Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust
December 19, 2025
January 12, 2026
Overview
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever. The Ohio State University’s professional Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust equips you with the expertise to secure systems, protect sensitive data, and build trust in a digital world. Offered through Ohio State’s College of Engineering and Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust, this fully online program focuses on both foundational and emerging areas of cybersecurity, preparing you for real-world challenges. With coursework in network security, cryptography, software security, offensive computing, and malware analysis, you’ll gain practical, interdisciplinary skills to address today’s most pressing cybersecurity issues.
Why choose Ohio State’s online Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust?
- Career-focused curriculum – Develop skills that align with the evolving needs of the cybersecurity industry, taught by expert faculty from Ohio State’s College of Engineering.
- A high-demand industry – Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields, with job openings expected to increase 33% from 2023 to 2033 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- NCAE designations – Ohio State maintains National Centers of Academic Excellence designations in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) and Cyber Research (CAE-R) for its commitment to excellence in cybersecurity education, research, and workforce development.
- Fully online – All courses are 100% online, with most taught in a live, interactive format, providing real-time engagement.
- Networking opportunities – Connect with industry professionals and peers through student-led cybersecurity organizations, competitions, and events.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a rapid job growth rate in cybersecurity, graduates of Ohio State’s Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust program can find a wide range of career opportunities. Those with a master’s in cybersecurity can pursue roles such as security analyst, ethical hacker, cybersecurity consultant, or chief information security officer (CISO) with opportunities in industries like finance, healthcare, government, and tech. This degree also opens doors to leadership positions and specialized fields like cloud security and digital forensics.
The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is higher than ever, with employers in medium-to-large corporations, federal and local government agencies, and the military looking for experts to protect data and manage cyber risks. A master’s in cybersecurity equips you with the skills to meet this demand, offering strong job security, competitive salaries, and career growth opportunities.
The Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust program offers engineering-focused, technically rigorous coursework. It’s designed for professionals with a strong technical foundation looking to advance their cybersecurity careers. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in computer science, cybersecurity, electrical or computer engineering, information technology, or a similar field, plus at least one year of related professional or training experience.
Academic Calendar
Applications for Ohio State’s online Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust program are accepted year-round, with new cohorts beginning in the spring and autumn semesters. Most courses are taught synchronously, and summer courses are currently not offered.
Academic Calendar
Applications for Ohio State’s online Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust program are accepted year-round, with new cohorts beginning in the spring and autumn semesters. Most courses are taught synchronously, and summer courses are currently not offered.
Admission Criteria
All applicants must have a completed bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. An undergraduate degree in computer science, cybersecurity, electrical or computer engineering, information technology, or a similar field, with at least one year of professional work or internship experience, is recommended. Applicants with non-traditional degrees may be considered if they demonstrate relevant workforce experience or training.
- Application
Applicants for admission to the program must complete an Ohio State Graduate Admissions online application. - Resume
Include an updated copy of your resume listing work experience. Applicants should have at least one year of professional work or internship experience. The resume can be uploaded in the online application system. - Academic credentials and transcripts
Copies of transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended must be submitted for degree verification and undergraduate GPA calculation. Unofficial copies can be uploaded in the online application system to form a complete application packet, but official copies of all transcripts (raised seal or notarized) must still be submitted to the Ohio State Graduate Admissions Office. Note: You do not have to submit transcripts for coursework or degrees received from The Ohio State University. - Letters of recommendation
Please arrange to have two recommendations prepared. These can come from academic or professional connections who are familiar with your qualifications and potential for graduate study. Please contact our team with any questions about potential recommenders. You will have the option of allowing your recommendations to be submitted electronically or in paper form. Instructions are provided for either method within the online application. - Statement of Purpose
Include a short essay about why you wish to enroll in the program. - Nonrefundable application processing fee
A non-refundable application fee of $60 is required. - Test Score
A GRE score is not required.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Cybersecurity professionals are essential across medium-to-large corporations, federal and local government agencies, and the military. Employers demonstrate a robust demand for master’s-level cybersecurity professionals, with job growth projected at 33% from 2023 to 2033 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Whether you’re looking to grow in your current career or make a career change altogether, Ohio State’s online programs can help you achieve your goals. Learn what the outlook is for your current or next career move using O*Net’s My Next Move tool.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Work Activities
Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs. Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems. Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $69,660
- Mid Level: $124,910
- Senior Level: $186,420
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
32.7%
Related Careers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Digital Forensics Analysts
- Information Security Engineers
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Penetration Testers
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
What They Do
Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.
