About this Program
Old Dominion University offers a one-year Master of Science in Cybersecurity through the ODU School of Cybersecurity. The 30-credit, non-thesis program is available online through ODUGlobal or on-campus in Norfolk, Virginia, with fall, spring, and summer start dates. Graduates lead cybersecurity teams at the National Security Agency, Booz Allen Hamilton, Sentara, and other federal agencies and defense contractors throughout the Hampton Roads region.
As an R1 top research institution, ODU prepares cybersecurity professionals to address the full range of modern threats - from cloud security and identity management to the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in both defensive and offensive operations. The program combines applied coursework, hands-on labs, and faculty research opportunities to ensure graduates can lead, not just operate.
AI and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
Modern cybersecurity is increasingly defined by the intersection of AI, machine learning, and security operations, both as a defensive tool (anomaly detection, automated threat response, behavioral analytics) and as a new attack surface (adversarial ML, prompt injection, AI-enabled social engineering).
ODU's M.S. in Cybersecurity prepares students to operate in this environment through:
- Coursework on AI applications in cybersecurity within the elective curriculum.
- Faculty research integrating ML methods with intrusion detection, malware analysis, and threat intelligence.
- Hands-on lab work using current-generation AI/ML tools applied to security data.
Program Highlights
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Complete the 30-credit, non-thesis program in one year through accelerated full-time study, or extend to part-time over multiple terms.
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Available online through ODUGlobal or on-campus in Norfolk, Virginia, with fall, spring, and summer start dates.
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Affiliated with the ODU School of Cybersecurity - one of the most established cybersecurity-focused academic units in Virginia.
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Coursework spans cybersecurity principles, leadership and management, ethical hacking and penetration testing, plus electives in cryptography, network security, and AI/ML in cybersecurity.
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Hands-on lab environments and applied research opportunities with faculty in real-world cybersecurity problem domains.
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Direct connections to federal employers and defense contractors in the Hampton Roads region, including the National Security Agency, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Sentara.
Featured Courses
Requirements
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Official copies of transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
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A current resume.
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A statement of professional goals and academic objectives.
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Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's professional and/or academic background.
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Paid application fee.
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International applicants should send TOEFL test scores directly from the ETS to the Old Dominion University International Graduate Admission Office. We require scores of at least 230 on the computer-based TOEFL or 80 on the TOEFL iBT.
Careers and Outcomes
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing professional fields in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 33% employment growth for information security analysts through 2033 - far above the average for all occupations, with median annual wages of $112,000 and a median entry-level wage of $99,690.
ODU graduates work across federal, defense, and private sectors. Named alumni employers include the National Security Agency, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Sentara. The Hampton Roads region's concentration of federal facilities, naval installations, and defense contractors provides direct employment access for graduates.
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. 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.
Alumni Careers
Cost of Attendance
Tuition is charged per credit hour. Amounts shown are tuition only and do not include mandatory fees, technology-delivered course fees, course-specific fees, books, housing, meal plans, or other costs. Campus-based students may take technology-delivered or online courses. Tuition is based on student classification. Fees for technology-delivered courses and other costs are listed on the ODU tuition and fees page.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year (subject to change). Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. The 30-credit, non-thesis program is structured to be completed in one year through full-time study. Students who prefer a part-time pace can extend completion across multiple terms. Fall, spring, and summer start dates support flexible scheduling.
Yes. The full M.S. in Cybersecurity is available online through ODUGlobal. Online students complete the same curriculum and earn the same degree as on-campus students. Online tuition is charged at the technology-delivered rate ($649 per credit, 2025-26 academic year).
ODU graduates lead cybersecurity teams at the National Security Agency, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Sentara. Common roles include information security analyst, security operations center lead, threat intelligence analyst, security engineer, and cybersecurity consultant. The Hampton Roads region's concentration of federal facilities, naval installations, and defense contractors creates direct employment pathways for graduates with security clearance eligibility.
Tuition costs vary by program and are subject to change. Visit the Current Tuition Rates page for the most up-to-date tuition information.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is classified as an R1 doctoral research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
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