The online MICS program is nine courses (27 units) and can be completed in 20 months. Students complete foundation courses, electives, and a capstone project. They also attend one in-person immersion on the UC Berkeley campus or in another location relevant to cybersecurity.
UC Berkeley Master’s in Cybersecurity | Online
UC Berkeley School of Information’s online Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) program will prepare you to meet the growing need for leaders who can protect data and information in the public and private sectors.
- No GMAT/GRE Required — We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and consider each applicant’s background and goals.
- Advance Your Career in a Growing Field — Demand for information security professionals is projected to grow 33 percent between 2020 and 2030.1
- Complete in as Few as 20 Months — Master core technical skills and become fluent in the business, political, and legal contexts of cybersecurity.
Earn Your Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity Online
The UC Berkeley School of Information’s (I School) Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) is an accredited online program that prepares students with the cybersecurity skills needed to assume leadership positions in private-sector technology companies as well as government and military organizations.
Our holistic approach to cybersecurity develops students’ understanding of information security technologies as well as the economic, legal, behavioral, and ethical impacts of cybersecurity. Students graduate as competitive candidates in the job market with connections to UC Berkeley alumni and professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area technology hub.
A Leadership-Focused Curriculum
The interdisciplinary MICS curriculum provides students hands-on practical experience with secure systems and applications, an understanding of the legal requirements associated with cybersecurity, and the ability to lead, manage, and contribute to building cybersecurity solutions.
Students master core technical skills and become fluent in the business, political, and legal context of cybersecurity. They can expect to graduate with a comprehensive understanding of the following:
- Secure coding
- Government and national security
- Network and web security
- Usable privacy and security
- Cryptography
- Operating system security
- Security in context: legal, behavioral, and ethical issues
- Privacy engineering
- Cyber risk
The curriculum includes the following courses:
Government, National Security,
and the Fifth Domain
Usable Privacy and Security
Privacy Engineering
Featured Courses
Cryptography for Cyber and Network Security
Students learn about the mathematical and practical foundations of cryptography and the many different cryptosystems.
Operating System
Security
Students compare approaches to security taken among several modern operating systems and learn techniques for establishing trust across a set of interoperating systems.
Privacy
Engineering
Students survey privacy mechanisms applicable to systems engineering, with a particular focus on the inference threat arising due to advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
View the full curriculum and course descriptions.
Become Certified in Applied Data Science
Students earning their Master of Information and Cybersecurity online have the option to apply to our Certificate in Applied Data Science. The program introduces the tools, methods, and conceptual approaches used to support modern data analysis and decision making in professional and applied research settings.
Become an Expert in Cybersecurity
Earn Your Master of Information and Cybersecurity From UC Berkeley
Why a Master’s in Cybersecurity from UC Berkeley?
Cybersecurity permeates almost all aspects of the human experience. Individuals, organizations, and societies are protected from cyber threats constantly without even realizing they occur. This is thanks to professionals who understand the complex relationship between human behaviors and advanced technology in securing information.
UC Berkeley is where the brightest minds from across the globe come together to explore, ask questions, and improve the world. Our MICS program does more than create experts in information security; it shapes leaders who understand the implications of cybersecurity across all industries and want to drive the future of innovation in cybersecurity.
Developed by faculty from the School of Information and the College of Engineering, the interdisciplinary MICS curriculum focuses on the intersection of technical, social, political, economic, legal, military, and ethical components of cybersecurity. Students graduate with versatile knowledge needed to lead cybersecurity in private, public, or philanthropic sectors and with connections to nearby technology hub Silicon Valley.
Interactive Online Learning
Students in the online master’s in cybersecurity program attend classes and complete course work online. The program features:
- Live online classes taught by I School and College of Engineering faculty
- Self-paced course content accessible 24/7
- In-person immersions with classmates and faculty
- Personalized support from admission to graduation
- Career resources, including personalized coaching, job-search tools, industry connections, and company visits
I School Community
The I School is a graduate research and education community committed to expanding access to information and improving its usability, reliability, and credibility while preserving security and privacy. We are dedicated to preparing our students with the skills needed to design and understand the systems that will shape the way humans live and interact in the future.
