The program focuses on cyber security as enabling technology for a broad range of enterprise initiatives and is intended for leaders in a wide range of government activities regardless of organizational specialization. The MAIDMCS program consists of 12 courses selected to provide breadth and depth in the latest security technologies.

Designed to accommodate busy individuals, the Master of Arts degree program is offered in a hybrid mode that requires participants to be in residence (at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California or possibly another location to be determined) two weeks each quarter (for a total of 12 weeks). Participants complete the balance of their coursework via network-based distance learning methods. The program can also be taken entirely at NPS and is of shorter duration in this mode. Participants complete an applications project for which a written report is required.

The degree provides participants with the knowledge and skills to:

• Understand the synergistic nature of many aspects of cyber security. These include the interrelationships between cyber defense, cyber operations, cyber attack, and cyber exploitation, as well as major security objectives for next generation cyber systems.
• Develop strategies and plans for securing information assets on IT systems in the face of cyber attacks.
• Understand the impact of acquisition and architectural decisions on the security of information and systems.
• Appreciate the nature of cyber threats and how coherent and holistic choices can support requirements for sharing and productivity.
• The MAIDMCS degree is fully accredited and taught by the NPS faculty.