Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure Protection, M.S.
Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure Protection at St. Francis College is a 30-credit graduate program designed to meet the rising demand for advanced cybersecurity professionals who can safeguard critical systems, data, and infrastructures.
The program combines technical expertise, policy knowledge, and leadership skills with a strong emphasis on AI-driven security, compliance, and risk management. Delivered in hybrid and fully online formats, it is designed to serve both early-career professionals and experienced practitioners seeking to advance their careers.
Graduates will be prepared to secure critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats, lead cross-functional teams, and contribute to national priorities in cybersecurity resilience.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Implement security programs aligned with TSA/CISA guidance, producing policies, control maps, and metrics that fit an organization’s size and sector.
Design and manage security architectures for critical infrastructure across IT/OT and cloud, with documented threat models and validated controls.
Develop and operate incident response by authoring playbooks, engineering detections, running exercises, and reducing MTTD/MTTR.
Apply and adapt risk frameworks (e.g., NIST RMF, FAIR) to quantify risks, prioritize treatments, and manage third-party/supply-chain exposure.
Lead cross-functional initiatives to meet security and compliance goals, coordinating stakeholders and communicating clearly to technical and executive audiences.
Curriculum Highlights
Curriculum Highlights
- Critical Infrastructure Security Foundations
- TSA/CISA Compliance and Risk Management
- Threat Detection and Incident Response
- Cybersecurity Leadership and Strategy
- Transportation Systems Cybersecurity
- Financial Services Security
- Emerging Technologies in Critical Infrastructure
- Critical Infrastructure Protection Capstone
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Cybersecurity Analyst — monitor systems, spot threats, and harden defenses.
SOC Analyst / Incident Responder — hunt intrusions, triage alerts, and contain incidents in real time.
Digital Forensics Investigator — collect and analyze evidence to reconstruct attacks and support legal/disciplinary action.
Risk & Compliance Specialist — assess vulnerabilities, manage third-party risk, and align programs with standards (NIST, ISO, HIPAA, PCI).
Cloud Security Architect — design secure AWS/Azure/GCP environments, from identity to network and data protections.
Critical Infrastructure Security Specialist — protect OT/ICS environments and essential services (energy, water, healthcare).
Cybersecurity Consultant — advise organizations across government, finance, healthcare, and tech on strategy, controls, and readiness.