Master of Science in Cyber Security - Security Analyst | EC-Council University

In today’s digitally driven world, cybersecurity is no longer an optional discipline — it is a critical necessity. Organizations across every sector face increasing threats: data breaches, malware attacks, ransomware, insider threats, zero-day exploits, and more. To defend against these challenges, cybersecurity professionals are vital. EC-Council University (ECCU) offers a specialized path for training such professionals through its Master of Science in Cyber Security, with a specialization in Security Analyst. This program aims to equip learners with hands-on skills, industry-aligned certifications, and a robust academic foundation in threat detection and mitigation.

Program Overview & Structure

The MS in Cyber Security – Security Analyst specialization is a graduate-level program delivered fully online, with flexible pacing and hands-on learning experiences. Here are key structural features:

• Duration: 2 years, split into 10-week terms (4 terms per year).

• Mode: Fully online, with flexibility. Students gain hands-on experience through virtual labs and cybersecurity ranges.

• Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours (12 courses) in total.

• Term Start: For example, one upcoming term begins on October 6, 2025.

This structure allows working professionals or those with other commitments to engage in advanced training without relocating or quitting their jobs.

Curriculum & Course Highlights

The curriculum is designed to balance theory, technical skills, and applied practice. The program includes courses in research, management, and specialized cybersecurity topics. Below are some of the core or standout courses:

1. Introduction to Research and Writing
   A foundational course in research methods, academic writing (APA style), critical evaluation of sources, and scholarly communication.

2. Business Essentials & Foundations of Organizational Behavior
   These courses provide grounding in the organizational context within which cybersecurity operates — covering business principles, organizational structure, team behavior, ethics, and leadership.

3. The Hacker Mind: Profiling the IT Criminal
   This intriguing course delves into the psychological and behavioral traits of threat actors, helping analysts understand motivations, tactics, and profiles of attackers.

4. Managing Secure Network Systems
   Focused on network protocols, firewall strategies, intrusion detection, hardening, VPNs, and resilience.

5. Linux Networking and Security
   Hands-on with Linux systems — configuring services securely, managing users, file permissions, intrusion detection, and network monitoring.

6. Ethical Hacking & Countermeasures
   Covers attack vectors, intrusion detection, privilege escalation, social engineering, DoS attacks, buffer overflows, and policy development.

7. Security Analyst and Vulnerability Assessment
   In this course, students learn to plan, execute, and interpret penetration tests and vulnerability assessments — internal, external, and social engineering techniques.

8. Conducting Penetration and Security Tests
   Focused on wireless security, authentication, encryption, and tools and strategies for real-world penetration testing.

9. Securing Wireless Networks
   Specialized focus on wireless protocols (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), encryption, authentication, attack surfaces and defenses.

10. Capstone Project
    The capstone is a culminating integrative experience: students must apply all their learning to a real-world or simulated cybersecurity problem. Students require a minimum GPA and approval to enroll.

These courses intertwine theory, labs, case studies, and simulation environments (cyber ranges) to build both the knowledge and the skill set expected of modern security analysts.

Career Paths & Job Opportunities

Graduates of the MS Cyber Security – Security Analyst track are prepared for a wide array of roles across cybersecurity, IT, defense, consultancy, and government. Positions include (but are not limited to):

• Information Security Manager / Specialist

• Information Security Auditor

• Risk / Vulnerability Analyst / Manager

• Penetration Tester

• Cyber Security Architect

• Cyber Security Analyst

• Systems Security Analyst

• Cyber Defense Analyst

• Application Security Engineer / Manager

• Chief Information Security Officer or Information Assurance Officer

Such diversity reflects the demand for professionals who can defend, assess, and architect secure systems in dynamic environments.

Embedded Certifications & Industry Readiness

One of the standout features of the ECCU program is that it embeds industry-recognized EC-Council certifications directly into the coursework. Thus, when students graduate, they not only hold a master’s degree but also yield credentials aligned with industry standards. Examples include:

• Certified Network Defender (CND) — aligned with the “Managing Secure Network Systems” course.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) — aligned with the “Ethical Hacking & Countermeasures” course.

• Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) — tied to vulnerability assessment and penetration testing courses. The LPT (Master) exam is an 18-hour, live, proctored exam using cyber ranges with hundreds of machines and complex network environments.

This approach bridges the gap between academic knowledge and operational capability. Students graduate better positioned to pass certification exams and enter the workforce immediately.

Cost & Investment

The tuition is priced at USD 540 per credit hour, yielding a total tuition of USD 20,239 for the program. Exam and certification fees, such as for the LPT, are additional (e.g. $799 for the LPT exam). While the cost is significant, the embedded certifications and hands-on training provide added value by aligning graduates with market demands.

Why Choose ECCU’s Security Analyst Track?

1. Industry Integration: Embedding EC-Council certifications ensures relevancy and immediate value.

2. Hands-on Training: Virtual labs and cyber ranges offer real-world experience.

3. Flexible Online Format: The structure accommodates working professionals and global students.

4. Strong Job Prospects: Graduates can pursue a wide array of in-demand cybersecurity roles.

5. Recognition: ECCU is ranked among the “Top 45 Online Master’s in Internet Security” programs by Intelligent.com.

In an era where cyber threats evolve rapidly, professionals must be agile, well-trained, and ready to respond. ECCU’s MSCS in Security Analyst specialization aims to deliver exactly that — combining academic rigor, practical skills, and industry credentials to empower the next generation of cybersecurity defenders.

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