Graduate Admissions
SANS.edu graduate programs are designed for working IT and cybersecurity professionals who want to deepen their technical expertise while continuing to advance their careers. Follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Timeline
Graduate Certificates: Apply by the 15th of any month. Master's Degree: Apply by Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1 or Nov 1.
Receive a decision 30 days later.
Start courses as soon as one month after admission.
SANS Technology Institute Graduate Programs
If you’re a college graduate with at least one year of working experience in IT or cybersecurity, these highly technical programs will help you advance.
Cybersecurity Master's Degree
Take your InfoSec career to the highest levels, developing both hands-on technical skills and the ability to lead.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Earn 9 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 36 credits
- 3 years
Graduate Certificate Programs: Cloud Security
Get practical skills to defend multi-cloud environments, identify risks, and lead your organization’s secure cloud transformation.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Earn 4 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 12 credits
Graduate Certificate Programs: Cyber Defense Operations
Strengthen your ability to identify, mitigate, and defend against evolving cyber threats with hands-on, mission-critical training.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Earn 4 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 12 Credits
- 18 months
Graduate Certificate Programs: Cybersecurity Engineering Practitioner
Build foundational, hands-on cybersecurity skills and prepare to pursue advanced, job-focused graduate certificates or a master’s degree.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Earn 4 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 12 credits
- 18 months
Graduate Certificate Programs: Cybersecurity Leadership
Combine advanced technical knowledge with leadership skills to manage risk and drive cybersecurity initiatives at the highest levels.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Earn 5 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 16 credits
- 18 years, 18 months
Graduate Certificate Programs: Digital Forensics
Develop hands-on skills to collect, analyze, and report digital evidence for investigations and incident response.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Earn 4 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 12 credits
- 18 months
Graduate Certificate Programs: Incident Response
Learn to investigate, contain, and remediate cyber incidents with real-world tools and techniques used by professional responders.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Earn 4 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 12 credits
- 18 months
Graduate Certificate Programs: Industrial Control Systems Security
Gain specialized skills to protect industrial and critical infrastructure systems from cyber threats and operational disruption.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Earn 4 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 12 credits
- 18 months
Graduate Certificate Programs: Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
Master ethical hacking techniques, risk evaluation, and real-world simulation tools to test and improve your organization’s defenses.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Earn 4 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 12 credits
- 18 months
Graduate Certificate Programs: Purple Team Operations
Bridge offense and defense by combining red and blue team skills to improve detection, response, and overall security effectiveness.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Earn 4 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 12 credits
- 18 months
Graduate Certificate in Software Supply Chain Security
Learn to secure software development pipelines by identifying, mitigating, and responding to modern supply chain threats.
- Requires a bachelor's degree
- Earn 4 GIAC Certifications
- Earn 12 credits
- 18 months
Ready to Apply? Here's How.
Admissions Information
Student Veterans
Most SANS.edu degree and certificate programs are eligible for US and Canadian veterans' education benefits. Learn how you can use your benefits at SANS.edu.
Tuition and Funding
A SANS.edu education is a great investment in your cybersecurity career. We offer a variety of funding options to make that investment more accessible.
International Students
The SANS Technology Institute welcomes students from all over the world who want to get the best college education in cybersecurity. Learn more about requirements for international students.
Join Us For a Free Online Info Session
SANS.edu offers a career-focused cybersecurity education with a lot more flexibility and personalized support than you'll find in a "traditional" college. Join a free online info session to learn how our world-class programs can help you meet your cybersecurity career goals.
Next Steps for Admitted Students
If you are admitted, you will receive a formal Offer of Admission and be asked to confirm your enrollment at the SANS Technology Institute.
New Student Orientation
We'll provide instructions for attending the mandatory New Student Orientation (NSO), where you’ll be introduced to our programs, resources and communications tools. You’ll also meet your student advisor, who will discuss your goals and give you personalized support throughout your studies at SANS.edu.
You'll need to complete New Student Orientation before you can register for your first course.
Success Stories
- Slide 1 of 5
“
Having a SANS degree tells employers that you have what it takes to do the job. You have the hands-on experience to get the job done from day one. The SANS name truly opens doors.”
Richard “Rick” Halsell Jr.Principal Security Architect, MicrosoftRead Rick's Story - Slide 2 of 5
“
SANS.edu's course material is delivered by best-in-breed instructors who are experts in their field. I had a SANS instructor who is industry-recognized as one of the top 10 experts in the world on penetration testing.”
Jeff SassDirector of Application Security, AdobeRead Jeff's Story - Slide 3 of 5
“
I looked into several programs. None could truly match SANS.edu’s real-world relevance and the quality of its instruction.”
Queen BrownAdvanced Delivery Architect, WizRead Queen’s Story - Slide 4 of 5
“
The very same day I discovered the GI Bill® would cover my SANS.edu tuition costs, I filled out an application. It was the beginning of my professional transformation. I am not exaggerating when I say SANS.edu changed my life.”
James ChildersSenior Security Engineer, GuidePoint SecurityRead James' Story - Slide 5 of 5
“
SANS is the Oxford of security studies, so expectations are naturally quite high. Living up to those is not a trivial accomplishment!”
Shawna TurnerPrincipal Engineer, NikeRead Shawna's Story
Need More Information?
We’re happy to help. Join us for a free info session or request more information today.