M.S. in Cyber Security

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Program of Study
Cyber Security
Degree Type
Master of Science

Program Goals and Objectives

With the growing demand for expertise in Cyber Security, the Master of Science in Cyber Security (MS-SEC) provides a foundation in computing and security. The program balances technical expertise with its application in industry and government spaces. The program uses real-world experiential learning and research opportunities to ensure students are prepared for an evolving threat landscape.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate sufficient background in computing for graduate-level work. Background in developing or using software tools is required. A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or other related fields should be adequate preparation. Students from other backgrounds are welcome to apply if they can demonstrate their readiness through other means, such as GRE exams, professional certifications, or relevant technical work experience.

Applicants must have earned the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree to be considered for admission. Admission decisions are based upon all the information required from the applicant. The GRE is not required for admission.

Non-matriculated students may enroll in up to two courses prior to applying for admission to the Master of Science in Cyber Security.

Faculty Contacts:

Jun Dai, Fatemeh Ganji, William Martin, Koksal Mus, Patrick Schaumont, Craig Shue, Xiaoyan Sun, Berk Sunar, Shahin Tajik, Robert Walls, and Craig Wills.

Requirements for the Master of Science in Cyber Security (MS-SEC)

The Master of Science in Cyber Security allows students to pursue research or focus on applied courses that address security problems. Students may choose to complete either a capstone project or a MS thesis. The degree requires at least 30 credits hours of study, i.e., a minimum of ten 3-credit courses.

The MS-SEC is designed to accommodate students with significant prior preparation as well as those seeking to become professionals in the field. It supports both a standard and an advanced track of study. These tracks are for advising purposes only; students on either track earn the same credential and the selected track is not officially recorded. Under each track, students are encouraged to focus on either a software-centric or hardware-centric collection of courses.

MS-SEC students may take up to three bridge courses from:

Minimum Credits
9

MS-SEC students must complete a three-course core focused on technical, human behavior, and business:

  • One technically-focused course from:

Minimum Credits
12
  • One human behavior-focused course from:
Minimum Credits
6
  • MIS 582 Information Security Management
Minimum Credits
3

MS-SEC students must complete three depth courses from the following:

Minimum Credits
12

In the standard track, our bridge component supports students with less preparation to help them learn core concepts needed in subsequent classes. While highly recommended for those without previous technical preparation related to the field, these courses are optional preparation. Students who already have significant preparation in these areas, through undergraduate classes, graduate classes, or professional experience may choose not to take one or more bridge course without requiring advisor or program approval. For students on the software-centric standard track, CS 5007, CS 5008, and CS 509 are useful preparation.

In the advanced track, students may choose not to take any of the bridge courses and instead focus on technical depth or electives. Students on the advanced software-centric track may prefer to take either CS 557 or CS 558. Students on the advanced hardware-centric track may prefer to take DS/ECE 577 Machine Learning in Cybersecurity or ECE 579C Applied Cryptography and Physical Attacks.

MS-SEC students who do not take all of the bridge courses may select to take thesis credits or additional elective courses from the following to reach the 30-credit requirement:

Minimum Credits
27

MS-SEC students must complete a three-credit capstone project experience or a nine-credit MS Thesis from the following:

Minimum Credits
9

In the core requirements, students are exposed to a technically-oriented course, a human behavioral dimension course, and a course that relates security to business needs. This combination allows students to put technical material into a societal context.

With these requirements, students on the standard track may complete 3 bridge courses, 3 core courses, 3 depth courses, and the capstone experience for a total of 30 credits. Students on the advanced track may omit the bridge courses and instead take 3 core courses, 3 depth courses, 3 elective courses, and the capstone experience totaling 30 credits. For students pursuing a thesis, the capstone and two elective courses may be swapped for a 9-credit MS thesis.