Computer Security and Privacy MSCSP

Major: Computer Security and Privacy
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Computer Security and Privacy (MSCSP)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0 
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: 11-3021; 15-1212; 15-1231; 15-1241; 15-1242; 15-1243; 15-1244

About the Program

Information technology and data have dominated physical, economic, health, and cultural aspects of the modern world. For example, information technology and data run electronic commerce and global finance; control critical infrastructure that supply water, electrical power and food; and comprise the Internet of Things, which range from smartphones to home appliances and to medical implanted devices.

The great advantages that information technology and data bring are, unfortunately, susceptible to malicious actors, ranging from amateur hackers to hostile nation states, who try to circumvent the mechanisms and policies that are designed to protect computers and data. Stories involving malware, such as ransomware and botnets, infecting government, corporate, critical infrastructure, small businesses and even home networks are now common news.

The MS in Computer Security and Privacy aims to educate students in the science, technology, and policies that are essential to protecting information technology and data. The degree aims to establish the computer science and software engineering system fundamentals needed by the modern security expert, in addition to how these fundamentals, when combined with expert courses in computer security and privacy, lead to a well-rounded education in the domain of computer security and privacy.

A graduate co-op is available; for more information, visit the Steinbright Career Development Center's website.

Admissions Requirements

The Master of Science in Computer Security and Privacy accepts applicants who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Please visit the College of Computing & Informatics website for more information on admission requirements.

Additional Information

For more information about the Master of Science in Computer Security and Privacy degree program, visit the College of Computing & Informatics website.

Admission Requirements

The Master of Science in Computer Security and Privacy accepts applicants who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Please visit the College of Computing & Informatics website for more information on admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

Core Courses
CS 523Cryptography3.0
CS 543Operating Systems3.0
CS 544Computer Networks3.0
CS 590Privacy3.0
CS 645Network Security3.0
SE 578Security Engineering3.0
Major Specific Electives15.0
Choose 5 of the following:
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Distributed Systems Software
Data Analysis at Scale
Cloud Security and Virtual Environments
Security, Policy and Governance
Principles of Cybersecurity
Information Forensics
Software Design
Software Reliability and Testing
Software Architecture
Flexible Electives12.0
Choose 4 additional courses, which may include:
Any graduate-level course within the College (CI, CS, CT, DSCI, INFO, SE)
Up to 6 credits of independent study
Up to 6 credits of related graduate-level coursework outside of the College, with prior approval by the College
Optional Coop Experience *0-1
Career Management and Professional Development for Master's Degree Students
Total Credits45.0-46.0
*

Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. To prepare for the 6-month co-op experience, students will complete: COOP 500. The total credits required for this degree with the co-op experience is 46.0.

Students not participating in the co-op experience will need 45.0 credits to graduate.

Sample Plan of Study

Part Time, No Co-op option

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Core Courses6.0Core Courses6.0Core Courses6.0Major Specific Electives6.0
 6 6 6 6
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Major Specific Electives6.0Major Specific Elective3.0Flexible Electives6.0Flexible Elective3.0
 Flexible Elective3.0  
 6 6 6 3
Total Credits 45

Note: Second Year Summer is less than the 4.5-credit minimum required (considered half-time status) of graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. As a result, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

Full-time, Graduate Co-op option

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP 5001.0Core Courses6.0Core Courses6.0Major Specific Electives6.0
Core Courses6.0Major Specific Elective3.0Major Specific Elective3.0Flexible Elective3.0
Major Specific Elective3.0   
 10 9 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCEFlexible Electives9.0 
 0 0 9 
Total Credits 46