This requires the insights of scholars from varied fields — information and computer science, design, social sciences, management, law, and policy. We bring together this diverse group of faculty to teach the online MICS curriculum and to prepare students from around the world to become leaders in the field of cybersecurity.
Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity
The Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC) is a research hub housed at the I School. Founded with a grant from the Hewlett Foundation in 2015, the center seeks to create dialogue among industry, academia, policy makers, and practitioners around a future-oriented conceptualization of cybersecurity. The CLTC serves as a resource for students and faculty interested in cybersecurity and is committed to bringing practitioners and scholars to campus for an ongoing dialogue about cybersecurity.
Global Alumni Network
As of 2017, I School alumni are working in 35 states and 39 countries around the world. They can be found in all industries, from traditional to emerging, as well as in public service and academia. Alumni are engaged and involved in the I School community, both on campus and worldwide.
Gain the Skills Needed to Shape the
Future of Cybersecurity
Talk To Your Enrollment Specialist About Potential Application Fee Waivers
Requirements for the Master’s in Cybersecurity Online Program
When evaluating applicants, we consider both qualitative and quantitative factors to determine if they can meet the demand of the rigorous MICS program. This includes:
- Academic course work and performance
- Work experience
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score — optional
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity’s growth is turning it into a massive market with an increased demand for skilled cybersecurity labor. Due to constant evolution and escalation of threats, cybersecurity has become one of the most important and exciting career fields of the 21st century.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of information security analysts to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, equating to an average of 16,300 new positions each year.2
The cybersecurity industry is met with the challenge of not only filling the growing demand and talent shortage but with finding highly skilled professionals who can be trusted to effectively protect information systems. This creates an opportunity for graduates of the MICS program to enter the in-demand market as competitive cybersecurity experts.
Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity
No organization that operates online can ignore cybersecurity. With cyber threats growing and constantly changing, businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations are making significant investments in cyber defenses and hiring increasingly large numbers of cybersecurity professionals. As a result, the employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 percent in computer systems design and related services from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.3
MICS graduates are poised to enter this market in leadership roles with the requisite multifunctional skill sets and strong network provided by the MICS program.
Cybersecurity Salaries
As cyber and information professionals gain more education and experience, the compensation numbers become even more attractive, as shown by the CareerOneStop median salaries for the following positions:4
$117,800
Computer network architect
$112,245
Software developer
$154,230
Computer information systems manager
Events
Learn more about the program and meet MICS faculty during online or in-person events.
Attend an Upcoming Event
Application Deadlines
There are three program start dates throughout the year, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The final deadline for the September 2026 cohort is May 13, 2026. Talk to your enrollment specialist about potential application fee waivers.
See Upcoming Deadlines
Admissions Requirements
Applicants should have a strong computational background and a desire to become a specialized professional in the field of cybersecurity.
Review Admissions Requirements
Fill the Skilled Cybersecurity Professional Shortage
Take the next step and earn your Master of Information and Cybersecurity from UC Berkeley.
This program is offered in collaboration with 2U, which is an online program management (OPM) company. The roles and responsibilities of the OPM partner in the offering of the program are to provide marketing support for the program, assistance with student recruitment, and front-line student support. UC Berkeley and UC Berkeley faculty are responsible for the creation of academic content, instruction, grading and assessment, credential and transcript creation and issuance, student services and escalated student support, program admissions, and accessibility accommodation.
This program has a non-refundable application fee. For other information on refunds after withdrawal and non-refundable fees after the first day of instruction, please refer to the current schedule of MICS Tuition and Fees.
FAQ about UCB’s Master’s in Cybersecurity Online
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Yes, a Master’s in Cybersecurity degree from UC Berkeley is widely considered a high-value investment for professionals aiming for leadership roles in the global security landscape. While a bachelor’s degree or certifications provide a foundation, the Berkeley Master’s in Cybersecurity degree serves as a career accelerator, offering deep specialized knowledge and unique networking opportunities that can be the differentiator for senior management and C-suite and positions. Rather than remaining technical contributors, graduates emerge as visible leaders within an established global network, equipped with the multidisciplinary expertise to bridge the gap between complex technical execution and high-stakes business strategy
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The UC Berkeley Master’s in Cybersecurity program is a high-value investment defined by its high-touch synchronous model, distinguishing it from large-scale alternatives that rely on asynchronous, pre-recorded content. Rather than being an anonymous face in a sea of students, UCB students learn in intimate classes (typically 15–20 people) designed to foster professional visibility.
