MS, ITM—Cybersecurity Specialization


The specialization in Cybersecurity Management at CWU is your launchpad to the forefront of cybersecurity innovation.

Our program fuses advanced cybersecurity principles with robust leadership skills. Navigate critical areas such as risk management, network security, policy development, and incident response, gaining the power to strategize and lead in the evolving digital landscape. Our faculty are seasoned cybersecurity professionals providing you with a full understanding of the field.   

Critical Thinking Problem Solving Self Motivated

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IT Management Department

Samuelson 206

Create Your Future

What You'll Study

Academic Catalog | Information Technology Management

 

Why Study Information Technology Management at Central?


  • CWU’s IT Management program combines technical IT knowledge with essential leadership skills, offering hands-on learning experiences that prepare you to solve real-world challenges.
  • The career-focused curriculum is designed by industry experts, equipping you for roles such as IT manager, systems analyst, or executive positions if you pursue advanced degrees.
  • Challenge yourself with industry-based knowledge and projects that will help you solve problems and build your confidence in leadership and management roles. 

Leadership Skills

Build leadership skills to effectively manage cybersecurity teams and implement strategies to protect systems and data.

Strategic Risk Management

Gain the skills to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks across a variety of organizational environments.

Cybersecurity Frameworks

Study advanced frameworks and compliance standards that form the foundation of effective cybersecurity management. Learn to apply these frameworks to assess risks, implement security controls, and ensure regulatory compliance across various industries.

Hands-On Learning

Participate in real-world projects that simulate a range of cybersecurity challenges, including incident response, threat analysis, and policy creation, to develop hands-on experience and practical problem-solving skills.

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Expert

Faculty

Learn from faculty with extensive expertise in cybersecurity and IT management, bringing real-world insights to the classroom.

Flexible

Courses

Enjoy flexible learning options with courses available online, in-person, and in hybrid formats, allowing you to tailor your education to fit your schedule and needs.

Career

Advancement

Position yourself for senior roles in cybersecurity leadership with specialized training and credentials.

Discover FlexIT Pro in IT Management


The FlexIT program offers a flexible, self-paced way to gain essential tech and leadership skills, designed to fit your life and work commitments.

Explore key areas of IT management, including network security, data management, and leadership strategies, through real-world scenarios, case studies, and hands-on projects. This practical approach builds the confidence and expertise needed to thrive in dynamic tech environments.

Unlike traditional programs, FlexIT focuses on what you know rather than time spent in class. Fully online and untied to academic quarters, the program lets you accelerate through modules by demonstrating your knowledge and completing projects when you're ready. Upon completion, you'll be equipped to lead and adapt in the ever-evolving IT field.

Careers and Outcomes


Cybersecurity Analyst

Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker

Cybersecurity Engineer

Security Architect 

Incident Response Manager 

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)


 

 

 

Commitment to a Sustainable World


Central Washington University is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. Many CWU programs embed sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepare students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.

CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating, reflecting our dedication to transparency, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.

Sustainability courses include:

  • IT 632 Sustainable IT
  • IT 111 Your Digital Footprint and the Web
  • ADMG 571 Global Administrative Policy
  • ADMG 681 Social Informatics
  • ADMG 285 Sustainable Decision Making
  • ADMG 445 Applied IT Sustainability

Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.