Master of Science (MS) in Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Protection | Washington D.C. & Maryland Area

Earn a Master's of Science in Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Protection, meet the industry demand for expertise

From hospitals to nuclear plants, critical infrastructure is built to be strong and secure. In today’s internet-connected world, however, threats can be digital as well as physical. Organizations need to know how to protect their facilities against a host of potentially crippling cybersecurity threats – from denial of service attacks to worms that can shut down generators or cause equipment to malfunction.

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Protection is a unique interdisciplinary program designed to meet the demand for highly skilled professionals to upgrade, secure and manage the nation’s critical infrastructure. The program addresses one of the greatest technical challenges of the 21st century – how to create a robust and sustainable infrastructure that is resilient against multiple threats and hazards as well as build operational, systems, and programmatic capabilities for detection, protection, prevention, mitigation and response. The program provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to become a professional and leader in this diverse field. The degree provides a firm foundation in Critical Infrastructure policy, risk management, operations, and mission planning, as well as cyber security and protection of digital assets. Students will understand each Critical Infrastructure sector and will apply the latest techniques, including cybersecurity technology, to devise plans and policy for protection and rapid response.

This program prepares students for real-world situations in a multitude of industries including:

facilitating a national effort to strengthen and maintain critical infrastructure from cyber threats;
ensuring that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies and procedures enable critical infrastructure owners and operators to receive appropriate and timely cyber threat information;
seeking industry sector-specific expertise to develop voluntary security and resiliency strategies and to ensure that the allocation of federal resources is cost effective and reduces burdens on critical infrastructure owners and operators;
providing risk management assistance to entities and education to critical infrastructure owners and operators; and
coordinating research and development strategies for cybersecurity and construction technologies

This degree opens doors to high-level leadership positions, including, but not limited to:

Principal Advisor for Critical Infrastructure Protection - average base salary, $113,157₁
Director, Corporate Planning and Analysis - average base pay, $113,885₁
Intelligence Analyst – Critical Infrastructure Protection Security Researcher - average salary, $100,825₂
Security Consultant Trusted - average base pay, $81,279₁
Resilient Systems Director - $121,998 national average/$147,112 Washington, DC area average₁

1. Salary based upon 2020 Glassdoor salary data

2. Salary based upon 2020 Indeed data

For continued study, see our Ph.D. in Critical Infrastructure.

Why Capitol?

Proven academic excellence

When it comes to preparing students to meet internet-era security challenges, few schools are as well-equipped as Capitol. Since 2003, our cybersecurity programs have been recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

Our location is a magnet for top faculty

The Baltimore/Washington area has one of the largest concentrations of high-tech companies, defense contractors, and government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. Since many of our faculty are currently working in cybersecurity, you’re taught up-to-date strategies and best practices from the world’s top practitioners.

Program is 100% Online

Our master’s programs are offered 100% online. Once accepted, all you need is an Internet connection and you can attend class. We keep the classes small so you receive personalized attention from faculty who are interested in sharing their knowledge and helping you succeed.

Capitol Tech Opportunities

Capstone Project

You’ll work with faculty mentors to develop a major research or critical infrastructure project that demonstrates your mastery of program curriculum and provides prospective employers with evidence of your knowledge and experience.

Center for Cybersecurity Research and Analysis (CCRA)

Enhancing the security of physical and cyber infrastructures across the nation requires ongoing training. This interdisciplinary center provides working professionals bachelor- and master-level certificates.

Key Faculty

Dr. Ron Martin

Professor of Practice, CPP, CPOI

Critical Infrastructure Read Bio

Charles L Cayot Jr.

Adjunct Professor

Read Bio

Peter H. Christensen

Adjunct Professor

Cybersecurity Read Bio

Randy Esser

Adjunct Professor

Read Bio

Career Opportunities

Market Demand for Critical Infrastructure

Those who earn a Master of Science in Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Protection pursue careers at:

Principal Advisor for Critical Infrastructure Protection
Director, Corporate Planning and Analysis
Intelligence Analyst – Critical Infrastructure Protection
Security Researcher
Security Consultant Trusted & Resilient Systems Director

The Critical Need to Protect Our Way of Life

This infographic provides three new career opportunities available to those interested in helping to keep America safe.

