As cyber threats grow in scale, sophistication, and impact, affecting national security,
businesses, critical infrastructure, and government agencies, organizations need more
than reactive technicians; they need strategic cyber professionals with deep knowledge
of risk management, intelligence, operations, and governance.
Many IT and security professionals hit a career ceiling without specialized graduate
training. With an estimated 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions nationwide and
job postings growing rapidly, advanced education can be the difference in scaling
into leadership, management, or senior technical roles.
Est. time to completion:
12-18 months
Format:
Online
Total Program Cost Under:
$11,300*
Fairmont State’s Master of Science in Cyber Security & Risk Management (M.S. CSRM)
prepares professionals to design, secure, manage, and lead cybersecurity initiatives
across private, public, and federal environments.
Designed for working professionals, IT practitioners, analysts, and managers
Curriculum integrates cyber intelligence, risk management, and security operations
Developed to fill an unmet need in modern cybersecurity education
Offered through the College of Business & Aviation
What You'll Study
Cybersecurity & risk management foundations
Secure information systems development
Cyber threat intelligence and counterintelligence topics
Security operations, testing, and assessment
Management information systems in cyber contexts
Advanced project management and big data analytics
Career Outcomes & Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles such as:
Cybersecurity Analyst or Engineer
Information Security Analyst
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Threat / Incident Response Analyst
Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Specialist
Cybersecurity Risk Manager
Cyber Intelligence or Counterintelligence Specialist
IT Security Manager or Director
Workplaces That Value This Degree:
Professionals with an M.S. in Cybersecurity & Risk Management work in:
Federal agencies and defense departments
Defense and intelligence contractors
State/local government cybersecurity units
Healthcare, finance, and enterprise IT organizations
Career Impact & Salary
Cybersecurity remains one of the fastest-growing professional fields, with strong
growth projected across private and public sectors. With advanced expertise:
Graduates can accelerate into mid-level and senior roles
Employers increasingly seek master’s-level credentials for leadership and governance
positions
Current data indicate competitive average salaries for master’s-prepared cybersecurity
professionals nationwide
(Individual earning potential varies based on role, experience, location, and sector.)
Military & Veteran Friendly
Fairmont State University is committed to supporting veterans, active-duty service
members, Reservists, and National Guard members.
The online, flexible nature of the M.S. in Cyber Security & Risk Management makes
it ideal for military-connected students transitioning into civilian cyber positions
or advancing in federal cybersecurity, defense, and intelligence careers.
Supporting Military Pathways
Designed for working, transitioning, or reservist professionals
Curriculum aligned with federal cybersecurity workforce needs
Veteran support and advising services available
Admissions Requirements
How to Apply
Applicants to the M.S. in Cyber Security & Risk Management generally need to submit:
Completed graduate application
Official undergraduate transcripts
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
No application fee
Admission Deadlines
Fall: August 1
Spring: January 1
Summer: May 1
Program Flexibility & Model Schedules
Complete in as little as 1 year
The 30-credit curriculum is structured to support both fast-track and traditional
pacing, including:
Summer: Big Data Analytics; Secure Systems Development
Model Schedule — 2-Year Completion
Spread coursework across Fall/Spring/Summer terms with electives or cross-discipline
courses
About Fairmont State
Fairmont State University offers a student-centered graduate experience supported
by experienced faculty and practical, career-aligned learning.
Small cohort sizes and personalized support
Curriculum developed with real-world cybersecurity relevance
Part of West Virginia’s statewide initiative for cybersecurity education
Located within reach of major federal employers and defense communities
Affordability — A Great Place to Invest in Your Future
At Fairmont State University, affordability is part of our commitment to student success.
As A Great Place to Learn, Work, and Call Home, Fairmont State offers high-quality
graduate education at a cost that makes sense for working professionals. Our M.S.
In Cybersecurity and Risk Management delivers strong academic value while supporting
long-term career growth and return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Master of Science in Cyber Security & Risk Management at Fairmont State University
is a graduate degree designed to prepare professionals for advanced roles in cybersecurity,
cyber risk analysis, and security leadership across government, enterprise, and defense
environments.
Yes. The Master of Science in Cyber Security & Risk Management at Fairmont State University
is 100% online and asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework on their
own schedule while working full time.
The program requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one year
for full-time students. Part-time students typically finish the M.S. in Cyber Security
& Risk Management in one to two years, depending on course load.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Cyber Security & Risk Management at Fairmont
State University pursue roles such as:
Cybersecurity Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Security Engineer
Incident Response Analyst
SOC Analyst
Threat or Vulnerability Analyst
Digital Forensics Analyst
Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Analyst
Cybersecurity Manager or Director
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
These roles exist across federal agencies, defense contractors, healthcare systems,
financial institutions, and enterprise organizations.
Many mid-level, senior, and leadership cybersecurity roles prefer or require a master’s
degree. The M.S. in Cyber Security & Risk Management helps professionals qualify for
advanced technical, management, and risk-focused positions.
No. The Master of Science in Cyber Security & Risk Management at Fairmont State University
is designed for both early-career professionals and experienced practitioners. Students
often enter the program with backgrounds in IT, computer science, criminal justice,
intelligence, or related fields.
Yes. The M.S. in Cyber Security & Risk Management aligns well with cybersecurity roles
in federal agencies, state and local government, defense organizations, and government
contractors. The curriculum emphasizes cyber risk, intelligence, and systems protection
relevant to public-sector needs.
Yes. Fairmont State University is military- and veteran-friendly, and the online,
asynchronous format of the Cyber Security & Risk Management master’s degree supports
active-duty service members, Reservists, National Guard members, and veterans.
Students develop skills in:
Cyber threat and intelligence analysis
Secure information systems development
Cyber risk management and governance
Incident response and security operations
Big data and analytics for cybersecurity
Strategic decision-making and cyber leadership
Students can begin the Master of Science in Cyber Security & Risk Management at Fairmont
State University in the Fall, Spring, or Summer term.
Admission to the M.S. in Cyber Security & Risk Management generally requires:
A completed graduate application
Official undergraduate transcripts
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
A minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
No application fee
Graduate tuition at Fairmont State University is charged on a per-credit basis. Financial
aid, military education benefits, and employer tuition assistance may be available
to eligible students.
Yes. The program supports professionals transitioning into cybersecurity from IT,
criminal justice, intelligence, engineering, or technical backgrounds while also serving
experienced cybersecurity practitioners.
Prospective students can request information, speak with Graduate Admissions, or apply
online through Fairmont State University to begin the Master of Science in Cyber Security
& Risk Management.
Contact Info
Dr. Robert (Greg) Cutlip
Director, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics Programs, Visiting Professor, Information
Systems Management and Data Analytics
Equip yourself with the skills to manage risk, defend systems, and lead security initiatives
with a graduate degree designed for today’s cybersecurity professionals.
*Based on 2026–2027 tuition rates and assuming completion within one calendar year.
Individual student costs may vary based on course load, fees, and time to completion.
