Cyber Security

Students working at computers
Iowa State University and the Center for Cybersecurity Innovation & Outreach offer several options for those interested in advancing their cybersecurity education. The graduate degrees we offer are designed to cater to those with several levels of IT or computing experience.
Program Homepage

Created in 2000 as a multidisciplinary center, the Center for Cybersecurity Innovation & Outreach (CyIO) strives to become a nationally recognized authority in cybersecurity research, teaching and outreach. The Center represents several departments across campus—including Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Political Science, Management Information Systems and Computer Science—to respond to the needs of students and the priorities of funding agencies.

As the attention toward cybersecurity increase, CyIO is prepared to act on the available opportunities and enhance awareness of cybersecurity issues facing our home and the world.

The Center obtained designation of National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) Education by the National Security Agency four times since 1999.


Degrees Offered: 

  • Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Online Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)
  • Online Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Certificate

Certificate Information

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.9 years (Methods)
Online Degree Information

Cyber Security Graduate Coordinator

cyber@iastate.edu
515-294-9162

Learning Goals

  • Impart and enhance knowledge about information infrastructure security;
  • Expand and develop ability to engineer complex systems;
  • Instill and nurture social awareness, and the ability to function in a team;
  • Instill and nurture a sense of ethics;
  • Develop an understanding of strategic and policy issues.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2025) 105

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

For applicants who require a visa to study on-campus: May 1 for fall admission, September 1 for spring admission. For U.S. applicants or distance-program applicants: July 15 for fall admission; December 1 for spring admission.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions