MS in Computer Science with Specialization in Cyber Security

Course Requirements

The Master of Science (MS) specialization in cyber security has the same course requirements (eight graduate courses, 32 credits) and core breadth course requirements as the MS in Computer Science.

In particular, master’s candidates are required to complete at least five courses from the list of designated Breadth (core) Courses for the general MS in Computer Science. Among the grades received for the five core courses, the number of grades of B– must not be greater than the number of grades of B+ or higher. The three remaining non-core (elective) courses are determined in consultation with, and approved by, the student’s faculty advisor. No grade lower than B– may be used for graduate credit.

The Breadth Courses in the master’s curriculum are divided into four areas: Theory, Systems, Software, and Applications. At least one course must be taken in each subject area.

Students in the MS cyber security specialization are further required to complete:

  • At least two courses from List A (below) of core CS security courses
  • At least three courses from List B (below) of CS security-related courses
  • Up to two courses from List C (below) of elective non-CAS/CS security-related graduate courses, taught in a Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security Center (RISCS) affiliated program and approved by the faculty advisor
  • A master’s project or thesis in an area related to cyber security as approved by the faculty advisor. A master’s thesis requires two faculty readers

List A

  • CAS CS 538 Fundamentals of Cryptography
  • CAS CS 548 Advanced Cryptography
  • CAS CS 558 Computer Networks Security

List B

consists of List A courses plus:

  • CAS CS 512 Formal Methods for High-Assurance System Design and Analysis
  • CAS CS 552 Introduction to Operating Systems
  • CAS CS 565 Data Mining

List C

This list is updated each semester and comprises courses from other RISCS affiliated programs. Please consult with the Department of Computer Sciences each semester for an updated list.

Note: A CS course can be used toward satisfying multiple requirements. For example, CAS CS 552 can be used to satisfy both the general MS Systems Breadth Course requirement and the cyber security requirement (List A, above), or CAS CS 538 can be used to satisfy both the general MA Applications Breadth Course requirement and the cyber security requirements (List A and List B, above).

Language Requirement

The department does not have a foreign language requirement.