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MSCA Admission Requirements, Advancement to Candidacy & Graduation Requirements

 

Application Deadline

Application & Transcript Deadlines
TermYearApplication OpenApplication DeadlineTranscript Deadline
Fall202610/01/202506/14/202606/22/2026
Fall202710/01/202606/14/202706/22/2027
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Admission Requirements

Suitability for admission to the program is based on an examination of the entire application package. In addition to the general requirements of the university, specific requirements for admission to classified graduate status are:

1. Bachelor's Degree:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or above using the entire degree or the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units of coursework, which may include post-baccalaureate work. 

2. Transcripts:

Submission of official transcripts from all institutions attended to the CSUSB Office of Graduate Studies. CSUSB students are not required to submit any CSUSB transcripts. If your transcript is not in English, then you must also send a certified literal English translation of the transcripts along with the official original-language transcripts with proof of degree to:

CSUSB Graduate Admissions Office
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407

3. Personal Statement:

Academic motivation and personal qualifications are demonstrated by submitting a 200- to 250-word statement of reasons for wishing to pursue the Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Analytics at California State University, San Bernardino, and personal qualifications that will contribute to the successful completion of the program.

4. English Proficiency for International Students: 

Applicants with education in a language other than English must submit proof of English ability. They can satisfy this requirement in several ways:

  1. Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL (iBT 79/80 or PBT 550) taken within the past two years.
  2. IELTS exam score of 6.5 taken within the past two years, or
  3. Complete level 4 of CSUSB's Intensive English Program (IEP).

5. Resume:

Submission of a current resume.

6. Business Aptitude Requirement:

Applicants for the Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Analytics must meet ONE of the following Business Aptitude requirements: 

  • 2.5 cumulative GPA from a regionally accredited undergraduate program
  • Minimum two years of post-undergraduate professional and/or managerial experience or industry-relevant certifications.
  • Proof of completion of an accredited graduate degree (e.g., J.D., Ph.D., M.D.) from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the graduate program.

7. Conditionally classified status:

Students who meet all entrance requirements may be admitted to the program in a conditionally classified status. Once students meet the minimum passing level of “B” for IST 6115 (or successfully complete a “credit by exam” for the course), they will be advanced to classified graduate standing in the program. Only fully classified students may enroll in the other 6000-level core courses; however, they must have written consent from the IDS Department Chair.

Advancement to Candidacy

To be advanced to candidacy, a student must have:

  1. Achieved fully classified standing;
  2. Completed at least 15 semester units of applicable graduate-level coursework at the university, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 ("B");
  3. Completed an approved graduate program plan in consultation with a department advisor.

Requirements for Graduation

  1. A minimum of 30 semester units of acceptable graduate-level work, consistent with the program plan (with a grade point average of 3.0), with at least 21 units completed at the university, and at least 21 semester units of 5000-6000-level coursework;
  2. Successful completion of the required foundation and core courses as outlined in the program curriculum section;
  3. After advancement to candidacy, students must complete a culminating experience project course (3 units). Only students who are currently classified, have completed the required foundation and core courses, have been advanced to candidacy, and have obtained approval of the MSCA program coordinator, have grades of "B" (3.0) or better, no "incomplete" grades, and are not on probation may do the culminating experience project.
     

Still, Have Questions?

Student Advisor:

Margaret Garcia

(admissions, application questions, program format, and schedule details)

margaret.garcia@csusb.edu 
(909) 537-4320

I want to speak to an advisor - click here!

 

Academic Advisor:

Dr. Jesus Canelon Herrera

(academic advising, program curriculum, benefits, graduation progression, job, and career outlook)

jesus.canelon@csusb.edu

 

Program Analyst:

Vickie Cross

(program administration, tuition & finance, payment plans, student services, general program inquiries)

vickie.cross@csusb.edu
(909) 537-3931