depth of knowledge provided. Learn more about Karim’s story.
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      Richard “Rick” Halsell Jr.
      Richard “Rick” Halsell Jr. defended the Army against network breaches and today is Senior Security Program Manager at Microsoft. Learn about his career journey and see why this master's degree holder chose to pursue 2 graduate certificates at SANS.edu.
      Read More
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      “After I passed my GCIH certification exam, I got a job offer for twice my current salary. I’m happy where I am, but it’s great to see recruiters going after GIAC certified professionals.” - Agnel D’Silva, IT Administrator, City of Danville, IL

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      Join the Winning Team

      The SANS Technology Institute Sentinels earned the #1 Power Ranking and won the spring 2023 National Cyber League (NCL) team competition in the Experienced Student bracket, repeating their victory from spring 2022. Meet the winning team.

      Congratulations to all the SANS.edu Sentinels teams, each of which made the Top 100 in their respective Standard Student or Experienced Student brackets.

      Shop for Sentinels Merchandise
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      Study with the best faculty in cyber security

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      Tuition

      Tuition: Approximately $54,000 in total

      Tuition includes the cost of the course, textbooks, and certification tests that serve as exams for courses.

      Students who have taken SANS training classes and have active GIAC certifications can waive up to 9 credit hours toward the cyber security master’s degree.



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        Funding Options

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        Pay Per Course
        Students pay tuition per course which allows you the financial flexibility to pay smaller amounts as you go.
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        Employer Assistance
        Because we are regionally accredited, our tuition is eligible for most employer-sponsored education benefit programs.
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        VA Education Benefits
        All SANS.edu programs are eligible for US and Canadian Veterans Education Benefits.
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        Tuition Payment Program (TPP)
        Eligible students can spread out the cost of the master's degree program in monthly installments of $850 USD for up to 5 years with no interest.
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        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.
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        Canadian Funding Options
        All SANS.edu programs are eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), Alberta Student Aid, and Canadian veterans’ education benefits.
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        Join us for a free online info session to learn more.

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        Get More Info

        Discover how the SANS Technology Institute can help you take your cybersecurity career to the highest levels. Complete this form and we'll send you additional information, invitations to online info sessions, and updates.
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        Questions?

        We're happy to help. Email info@sans.edu or call 301.241.7665.
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        About the SANS Technology Institute

        Founded in 2005, the SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu) is the independent, regionally-accredited, VA-approved subsidiary of SANS, the world's largest and most trusted provider of cybersecurity training, certification, and research. Offering graduate and undergraduate programs at the cutting edge of cybersecurity, SANS.edu is strengthening the cyber workforce through a career-focused curriculum built on proven SANS courses and industry-recognized GIAC certifications.

        The SANS Technology Institute is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 - 267.284.5000), an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.