The Master of Science (MS) in Cyber Intelligence and Security program is an online joint degree program with The Institute of World Politics (IWP) and Capitol Technology University.
This partnership combines Capitol Tech’s extensive experience in practical cybersecurity education with IWP’s vast experience in the realm of intelligence and national security. Thus, this joint degree gives a competitive advantage to students and secures influential positions in Cyber Intelligence and Security where a convergence of strategy and technology is essential.
By integrating core Capitol Tech cybersecurity coursework with strategic studies and security insights from IWP, this joint master’s program offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that few other programs can provide. This combination equips graduates with both the technical expertise and strategic acumen required to tackle complex cyber threats on a national and international level.
Cyber Intelligence and Security is the discipline dedicated to optimizing critical resources through advanced science and technology. As challenges to national defense continue to evolve, there is a growing need for specialized technical expertise to counteract malicious threats. This program focuses on the intersection of strategy and technology to equip graduates for leadership roles at the convergence of cyber defense and intelligence. It is designed for a world where the complexities of cyber and geopolitical threats are increasingly interconnected, preparing professionals to navigate and mitigate these evolving risks.
Graduates with this Joint MS in Cyber Intelligence and Security degree will be qualified to fill technical executive and senior-level positions in commercial companies, as well as local, state, and federal government, such as:
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Directors of Cyber Programs
- Researchers/Scientists
- Cyber Planners
- Systems Architects/Designers
- Cyber Intelligence Analysts
- Cybersecurity Threat Analysts
- Information Systems Security Officers
- Cybersecurity Engineers
- Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
In addition to just seeking a promotion in one’s current position, there are hundreds of opportunities/positions in other verticals, such as:
- Cyber Claims Attorney
- Cyber Warfare Technician (Military)
- Security & Compliance Consultant
- Process & Quality Manager
- Risk Manager
- Financial & Forensics Manager
The Joint Master of Science (MS) in Cyber Intelligence and Security is designed for students seeking career advancement opportunities through a higher degree and is structured for professionals in this, or adjacent, fields with an appropriate undergraduate degree.
Program Objectives
- Students investigate and learn basic terms, concepts, history, theories, and geography related to the U.S. foreign policy process, international affairs, and the current world order.
- Students will learn to integrate various tools of statecraft into a coherent whole.
- Students will obtain an understanding of the major national security challenges facing the United States.
- Students will gain knowledge and appreciation of the Western moral tradition and its applicability to national security and foreign policy.
- Students will gain knowledge of basic terms, concepts, history, theories, and geography related to cyber statecraft.
- Students will gain an understanding of the increasing importance of the cyber domain to U.S. national security strategy and an appreciation for the challenges of bringing cyber operation theories into practice.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic terms, concepts, history, theories, and geography related to the U.S. foreign policy process, international affairs, and the current world order.
- Integrate various tools of statecraft into a coherent whole.
- Understand the major national security challenges facing the United States.
- Appreciate Western moral tradition and its applicability to national security and foreign policy.
- Apply knowledge of basic terms, concepts, history, theories, and geography related to cyber statecraft.
- Evaluate the increasing importance of the cyber domain to U.S. national security strategy and the challenges to bring cyber operation theories into practice.
Curriculum
The curriculum consists of 48 credits (30 credits will be offered by Capitol Technology University, and 18 credits will be offered by The Institute of World Politics). The completion of this program includes the requirement of a Cybersecurity Capstone course (IAE-674), and the degree is conferred by Capitol Technology University. The entire program is offered online. To earn this degree, students must take the following courses:
- IWPO 601 National Security Policy Process – 4 credits (online)
- IWPO 605 Intelligence and Policy – 4 credits (online)
- IWPO 608 Sources of American Political Thought – 2 credits (online)
- IWPO 627 International Relations, Statecraft, and Integrated Strategy – 4 credits (online)
- IWPO 699 Cyber Intelligence Overview – 4 credits (online)
- IAE 685 Principles of Cyber Security – 3 credits (online)
- IAE 671 Legal Aspects of Computer Security and Information Privacy – 3 credits (online)
- IAE-675 Computer Forensics and Incident Handling – 3 credits (online) (Prerequisite: IAE-685 and CS-620 or waiver.)
- IAE-677 Malicious Software – 3 credits (online) (Prerequisite CS-620 or waiver.)
- IAE-682 Internal Protection – 3 credits (online) (It is recommended that students complete IAE-685 before taking this course, but this is not a requirement.)
- IAE-680 Perimeter Protection – 3 credits (online) (Prerequisite: Completion of at least 24 credit hours in IAE coursework. This class is best completed in the last term.)
- IAE-679 Vulnerability Mitigation – 3 credits (online) (Prerequisite CS-620 or waiver. Co-requisites: IAE-685.)
- IAE 500 Introduction to Information Assurance* – 3 credits (online) (leveling course)
- CS 620 Operating System Principles for Information Assurance** – 3 credits (online) (leveling course)
- IAE-674 Security Risk Management (capstone course) – 3 credits (online)
*Students who can demonstrate knowledge of information assurance topics at an undergraduate level either through undergraduate transcripts, certifications, or work experience may have IAE500 waived with appropriate documentation which is evaluated at the time of admission.
**Students who can demonstrate knowledge of the UNIX operating system and C programming language may have CS620 waived with appropriate documentation which is evaluated at the time of admission.
Why IWP and Capitol Tech?
IWP provides extensive expertise in the realm of intelligence and national security. IWP’s distinguished faculty members are not just academics; they are scholar-practitioners with a wealth of experience in the subjects they teach. With backgrounds such as senior intelligence officials, military officers, presidential advisers, and senior congressional staff members, IWP’s faculty brings a unique blend of academic credentials and high-level practical knowledge to the table.
Capitol Tech is in a unique position to give students an avenue to pursue a deep proficiency in cyber intelligence and security using interdisciplinary methodology, cutting-edge courses, and dynamic faculty. Cyber security is becoming more technical, and managing this requires higher skills in a larger percentage of the workforce. Capitol Tech has significant experience in cyber security subjects. Many faculty are seasoned professionals in the field as well as academicians.
Accreditation
In addition to both Capitol Tech and IWP being regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Capitol Tech also has specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), National Security Agency (NSA), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Furthermore, the National Security Agency and Department of Defense have designated Capitol Technology University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.