Program Contact: Frederick Scholl 203-582-7394

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program is a fully online program within the School of Computing and Engineering. It is a technical degree program designed to prepare a wide range of students to operate as cyber defenders for present-day and future information systems and networks.

The 30-credit Master of Science in Cybersecurity includes up-to-date security knowledge and skills in demand in today's workplace. These include principles of risk management, software security, cloud security and resilient systems. Both security theory and hands-on skills are developed, utilizing current security tools in cloud and on-ground environments. The coursework also embodies the knowledge units set forth by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE). Degree coursework culminates with a capstone project that challenges students to examine the architecture of a complex system, identify vulnerabilities and determine the specific security defenses that should be employed.

For individuals working in the field seeking to fine tune their current skillsets without immediately pursuing a complete degree, you may take any of the 1-credit courses, subject to program director approval. Any course taken will count as a stackable credential.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Program of Study

The following courses are core requirements of the Cybersecurity program:

CYB 505Introduction to Cybersecurity3
CYB 510Introduction to Security Technology3
CYB 550Cyber Policy3
or CYB 613 Practical, Hands-On Healthcare Cyber Risk Management
CYB 520Concepts and Practices for Securing Data3
CYB 530Programming for Security Professionals3
CYB 615Introduction to Ethical Hacking Operational Reconnaissance, and Penetration Testing.3
CYB 690Introduction to Secure Authentication And Access3
CYB 695Cloud Security3
CYB 696Introduction to Designing, Testing, and Operating Resilient Systems3
CYB 691MS Cybersecurity Capstone3

Student Learning Outcomes

The mission of the MS in Cybersecurity program is to equip students to succeed as effective cyber defenders in a rapidly changing business and technology environment. Specific objectives include:

  1. Train students to be able to apply risk management concepts to cybersecurity challenges.
  2. Enable students to use and evaluate software to manage cybersecurity risk.
  3. Create the next generation of cloud native security professionals.
  4. Enable students to design, build and operate resilient systems that meet business objectives.

Admission

To qualify for admission into the MS Cybersecurity program, a student must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet one of the following criteria:

  1. Have an undergraduate degree in computer engineering, software engineering or computer science; OR
  2. Have an undergraduate degree in another area with applicable coursework or certificates in network technology, database management and programming; OR
  3. Have at least 2 years of applicable work experience or military service including experience with network technology, database management and programming; OR
  4. Receive approval from the program director