Master’s Degree in Cyber Security
This 36-credit program, available online and on-campus, prepares graduates with technical skills related to cyber operations and security. Students with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, information technology, or related fields are well-positioned to start this degree program. Students having other, less technical backgrounds are eligible for admission but may need to complete a bridge semester of preparation. Students learn the knowledge, skills, and perspective necessary to address cyber-operations and security issues of private and public business enterprises and governmental organizations. The program is distinctive in a number of ways, including:
- A highly applied approach, with emphasis on hands-on learning
- Requirement of an internship experience or research-based project on campus or at a local firm or agency
- Incorporation of emerging technologies into all coursework
- Emphasis on a collaborative and teamwork approach
- Development of skills in technology leadership
Admission
To be admitted, applicants must meet all Graduate School admission requirements, have had a statistics course, and have the equivalent of a minor in computer science, information technology, or a related field (e.g., engineering or information and decision sciences). Students without adequate background or preparation may be required to complete a one-semester bridge program prior to beginning the M.S. in cybersecurity program. Admission will be considered for any semester, but students benefit most by beginning their coursework in the fall semester. Depending on availability of seats, applications will be accepted up to six weeks prior to the start date of the next semester. Required prerequisite coursework includes: IT 502, IT 535, MATH 220, and STAT 240.
| Courses | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 12-13 credits | |
| IT 600 | Ethics in Information Technology | 3 Cr. |
| IT 642 | Information Assurance & Security | 3 Cr. |
| IT 644 | Technology, Law, and Society | 3 Cr. |
| IT 648 | IT Risk Management | 3 Cr. |
| One course from the following options | ||
| CYB 530 | Securing and Administering Systems in Windows Environment | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 532 | Securing and Administering Systems in Linux Environment | 3 Cr. |
| Capstone Experience | (3 credits or 6 with thesis) | |
| One course from the following options | ||
| CYB 686 | Internship | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 792 | Research Project | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 798+799 | Thesis | 6 Cr. |
| Elective Courses | 17-18 credits | |
| CYB 520 | Operating Systems | 2 Cr. |
| CYB 540 | Assembly Language Programming | 2 Cr. |
| CYB 542 | Theory and Practice of Cryptography | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 552 | Reverse Program Engineering | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 562 | Organizational and Corporate Data Protection | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 572 | IT Audit, Monitoring, and Testing | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 582 | Networking Infrastructure Security | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 642 | Cyber Forensics | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 652 | Cyber Warfare | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 662 | Wireless Security | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 672 | Secure Software Development | 3 Cr. |
| CYB 673 | CISSP | 1 Cr. |
| IT 533 | Data Mining | 3 Cr. |
| IT 646 | Hacking Techniques and Counter Measures | 3 Cr. |
| GRD 683 | Professional and Career Development | 0-1 Cr. |
Additional graduate courses may be approved by the adviser from the areas of computer science, information technology, analytics and modeling, mathematics, and business.
Sequencing Coursework
Students must take a programming test before the start of their first semester. Should a student fail the programming test the student must complete IT 502 during the first semester of enrollment. These credits do not count towards the degree in cybersecurity. The Capstone Experience should be taken after at least one semester of study.
If you are interested in learning more about our Master’s degree in Cyber Security, please fill out and submit the form below and a graduate studies representative will respond to you soon.