Degree Details

Curriculum

Generally, to apply to a graduate degree program, you should have completed a bachelor's degree or be completing a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment and should have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher.

Some Master of Science programs have additional technical competency requirements.

Curriculum

Master of Science in Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Protection - 30-36 Credits

Required Courses - 30-36 Credits
IAE-500 Introduction to Information Assurance*	3
CS-620 Operating System Principles for Information Assurance**	3
CRI-501 Critical Infrastructure Introduction	3
IAE-685 Principles of Cybersecurity	3
CRI-510 Critical Infrastructure I: Performance and Risk Analysis of Infrastructure Systems (Prerequisite: CRI-501)	3
CRI-520 Critical Infrastructure II: Security Management of Critical Infrastructure (Prerequisite: CRI-510)	3
IAE-675 Computer Forensics and Incident Handling (Prerequisites: IAE-685 and CS-620)	3
IAE-677 Malicious Software (Prerequisite: CS-620)	3
IAE-679 Vulnerability Mitigation (Prerequisite: CS-620) (Corequisite: IAE-685)	3
IAE-630 SCADA Networks and ICS Security (Prerequisite: IAE-685)	3
IAE-682 Internal Protection (Recommend taking IAE-685 first)	3
CRI-710 Critical Infrastructure Capstone (Prerequisites: All MS CRI program courses below 700 level)	3

Students must meet all prerequisites for graduate-level courses.

*Students who can demonstrate knowledge of information assurance topics at an undergraduate level either through undergraduate transcripts, certifications, or work experience may have IAE 500 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 through transcripts, certifications or work experience may have CS 620 waived with appropriate documentation which is evaluated at the time of admission.

Please check with an Academic Advisor to confirm degree requirements and program electives.

Educational Objectives:
1. Prepare students to critically analyze problems in a variety of disciplines and to identify relevant and useful information to support the attainment of desired outcomes.
2. Prepare students to think critically by drawing appropriate conclusions from examining the output of methodological applications in the Critical Infrastructure environment.
3. Prepare students to conceptualize, apply and integrate effective strategies and to use information effectively in the decision-making process.
4. Prepare students to create robust and sustainable infrastructure that is resilient against multiple threats and hazards.
5. Prepare students to build operational, systems, and programmatic capabilities for detection, protection, prevention, mitigation and response in the 16 sectors of Critical Infrastructure.
6. Prepare students to evaluate cyber in the context of data quality and security in order to determine the potential impact on Critical Infrastructure information resources.
Learning Outcomes:

Upon graduation:
1. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the legal and ethical principles applicable to Critical Infrastructure and demonstrate the ability to apply these principles in the leadership decision-making process.
2. Graduates will demonstrate a mastery of traditional and technological techniques of communicating ideas effectively and persuasively.
3. Graduates will demonstrate and apply in-depth knowledge as it relates to the Critical Infrastructure.
4. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding and evaluate possible economic, social, legal, ethical, and environmental impacts of their Critical Infrastructure solutions.
5. Graduates will enter global organizations with advanced knowledge of Critical Infrastructure concepts, Critical Infrastructure plans, project management processes, and team leadership skills.
6. Graduates will develop and implement Critical Infrastructure strategic management and action plans for an organization.
7. Graduates will demonstrate a strong understanding of Critical Infrastructure concepts, project management process and team leadership skills.
8. Graduates will demonstrate advanced knowledge of security operations and administration, infrastructure and operational security, the selection and deployment access controls, security analysis and monitoring, and principles of risk, response and recovery.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:

The per credit charge for all other masters courses is $630 per credit hour.
The active duty military tuition rate is $350 per credit.
The retired military tuition rate is $530 per credit.
The information technology fee is $40 per credit hour.
High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for master programs.

Find additional information for 2024-2025 masters tuition and fees.

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