The concentration in Cybersecurity & Cloud Computing enhances your MS in Information Systems & Technology with specialized skills that enable you to help organizations prepare for and prevent devastating cyber attacks.
In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity risks are real and attacks are increasingly exponential. The rapidly changing domain of information and technology has given rise to a new paradigm of cyber attacks on a global, epidemic scale. The industry-focused Cybersecurity & Cloud Computing concentration provides you with fresh perspectives on cyber threats, hacker motivations, modern attack patterns, and next-generation mitigation solutions. You will undertake technically driven, collaborative research with faculty members who have distinguished careers as IS&T and cybersecurity scholars and practitioners. In an evolving cyber risk landscape, you’ll develop the skills to help businesses and organizations prepare for cyber attacks, which can result in significant expenses for the affected enterprises.
Program Highlights
- Well-equipped research clinics and laboratories enable you to work directly on applied and academic research, including the IDEA Lab, Intelligent Systems Lab, and more.
- Our Cybersecurity Club was founded by students, for students, with the goal of securing futures, empowering minds, and embracing diversity within the field of cybersecurity. The purpose is to create a student group which provides our peers with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to excel academically, professionally, and personally in this critical field.
- Our Cybersectronics Lab is a collaborative research space for academic projects and community centered initiatives. The Lab is a hands-on research space where students design and optimize IoT systems with embedded cybersecurity principles. The lab supports applied research in essential services such as healthcare, transportation, education, and agriculture, with ongoing projects addressing secure communications in health systems, Zero-Trust architectures, and security compliance in digital service delivery.
- This program is STEM designated, allowing international students who hold F-1 visas to apply for OPT work authorizations for a total of 36 months (an initial 1-year period and a 24-month OPT STEM extension) of paid work experience in the U.S. after graduation.
Partnerships
The Center for Information Systems and Technology (CISAT) at CGU participates in industry and academic partnerships designed to create internships, collaborations, practicum courses, and other opportunities. These include:
ICDC
The Inland Cyber Defense Clinic (ICDC) at Claremont Graduate University is an interdisciplinary center for cybersecurity education and applied research, founded by Dr. Chinazunwa Uwaoma. Rooted in CGU’s commitment to contextual and impactful scholarship, ICDC serves as a training ground for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals dedicated to protecting digital infrastructure across the Inland Empire and beyond.
Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance
CISAT is also a Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance Member, which gives our students and researchers access to the latest technologies for use in classroom assignments and projects.
IBM Watson Analytics Academic Program
To ensure students work with leading data analytics technologies, CISAT is part of the Watson Analytics Academic Program (WAP), which provides no-cost use of IBM® Watson Analytics software for classroom teaching and research.
Program At-a-glance
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36 units
required units
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MS in Information Systems & Technology
degree awarded
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In Person
modality
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Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
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1-1.5 years | full time*
estimated completion time
1.5-3 years | part time
estimated completion time
Where You Can Find Our Alumni
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Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
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Veterans Health Administration
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San Diego State University
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City of Hope
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California Institute of Technology
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Google
Faculty
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Samir Chatterjee
Fletcher Jones Chair of Technology Design & Management
Research Interests
Design science research, Health informatics, Electronics and telecommunication engineering
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Yan Li
Associate Professor of Information Systems & Technology
Research Interests
Data science, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Health Informatics, Mobile Health, Data Management, Data warehousing, Business intelligence, ICT4D
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Chinazunwa Uwaoma
Research Assistant Professor of Information Systems & Technology
Research Interests
Internet of Things, Mobile Computing, Computer Communications & Networks, Healthcare Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security
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Wallace Chipidza
Associate Professor of Information Systems and Technology
Research Interests
Dynamics of social networks, Quantum Computing and Applications, Internet Privacy, ICT4D
Curriculum
The MS IS&T curriculum integrates technology and management expertise with hands-on experience through collaborative, industry-focused research.
A mix of flexible programming and concentration-specific practicums accommodates working professionals, enabling you to balance your career and studies.
Degree Requirements
Coursework
- Core Courses: 12 units
- Concentration 1 Courses: 12 units
- Concentration 2 Courses or Electives: 12 units
- Total Required Units: 36
Required Courses for MS in IS&T Program (12 units, 3 courses)
- IST 302 – Database
- IST 303 – Software Development and Programming
- IST 304 – Communications and Networking
Courses for Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing Concentration (12 units, pick 3 courses)
- IST 313 – Introduction to Cloud Computing (4 units)
- IST 350 – Cryptography & Computer Security (4 units)
- IST 351 – Cyber Security Risk Management (4 units)
- IST 353 – Practicum in Cyber Defense and Cloud Security (4 units)
- IST 354 – Fundamentals of Cyber Security (4 units)
- IST 355 – Cybersecurity Essentials Series with Optional Certifications (4 units)
- IST 356 – Applied Cyber and AI Risk Assessment for Organizations (4 units)
- IST 357 – Integrated Cyber and AI Systems Security with Optional Certifications (4 units)
- IST 360 – Internet of Things: A Hands-On Approach (4 units)
- IST 361 – AI-Enhanced IoT: Future-Proofing Critical Infrastructures (4 units)
*Students will choose 3 additional elective courses (12 units total) to complete the 36 required units for the MS IS&T program.
Competencies & Outcomes for Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing
- Acquire specialized cybersecurity and networking skills to assist organizations in preparing and preventing cyber-attacks.
- Gain insights into modern cyber threats, hacker motivations, attack patterns, and next-generation mitigation solutions.
- Undertake technically driven, collaborative research with distinguished IS&T and cybersecurity scholars and practitioners.
- Develop skills to prepare businesses and organizations for the significant risks and expenses associated with cyber-attacks.
- Prepare to contribute to the cybersecurity field by developing practical solutions and strategies to combat global, epidemic-scale cyber threats.
- Gain hands-on experience in well-equipped research clinics and laboratories, such as the IDEA Lab and Intelligent Systems Lab, for both applied and academic research.
Application Guidelines
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
| Letter of Recommendation | 2 letters required When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references. You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation. Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. |
| Standardized Test Scores | GRE (optional) Standardized test scores are not required in order to apply for this program. Applicants who have taken the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are invited to submit scores, but are not required to do so. Applicants who feel that their Grade Point Averages do not adequately represent their ability to succeed in a graduate program may find it helpful to submit GRE scores for consideration. CGU’s school code: |
Key Dates & Deadlines
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2027
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2026
Classes begin – January 19, 2027
Summer 2027
Priority Deadline: February 1, 2027
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2027
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2027
Classes Begin: May 17, 2027
Fall 2027
Priority Deadline: February 1, 2027
Final Deadline (International) – June 1, 2027
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2027
Classes Begin: August 30, 2027
Cost & Aid
Tuition and Fees
ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $802 fall semester, $898 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.
| Program | 36 units |