Cybersecurity (M.S.)
The Cybersecurity Master's program curriculum consists of 10 courses (30 credits) that can be completed over 12 months, following a hybrid (on-campus and online) delivery model. Students who track with their entry cohort can complete the program in three semesters (fall, spring, summer). Students may select to complete a thesis through two courses instead of a capstone project and fifth elective. Classes will be offered in the evenings and during the weekends.
Prerequisites
All undergraduate majors are welcomed. Professional knowledge or experience equivalent to the following four courses is required:
- Computer Programming with basic algorithms (in C, C++, Java, R or Python) (e.g., CISC 5004 Computer Programming C++ or CISC 5380 Programming with Python)
- Applied Statistics and Probability or Discrete Mathematics (e.g., CISC 5420 Applied Statistics and Probability or CISC 5002 Discrete Structures).
Bridging courses are available for students who are missing one or more of the aforementioned prerequisites. With the permission of the Program Director, these courses can be taken concurrently with the cybersecurity courses. If you are required to take these courses, it will be stated in your admissions letter and the courses must be taken during the first semester.
CIP Code
11.1003 - Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.
You can use the CIP code to learn more about career paths associated with this field of study and, for international students, possible post-graduation visa extensions. Learn more about CIP codes and other information resources.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CISC 5009 | Network Essentials 1 | 3 |
| CISC 5650 | Cybersecurity Essentials 1 | 3 |
| CISC 5750 | Information Security and Ethics | 3 |
| Five elective courses drawn from one or more thematic cluster, with the option to pursue an internship | 15 | |
| One selection from the following: 2 | 6 | |
| Master's Thesis | ||
| Master's Thesis in MSCY I and Master's Thesis in Cybersecurity II | ||
| Capstone and Elective | ||
| Capstone Project in Cybersecurity | ||
One additional elective from any thematic cluster | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
CISC 5009 Network Essentials and CISC 5650 Cybersecurity Essentials must be taken in the first semester.
- 2
Capstone and thesis courses can only be taken during the second or third semester.
Elective Course Thematic Clusters
Courses that may count as an elective have the CYSM attribute.
Cyber Operations
Students choosing electives from the cyber operations thematic cluster should be comfortable with hands-on technical activities. Students without technical/Computer Science backgrounds should examine course descriptions and consult the instructor or program director before enrolling in these courses.
Courses in this group have the CYOP attribute.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CISC 5728 | Security of e-Systems and Networks | 3 |
| CISC 6070 | Red Teaming | 3 |
| CISC 6600 | Cloud Computing Security | 3 |
| CISC 6630 | Wireless Security | 3 |
| CISC 6660 | Applied Cryptography | 3 |
| CISC 6680 | Intrusion Detection and Network Forensics | 3 |
| CISC 6750 | IOT Forensics and Security | 3 |
| CISC 6800 | Malware Analytics and Software Security | 3 |
| CISC 6880 | Blockchain Technology | 3 |
| CISC 7050 | Penetration Testing | 3 |
Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
Students enrolling in courses from the artificial intelligence in cybersecurity thematic cluster should have knowledge of discrete math, probability and statistics, including permutations, combinations, descriptive statistics, and basic probabilities concepts. Basic programming knowledge and a familiarity with Python programming is expected. Students without a technical/Computer Science background should assess their skills by reviewing the course descriptions before registering for these electives. Consultation with the instructor or program director before enrolling is also advised.
Courses in this group have the CYAI attribute.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CISC 5450 | Mathematics for Data Science | 3 |
| CISC 5550 | Cloud Computing | 3 |
| CISC 5660 | Data Science for Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CISC 5710 | Introduction to Behavioral and Physical Biometrics | 3 |
| CISC 6600 | Cloud Computing Security | 3 |
| CISC 6640 | Privacy and Security in Big Data | 3 |
| CISC 6660 | Applied Cryptography | 3 |
| CISC 6670 | Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CISC 6800 | Malware Analytics and Software Security | 3 |
Cybersecurity Management, Policy, and Intelligence
Courses in this group have the CYMP attribute.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CISC 5770 | Intelligence in Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CISC 5850 | The Social Network | 3 |
| CISC 6650 | Forensic Computing | 3 |
| CISC 6690 | Cybersecurity in Business | 3 |
| CISC 6850 | Leadership and Management in Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CISC 6860 | Cybersecurity: Technology, Policy, and Law | 3 |
| CISC 6880 | Blockchain Technology | 3 |
| CISC 6920 | Incident Response and Risk Management | 3 |
Other Electives
Students may choose any of these electives with the program director's approval. The Cybersecurity Practicum (CISC 6091) is distinct from the capstone project and does not serve as a substitute. It is the student's responsibility to secure a practicum or internship with a business or organization related to cybersecurity.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CISC 6091 | Cybersecurity Practicum | 3 |
| CISC 8150 | Special Topics in Cybersecurity | 3 |