Master of Public
Administration (MPA)
in Cybersecurity
4-week
COURSES
Year-round
enrollment
240K+ Alumni Worldwide
Overview
The purpose of the area of specialization in Cybersecurity is to provide students with the skills and theoretical concepts that will assist them when dealing with the risks of possible data theft in government or non-profit organizations. This area of specialization is designed to prepare diverse adult learners to become effective, change-oriented leaders who know how to keep data secure. This area of specialization is ideal for individuals who desire to study the latest trends to stay ahead of would-be cyber attackers.
As organizations are producing more and more data, the risks associated with possible data theft become even greater. Therefore, organizations must have leaders who know how to keep the data secure. Students in the Cybersecurity specialization will study the latest trends to stay ahead of would-be cyber attackers. Graduates will be well-prepared to anticipate and mitigate risks in managing and deploying data-intensive systems and to assume a variety of technology leadership roles in government and non-profit organizations.
The proposed MPA Specialization in Cybersecurity would consist of completing (3) Three CYB policy-oriented courses and (1) One HRM course, depending on whether they want to work on cybersecurity workforce-related development or cybersecurity policy development.
Admission Requirements
A conferred bachelor’s degree or a master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution.
Course Details
Required Courses
For the Master of Public Administration degree with a specialization in Cybersecurity, you must complete eight foundational courses and four specialization courses.
Foundation Courses
Course Name
A general survey course covering the role of the public sector manager in American society today. Studies current issues and leading concepts in the field of non-profit management.
An examination of influences affecting decisions in the urban political arena. Covers segments of the community that impact the decision-making process (i.e., employee groups, labor influences, community groups, media and other special interests). Examines the relationship between intergovernmental agencies.
An examination of the important aspects of personnel management in government, including civil service procedures, affirmative action, employee motivation and organizational development.
A practical study of graphical methods and statistical procedures specifically aimed at presenting, interpreting and solving problems related to public administration.
Role, values, and issues of public management in democratic governance, citizen participation, power structures, and professional codes of conduct.
An examination of historical development of urban planning practices and concepts, general plans and their elements in the urban community. Also discusses the use of technology in planning. Students must complete a minimum of five Public Administration courses prior to taking this course.
An exploration of current governmental fiscal management techniques and issues. Examines various types of financial and technical assistance to quasi-governmental and non-profit management organizations.
A project where students work in teams or individually under the guidance of an assigned faculty advisor. Students clarify research topics and identify data sources in preparation for the project. Students then gather data and present their research in both written and oral form to faculty and classmates. Grading is H, S, or U only. PAD 644 is two months in length.
* You must complete five Public Administration courses — minimum — before taking this course.
Specialization Courses
- 4 courses, 18 quarter units
Course Name
Prerequisite: CYB 608
Students will explore the development of cybersecurity policy for commercial and government organizations. The legal and regulatory requirements for cybersecurity policy development will be examined.
Prerequisite: CYB 612
An examination of the functions and processes to implement and monitor cybersecurity controls across an organization. An exploration of commercial and government compliance requirements.
Prerequisite: CYB 613
An examination of the methods and frameworks for implementing and managing an enterprise cybersecurity program. Students will explore various frameworks and tools to develop and manage a cybersecurity program that supports an organization’s mission.
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
A comprehensive analysis of the laws and regulations, both federal and state, that impact human resources management. The course emphasizes equal employment opportunity affirmative action, health and safety, privacy of information and methods of liability prevention in employment matters. Integrated into the course are aspects of ethical considerations as related to Human Resources Management, including employer use of power, organizational business practices, and safety concerns.
A comparison and evaluation of planning, organizing, directing and monitoring of human resources planning processes, including recruiting, selecting, placing and integrating individuals within organizations. A key aspect of the course is the selection process (testing and assessment of skills and traits that influence work performance), employee orientation and integration (employee development and career planning), and aspects of performance management. The course also covers current trends in employee outsourcing.
Learning Outcomes
In addition to the academic outcomes for all Master of Public Administration graduates, students completing the Cybersecurity specialization will learn to:
- Utilize critical thinking and research methods relevant to public administration in a multi-cultural environment.
- Evaluate the concept of new public management within a historical context.
- Analyze the impact of political influences on the public sector decision-making process.
- Analyze the division of power within American government as established by the U.S. Constitution.
- Describe, analyze, and evaluate the various approaches to managing government employees.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of public administration strategies for dealing with the media, community, and local government agencies.
- Evaluate the impact of public administration decisions on urban planning and redevelopment.
- Synthesize resources and approaches for developing grant proposals for community programs and services.
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.