Cybersecurity MSCYBR
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCYBR)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: Available for full-time, on-campus master's-level students
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 11.1003
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 15-1122
About the Program
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program equips students with the interdisciplinary knowledge, technical expertise, and practical experience required to design, analyze, and secure modern computing systems. The curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in security engineering, web security, risk management, information ethics, and cybersecurity policy while emphasizing the technical, analytical, legal, ethical, and organizational dimensions of cybersecurity practice. Students develop the ability to assess vulnerabilities, design secure architectures across software, network, and data environments, and respond to evolving threats using industry-relevant tools, frameworks, and methodologies.
Through flexible coursework and elective specialization opportunities spanning information science, computer science, and electrical and computer engineering, students may deepen their expertise in areas such as cryptography, digital forensics, privacy, cloud security, and cybersecurity governance. Graduates emerge with the theoretical depth, analytical proficiency, and communication skills necessary to address complex cybersecurity challenges and effectively communicate risk and mitigation strategies to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
The program’s interdisciplinary and hands-on educational model emphasizes experiential learning through applied coursework and professional engagement. Full-time students have access to a distinctive six-month graduate co-op opportunity that provides immersive industry experience. Co-op allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments while building professional connections within the cybersecurity field.
Graduates are prepared for advanced and leadership roles in industry, government, and research settings, including careers as security engineers, cybersecurity analysts, digital forensics specialists, and risk and compliance professionals, as well as for continued doctoral study. The integration of technical, policy-oriented, and experiential perspectives ensures graduates are well-positioned to identify, mitigate, and manage modern digital risks in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the School of Engineering
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy general requirements for graduate admission, including a minimum 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) for the last two years of undergraduate study, as well as for any subsequent graduate work. It is preferred that applicants hold a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, computer science, or information technology. Degrees must be earned from an accredited college or university. An undergraduate degree earned abroad must be deemed equivalent to a US bachelor's degree.
The GRE general test is optional for all applicants. TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo is required if the language of instruction of your previous degree was not English.
Degree Requirements
| Core/Foundational Courses | ||
| CS 5610 | Security Engineering | 3.0 |
| ECE 5232 | Web Security | 3.0 |
| IS 5617 | Cybersecurity Foundations and Risk Management | 3.0 |
| IS 6825 | Information Ethics and Policy | 3.0 |
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| Select three of the following courses: | 9.0 | |
| Algorithms and Data Structures | ||
| Cryptography | ||
| Privacy | ||
| Computer Networking | ||
| Software-Defined Radio | ||
| Secure Networking | ||
| Multimedia Forensics and Security | ||
| Network Data Analysis | ||
| Cloud Technology and Security in the Digital Age | ||
| Digital Resilience and Risk Management | ||
| Cybersecurity Policy and Governance | ||
| Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigations | ||
| Advanced Information Assurance and Risk | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select three CS, ECE, and/or IS 5000-7997 level courses | 9.0 | |
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 5000 as preparation for their co-op experience. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
