MS Cybersecurity: Governance, Risk Management and Compliance Concentration

Program Requirements

About the MS in Cybersecurity Program

The Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance concentration focuses on enterprise-level information security risk management, IT audit, and regulatory compliance. This cross-disciplinary concentration focuses on how to:

  • develop an information security program;
  • assess security risk in business processes;
  • identify and implement a system of controls for security governance and regulatory compliance;
  • plan and conduct IT audits; and
  • develop business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

Curriculum Requirements (2026-27)

View program requirements from previous years

Introductory Courses

Introductory courses provide a pathway into the master’s degree for students entering without an adequate technical background. They build the prerequisite foundations needed for the required courses, and are taken in addition to the 48 credit hours of the graduate degree program.

Students who already have this foundation do not take introductory courses. Each introductory course is waived individually under any of the following conditions:

  • The student has completed appropriate coursework covering the introductory course content. The waiver determination happens after a student is admitted and submits the intent-to-enroll form.
  • The student has appropriate and verified professional experience in the introductory course area.
  • The student passes a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) in the introductory course area, where an exam is available.

An introductory course may not be substituted for any other graduate course.

  • CSEC 418
  • NET 405
  • NET 411
  • NET 413

Foundation Courses

  • CSEC 440
  • CSEC 445
  • CSEC 477
  • IS 444
  • NET 463

Advanced Courses

A maximum of four (4) Advanced Courses can be taken before completing the Foundation Courses and fulfilling the GPA Requirement.

  • CSEC 428
  • CSEC 533
  • NET 477

Select two of the following:

  • CSEC 448
  • IS 486
  • IS 487

Major Elective Courses

Student must complete four (4) Credit Hours from the following list:

  • CSEC 420 or higher
  • NET 420 or higher
  • IS 482
  • IS 486
  • IS 487
  • IS 505

Capstone Requirement

  • CSEC 594

Degree Requirements

Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours in addition to any required introductory courses of the designated degree program.
  • Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
  • Earn a grade of C- or better in all courses of the designated degree program.
  • Achieve a GPA of 3.0 or better among the five foundation courses.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Students pursuing a second (or more) graduate degree may not double count or retake any course that applied toward the completion of a prior graduate degree. If a required course in the second degree was already completed and applied toward a previous degree, the student must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a new course to be completed and substituted in the new degree. This rule also applies to cross-listed courses, which are considered to be the same course but offered under different subjects.
  • Students pursuing a second master's degree must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours beyond their first designated degree program in addition to any required introductory courses in their second designated degree program.

Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher will graduate with distinction.

For DePaul's policy on repeat graduate courses and a complete list of academic policies see the DePaul Graduate Handbook in the Course Catalog.