2025-2026 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog

Cybersecurity MS

Program is pending final approval by the Board of Regents.

The interdisciplinary Cybersecurity MS program will equip students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. The curriculum is designed to meet industry demands and emerging trends, ensuring that graduates are not only well-versed in foundational cybersecurity principles but also capable of addressing evolving threats and challenges. With a strong emphasis on hands-on experience, industry partnerships, and cutting- edge research, this program positions students for successful careers in cybersecurity, empowering them to safeguard critical systems, protect digital assets, and contribute to the security and integrity of the digital world upon graduation.

 

Admission Requirements:

  • Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
  • Applicants must also have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 point scale (where A is 4.00), or its equivalent, and good standing (3.00 GPA) in all post-baccalaureate course work.
  • Applicants with a GPA of 2.70 - 2.40 may be considered for conditional admission.
  • Applicants must submit two recommendation letters (academic or professional) and a resume.
  • Applicants must submit a graduate application along with official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions.
  • Students with a BS in a related information technology field may be able to substitute courses if their undergraduate coursework provides the background of some of the core courses.

 

How to Apply

Students should use the Graduate Application link and submit two recommendation letters (academic or professional) and a resume by the application deadline as specified on the graduate application link

Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate a deep understanding of foundational and advanced concepts in cybersecurity, including encryption, network security, intrusion detection, and security risk management.

Graduates will possess hands-on proficiency in security tools and technologies, enabling them to design, implement, and manage secure systems, networks, and applications effectively.

Graduates will be able to analyze complex cybersecurity issues, identify vulnerabilities, and develop innovative strategies to mitigate threats and respond to security incidents.

Graduates will exhibit a strong ethical and legal framework, understanding the importance of privacy, compliance, and ethical conduct in cybersecurity practices.

Graduates will have excellent communication skills, enabling them to convey technical information clearly and collaborate effectively with diverse teams to address cybersecurity challenges.

Course and Capstone Requirements

Introductory Core (12 credits)

CS 500Computer Science for Computer Information Technology

3

CET 501Applied Networking Technology I

3

CS 501Foundations of Computer Science

3

CET 502Applied Networking Technology II

3

The design of the program is to allow the Introductory Core for students pursuing this major without a related background. For students that are entering the program from one of the closely related undergraduate majors such as Cybersecurity BS, their undergraduate coursework may allow them to start with the Cybersecurity Core and instead replace the introductory core courses with depth in new cybersecurity topics for these students.

Cybersecurity Core (12 credits total)

CS 592/CYS 592Advanced Computer Security

3

CS 593/CYS 593Advanced Secure Software Designs

3

CET 559Applied Network Security

3

CYS 577/CET 577Advanced Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing

3

Electives (minimum 6 credits)

CS 515/CS 455/CYS 455Secure Software Development

3

CS 511/CYS 511Advanced Software Reverse Engineering

3

CS 519Data Privacy Fundamentals

3

or

CYS 519/CS 519Data Privacy Fundamentals

3

CS 546/CYS 546Machine Learning in Cybersecurity

3

CS 561Advanced Database Concepts

3

CYS 407/CET 407IT Topics in Cybersecurity

3

CYS 529Internet of Things (IoT) with Embedded Intelligence and Security

3

or

CET 529/CYS 529/CYS 429/CET 429Internet of Things (IoT) with Embedded Intelligence and Security

3

CET 503/CYS 503Applied Networking Technology III

3

or

CET 503/CYS 503Applied Networking Technology III

3

CET 518/CYS 518Advanced Cloud System Administration and Security

3

or

CYS 518/CET 518Advanced Cloud System Administration and Security

3

CYS 578/CET 578Advanced Operating System Hardening

3

or

CET 578/CYS 578Advanced Operating System Hardening

3

CET 579/CYS 579Linux System Administration

3

CYS 579/CET 579/CET 479Linux System Administration

3

CET 589/CET 489Web Services and Security

3

Electives selected with advisor to meet total of 30 credits not including Capstone Requirement.

Capstone Requirement

CYS 595Capstone in Cybersecurity

3

Total Credit Hours: 33