Bethany Online
Master of Science in AI-Driven Cybersecurity and Autonomous Defense
Prepare for What’s Next in Cybersecurity
Cyber threats are changing. The technology used to defend against them is changing too.
Bethany College’s online Master of Science in AI-Driven Cybersecurity and Autonomous Defense brings artificial intelligence and cybersecurity together in one 30-credit graduate program designed for the next generation of cyber professionals.
100% Online | 30 Credits | As Little as 12 Months | $475 Per Credit
$14,250 Total Tuition*
*Tuition based on 30 credits at $475 per credit hour. Books are an additional cost.
What Is AI-Driven Cybersecurity?
AI-driven cybersecurity uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to help identify patterns, detect unusual activity, analyze threats, and support faster responses to cyber risks.
What Is Autonomous Cyber Defense?
Autonomous defense explores how automated and intelligent systems can help detect, analyze, and respond to threats with less manual intervention. The goal is not to remove people from cybersecurity; it is to prepare professionals to work with increasingly intelligent tools and systems.
Quick Highlights:
- 100% Online
- 30 Credit Hours
- Complete in as little as 12 months
- Asynchronous coursework
2026 Start Dates:
Oct. 19 – save 15% on tuition
2027 Start Dates:
Jan. 11, March 8, May 17
Cost
$475 per credit hour
$400 per credit hour for Bethany alumni
%
ONLINE
CREDIT HOURS
MONTHS TO COMPLETE
GRE / GMAT REQUIRED
START DATES / YEAR
Why Combine AI and Cybersecurity?
AI is changing both sides of cybersecurity. Attackers can use AI to increase the speed and sophistication of threats, while organizations can use AI to improve detection, analysis, and response. Bethany’s program is built around the reality that these disciplines are becoming increasingly connected.
What You’ll Study
The curriculum is designed to build advanced, career-ready skills across key areas of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
- Advanced Topics in Machine Learning
- Cloud Security
- Applications of Advanced Security Frameworks.
- Autonomous Firewall Programming
- Security Ethics
- Development and Distribution of Cyber-Attacks
- Advanced Topics in Threat Detection and Prevention
Applied Cyber Defense Experience
- Cyberattack Case Studies
- AI-Assisted Threat Analysis
- Incident-Response Scenarios
- Safe Red-Team/Blue-Team Case Exercises
- Portfolio-Ready Work
Earn Your Master’s in as Little as 12 Months
Technology isn’t waiting. Your graduate degree shouldn’t take years either. Bethany’s 30-credit program can be completed in as little as 12 months while allowing students to continue working.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles across industries where security, data, and technology are critical. With expertise in both cybersecurity and AI-driven defense, you’ll be equipped to protect systems, analyze threats, and lead in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
This program prepares you for roles such as:
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Information security specialist
- Security operations (SOC) analyst
- Threat intelligence analyst
- Cloud security specialist
- Penetration tester (ethical hacker)
- Incident response and digital forensics roles
- IT and security leadership positions
Graduates are also well-positioned to pursue industry-recognized certifications, including CISSP, CEH, CISM, CCSP, and CHFI, further strengthening career advancement and earning potential.
Affordable & Accessible
$14,250 Total Tuition
30 credits | $475 per credit | Bethany alumni: $400 per credit / $12,000 tuition | Books additional
Frequently Asked Questions – AI-Driven Cybersecurity and Autonomous Defense
What is AI-driven cybersecurity?
It uses artificial intelligence and related technologies to help identify threats, analyze patterns, detect unusual activity, and support cybersecurity decision-making and response.
What is autonomous cyber defense?
It refers to the use of automation and intelligent systems to help detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats with reduced manual intervention, while human expertise and oversight remain important.
How much does the program cost?
The 30-credit program costs $14,250 in tuition at $475 per credit. Books are additional. Bethany alumni pay $400 per credit.
How long does it take?
The program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Is it completely online?
Yes, subject to final confirmation that there are no required in-person components.
Will my diploma say online?
No. Your diploma will say Bethany College and will not identify the degree as online.
Meet the Instructor
Alex Mathew, Ph.D.
Matthew Quay Ammon Chair and Associate Professor of Computer Science
Alex’s areas of expertise include Cyber Security, Ethical Hacking, Cyber Crimes and Digital Forensics Investigation. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and the founder of several cyber security awareness initiatives in India, Asia, Cyprus and Middle East.
With over 20 years experience of consulting and training has developed a large skill set and certification set. He was instrumental initiating and organizing a number of conferences. He has 100-plus publications with IEEE, ACM and Scopus Indexed International Journals.
Alex has received a number of awards including Best Professor, Best Presenter etc. He is a frequently invited speaker and panelist, reviewer at International conferences related to Cyber Security, Technology, Innovation and education.
Alex’s profile describes a confident and outgoing individual who enjoys the company of other people. He has a persuasive, open style with others, and develops interpersonal relationships quickly and relatively easily.
His levels of self-confidence mean that he rarely doubts his abilities in a social situation, although he may find it a little harder to deal with practical or impersonal situations.
Alex’s communicative and open style means that he tends to be trusting of others, or at least confide information more readily than many other personality types. Because of his social orientation, however, he finds it rather difficult to deal with rejection by other people, thriving as he does on their positive attention.
Alex is a dynamic educationist with 20 years of vast experience across Computing & IT,Cyber Security; adroit in providing visionary leadership and imparting quality education to a wider range of aspiring individuals.
Education
Ph.D., Sri Venkateshwara University, India.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional- CISSP – (ISC)2
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert – MCSE Р(Microsoft)
Certified Ethical Hacker CEH- (EC-Council)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (Cisco)
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator – CHFI- (EC-Council)
IBM Certified E commerce Specialist
ZAP Certified Web Designer
Security+ (CompTIA)
ECSA – EC-Council Certified Security Analyst
CPSA – CREST Practitioner Security Analyst
Areas of Passion & Research
“New knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline …” “Systematic acquisition and understanding …”
Cyber Security, Investigation of Cyber Crimes, Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensics, IOT, Cyber Laws and Network Forensics, Pen Test etc.
Take the Next Step
Whether you’re advancing in your current field or pursuing a new path, Bethany Online provides the flexibility and support to help you succeed.
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