Graduate

Masters of Science in Cybersecurity

cybersecurity

Curriculum overview

The Departments of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, and Industrial and Management Systems Engineering jointly offer a non-thesis option for the degree of Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCYS). Degree graduates will demonstrate knowledge of advanced cyberthreats along with technologies and methods for threat mitigation/defense. They will also be able to assess the security needs of systems and develop effective solution strategies. It is important for students to review the Fall/Spring course offerings and develop a coherent plan for degree completion at the start of their program. Students should also maintain close contact with the Program Director and obtain prior approval for course selections.  See Graduate Catalog listing (MSCYS).

  • Total minimum hours:  30 credit hours
    • Core: 9 credit hours
    • Electives: 18 credit hours
    • Cybersecurity Practicum: 3 credit hours
    • CAE Certification Option: 9* credit hours

Students who opt to complete the CAE certification will complete a total of 39 credit hours.

Core Courses

  • EEL 6787 - Data Network, Systems, and Security (3 credit hours)
  • EEE 6749 - Cryptography and Data Security (3 credit hours)
  • COP 6536 - Advances in Data Structures for IT (3 credit hours)

Elective Courses

Students must complete a minimum of 5 electives (15 credit hours) selected from the list below, chosen in consultation with the Graduate Director.

  • CDA 6328 - Cryptographic Hardware and Embedded Systems (3 credit hours)
  • CIS 6082 - Cloud Computing (3 credit hours)
  • CIS 6930 - Special Topics (1-5 credit hours)
    • Taken as: Hands on Cybersecurity for IT
  • EEL 6741 - Embedded Systems (3 credit hours)
  • EEE 6747 - Wireless Mobile Computing and Security (3 credit hours)
  • EEE 6777 - Data Analytics (3 credit hours)
  • EEE 6875 - AI and Security in Cyber Physical Systems (3 credit hours)
  • EEL 6935 - Selected Electrical Topics (1-3 credit hours)
    • Taken as: Advanced Cybersecurity
  • ESI 6613 - Applied Data Intelligence (3 credit hours)
  • ESI 6683 - Cyber Security Analytics (3 credit hours)

And students take an additional graduate course from Electrical Engineering (EE) or Computer Science Engineering (CSE) (3 Credit hours), or other graduate course approved by the Graduate Director. 

Cybersecurity Practicum

Students must complete 3 hours of Cybersecurity Practicum, done in consultation with the Graduate Director and under the supervision of a mentor.

  • EEL 6947 - Cybersecurity Practicum (3 credit hours)

Comprehensive Exam

In lieu of a Comprehensive Exam, students will complete a portfolio addressing the content from the core courses (3 courses) and electives (4 courses).  This portfolio is completed as part of the EEL 6947 Cybersecurity Practicum course.

Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) Certification Option

For students wanting further National Security Agency/Department of Homeland Security Center of Academic Excellence (NSA/DHS CAE) certification for their degree, 3 additional out-of-college courses are required (9 credit hours). These classes along with the core class EEL 6787 - Data Networks Systems and Security fulfill the complete CAE certification requirement. 

  • ISM 6328 Information Security & Risk Management (3 credit hours)
  • ISM 6577 Decision Process BCDR (3 credit hours)
  • MAD 5474 - Applied Cryptography (3 credit hours)