Bridge to M.S. in Cybersecurity

The Bridge to M.S. in Cybersecurity program at Old Dominion University (ODU) is designed for students without a traditional STEM background or those who want to update their technical skills to pursue a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity. The M.S. in Cybersecurity at ODU is a one-year, 30-credit program, offered on-campus, online, or blended.

The Bridge program is best suited for students who have already completed their undergraduate degree and are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, but do not have the technical background. This flexible option helps students from any major build a strong foundation in cybersecurity while making progress toward their graduate degree.

Under the Bridge program, students with a bachelor's degree in any major will take two introductory courses and one advanced course (9 credits total) that count toward the 30-credit master’s degree and can be taken alongside core or elective courses.

Bridge Program Highlights

  • CYSE 608: Windows Systems for Cybersecurity
  • CYSE 609: Fundamentals of Linux Systems
  • CYSE 602: Advanced Techniques for Cyber Defense

Courses include labs, projects, and practical hands-on activities designed to help you succeed even if you're from a non-technical background.

Courses are offered online and built to meet ODUGlobal Quality-Matter standards for accessibility and ease of use.

Advising is available to help you:

  • Transition into cybersecurity
  • Discover career paths in cybersecurity, cyber risk management, cybercrime, AI security, and more.
  • Improve your economic mobility with higher-paying, in-demand jobs

Why It’s Useful

  • Smooth entry into a technical master’s program
  • Build confidence and capability in key cybersecurity systems
  • Directly applicable to real-world cybersecurity roles
  • Aligned with the high job demand in public and private sectors

Application

The Bridge to MS in Cybersecurity is an opt-in element of the Master’s Degree Program. To apply, you apply to the MS in Cybersecurity. If all admission criteria is met, upon enrolling at ODU, you will meet with an academic advisor who can assist you on deciding if the Bridge path is right for you, based on your academic/professional background. Apply to MS in Cybersecurity here ▶
 

Contact

Director & Professor, Maritime Research Cluster & Interim GPD, Cybersecurity