This small-scale format ensures you are personally known by faculty and peers, which is critical for:
- Real-Time Collaboration: Instead of navigating technical challenges alone or waiting for forum replies, you engage in faculty-led Live Sessions to solve complex, real-world security simulations.
- Elite Networking: Small classes facilitate the deep professional bonds and mentorship necessary to move into C-suite and senior management positions.
- A Dual-Lens Leadership Approach: While many programs focus solely on technical certifications, Berkeley provides a multidisciplinary education that balances deep technical training with the legal, ethical, and economic strategy required for executive leadership.
By prioritizing personal interaction over mass-scale delivery, the program ensures graduates emerge not just as technicians, but as proven leaders ready to navigate the global security landscape.
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No, the UC Berkeley Master’s in Cybersecurity diploma and transcript are identical to those earned by on-campus students and do not mention the online format. Graduates earn a Master of Information and Cybersecurity from the University of California, Berkeley. The program delivers Berkeley’s rigorous academic standards through a state-of-the-art virtual campus, ensuring the credential carries the full weight and prestige of the university.
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Admissions are holistic, requiring a bachelor’s degree, professional letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose; GMAT/GRE scores are currently optional. A highlight of the Berkeley process is the virtual interview, which is designed to assess your technical aptitude and professional goals. The committee looks for individuals who will actively contribute to a collaborative, high-energy learning environment, and candidates should be ready to discuss how they plan to apply this degree to solve real-world security challenges.
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Yes, UC Berkeley welcomes applicants from diverse professional backgrounds who demonstrate high quantitative aptitude and a passion for the field. While technical skills are vital, the program uses a holistic review process that values relevant work experience and specialized certifications. If you haven’t worked in a technical role, you can show your readiness through previous quantitative coursework or demonstrated success in a problem-solving environment.
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The Master’s in Cybersecurity program is a 27-unit (nine-course) degree program designed to be completed in as few as 20 months. This timeline is optimized for working professionals, providing a pace that maintains academic momentum while remaining flexible enough to accommodate full-time career responsibilities.
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Program costs are determined by current tuition and fees, which are updated annually. Because tuition can vary based on your specific academic year, we recommend visiting the official Tuition and Financial Aid page for the most accurate and up-to-date breakdown, including information on scholarships and financial aid options.
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The Master’s in Cybersecurity curriculum is multidisciplinary, balancing deep technical training with high-level policy and strategy. You will take core technical courses in cryptography and secure programming, but you will also dive into the legal, ethical, and economic factors that define modern digital security. This dual-lens approach is what prepares graduates for top-tier leadership roles, such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
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UCB’s Master’s in Cybersecurity is specifically engineered to address high-demand areas like cloud security, AI-driven threat detection, and Zero Trust architecture. The curriculum ensures you stay ahead of the curve by covering secure coding, network security, and cryptography, alongside the risk and compliance management skills needed to lead a modern enterprise defense.
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The curriculum features nine core classes designed to build a 360-degree view of the cybersecurity landscape. Key courses include:
- Beyond the Code: Cybersecurity in Context
- Cryptography for Cyber and Network Security
- Software Security and Network Security
- Managing Cyber Risk and Privacy Engineering
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No, AI will not replace human security experts; it will act as a force multiplier that shifts your role from manual tasks to strategic oversight. While AI can automate up to 80% of routine, entry-level tasks, human expertise is essential for navigating novel threats and making complex ethical decisions. The Master’s in Cybersecurity program prepares you to manage these AI systems and apply high-level human judgment where automation falls short.
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The immersion is a mandatory, high-impact residency where you meet peers and faculty in person to tackle intense, real-world security simulations. This experience is a hallmark of the Berkeley education, allowing you to build the deep professional bonds and problem-solving skills that are only possible through face-to-face collaboration.
- Information Security Analysts: Job Outlook (2021). Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved October 8, 2021. ↩︎
- Information Security Analysts. Accessed October 2021. ↩︎
- Information Security Analysts. Accessed October 2021. ↩︎
- careeronestop. Accessed October 2021. ↩︎