Work Activities
Assess the quality of security controls, using performance indicators. Conduct investigations of information security breaches to identify vulnerabilities and evaluate the damage. Coordinate documentation of computer security or emergency measure policies, procedures, or tests.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $52,650
- Mid Level: $108,970
- Senior Level: $176,800
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
10.8%
Related Careers
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Information Security Analysts
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Penetration Testers
What They Do
Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.
Work Activities
Adhere to legal policies and procedures related to handling digital media. Analyze log files or other digital information to identify the perpetrators of network intrusions. Conduct predictive or reactive analyses on security measures to support cyber security initiatives.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $52,650
- Mid Level: $108,970
- Senior Level: $176,800
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
10.8%
Related Careers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Document Management Specialists
- Information Security Analysts
- Information Security Engineers
- Penetration Testers
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust curriculum blends foundational principles with emerging trends to address the increasing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. This practical, interdisciplinary program offers two specialized tracks: Offense & Defense and Design & Implementation, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals.
You can complete the program at your own pace, either full-time or part-time. While most students take one or two courses per semester, you have the flexibility to adjust your course load to fit your schedule.
Most courses are taught synchronously, and summer courses are currently not offered.
IS 5195 – Ethics in the Information Age
ECE 5561 / CSE 5471 – Introduction to Cybersecurity – Technical fundamentals of data, software, component, network, and system security. Cybersecurity from an organizational and societal view point, including human factors.
ECE or CSE 6193 – Independent Studies
ECE 5024 – Introduction to Hardware Security
ECE 5555 – Securing Autonomous Systems – The course covers different security measures for safeguarding against cyberattacks, detecting cyberattacks, and mitigating the effects of cyberattacks on autonomous control systems.
CSE 5472 – Information Security – The course covers an introduction to the security of digital information; threats and attacks; regulations; risk management; attack detection and response; cryptography; forensics; technical training and certifications.
CSE 5474 – Software Security – Software security fundamentals, secure coding principles and practices, common software vulnerabilities, memory exploits (shell code), vulnerability analysis (e.g., reverse engineering, fuzzing and symbolic execution), and defenses against common vulnerability exploitation.
CSE 5473 – Network Security – Security threats and services, elements of cryptography, protocols for security services, network and internet security, advanced security issues and technologies.
CSE 5351 – Introduction to Cryptography – Foundations of cryptography; mathematical formulations/proofs of security goals; theory and practical constructions of encryption schemes, MACs, digital signatures; zero-knowledge proof systems; cryptographic protocols.
ECE 5567.01 / CSE 5477.01 – Offensive Security – This course will give students an overview of existing offensive computing techniques, which include well known attacks that break confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computing resources. Attacks targeting human weaknesses without taking special care to security will also be discussed.
ECE 5567.02 / CSE 5477.02 – Reverse Engineering and Malware Analysis – This course will give students an overview of cutting-edge reverse engineering techniques as well as software security and defense practices. Programming experience in C required.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
Learn More
Program Faculty
Carter Yagemann
Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering
Carter Yagemann is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Ohio State, Carter received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from Syracuse University. He also worked at JPMorgan Chase in ethical hacking and cyber-threat intelligence.
Carter’s research interests are in systems and software security, spanning vulnerability discovery via combined program analysis and machine learning, root cause analysis and exploit prevention, and simulation of attacks targeting financial markets
Julia Armstrong
Managing Director, ICDT, Computer Science and Engineering
Zhiqiang Lin
Distinguished Professor of Engineering, Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Director, Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust
Irem Eryilmaz
Professional Practice Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Shaileshh Bojja Venkatakrishnan
Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering
Abhishek Gupta
Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program.
Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student, or 8 credit hours each semester as a full-time student. Actual costs may vary.
| Tuition Fees | Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Part-Time | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $1,170.00 | $7,020.00 | $9,360.00 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $195.78 | $261.04 |
| Learning Technology Fee | $42.50 | $255.00 (per semester) | $255.00 (per semester) |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 | $200.00 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
Financial Aid Resource
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