MS in Cybersecurity

From the Queen City to the global stage: Build the skills to protect it all.

91% of UNC Charlotte Cybersecurity graduates are working in their field.

Bank of America. Wells Fargo. Truist. Atrium Health. Novant. Duke Energy. These aren’t just Charlotte’s biggest employers — they’re also among the most actively targeted organizations in the country for cyberattacks. The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals here isn’t abstract. It’s constant, it’s urgent, and it isn’t being met.

CCI’s MS in Cybersecurity prepares you to meet that demand — with a rigorous curriculum, direct relationships with Charlotte’s employer base, and the flexibility to earn your degree while you keep your job.

Who This Is For

• IT professionals ready to specialize in security
• Financial services workers who want to move into cybersecurity at Charlotte’s banking institutions
• Healthcare IT professionals at Atrium, Novant, or hospital systems working with sensitive patient data
• Network administrators and systems engineers ready to formalize their expertise
• Career changers with experience in technology-adjacent fields

What Our Graduates Are Doing

91% employed in field

$79.5K estimated current earnings

$125.1K earning potential

Where our graduates work TIAA  ·  Wells Fargo  ·  Bank of America  ·  Deloitte  ·  Amazon  ·  Dept. of Justice  ·  Blue Cross Blue Shield  ·  Ally Top job titles Cybersecurity Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Engineer, Security Analyst, Information Security Analyst

_{Source: Lightcast Alumni Pathways, Q1 2026. UNC Charlotte MS Cybersecurity graduates, 2022–2024.}

Studying Cybersecurity Where It Matters

Few cities offer Charlotte’s concentration of financial institutions, healthcare systems, and energy companies — and the cybersecurity need that comes with them. CCI has direct, active relationships with these employers. Wells Fargo professionals have guest-lectured inside our Network Security course. Our graduates are entering roles at the organizations you already know.

You’re not just earning a degree — you’re building a network in the city where you want to work.

What You’ll Learn to Do

• Analyze and respond to threats across enterprise-scale systems
• Design security architectures for networks, cloud environments, and applications
• Conduct penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and forensic analysis
• Navigate the legal and regulatory frameworks governing cybersecurity in financial services and healthcare
• Lead security operations and communicate risk to executive leadership

Classes Built Around Your Career

Evening Classes

Every course after 4:00 PM on the UNC Charlotte main campus.

Uptown Option

Courses at the Dubois Center in Charlotte’s financial district — ideal for financial services professionals.

Work while you Learn

Designed for full-time professionals, you can continue to work at your current job and get your degree. No career interruption required.

Coming from a Non-Technical Background?

If your background is adjacent to technology — compliance, operations, financial services, healthcare administration — talk to an advisor before you rule yourself out. Professional experience in technology-related roles is actively considered, and bridging coursework is available for students who need it.

Career Paths

• Cybersecurity Engineer
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Security Engineer / Security Architect
• Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker
• Information Security Analyst
• Incident Response Analyst
• Compliance & Risk Manager
• Chief Information Security Officer — mid-career pathway

Program Details

Format: On Campus. Main Campus and Uptown Campus options

Ready to Protect What Matters?
Tell us about your background. We’ll show you exactly how to get here from where you are.