MS in Computer Science with Specialization in Cyber Security

To meet the burgeoning demand for computer experts with deep technical training and expertise in keeping computer systems reliable and safe, we offer our master’s students the opportunity to specialize in cyber security. This specialization encompasses courses that focus on technical issues related to safe software, languages, and architectures, as well as broader societal issues of privacy and legal ramifications. Through an eight-course program, students will master topics ranging from cryptographic methods; data and information security; fault-tolerant computing; network security, privacy, and anonymity; software safety; and system security. The computer science (CS) program at Boston University is geared toward students with a CS undergraduate degree, but it also welcomes those with equivalent computer training and experience, as well as students with gaps in their CS background but strong academic records overall.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will possess a broad mastery of in-depth knowledge of computer science, across theory, software, systems, and applications.
• Students will demonstrate:
  • Knowledge of technical issues related to safe software, languages, and architectures, as well as broader societal issues of privacy and legal ramifications.
  • Knowledge of cryptographic methods; data and information security; fault-tolerant computing; network security, privacy, and anonymity; software safety; and system security.

Course Requirements

The Master of Science (MS) specialization in cyber security has the same course requirements—eight graduate courses (32 units)—and core breadth course requirements as the MS in Computer Science. Of the eight courses required, five courses must fulfill the core program breadth requirements, with at least one in each of the following areas:

• Theory
• Systems
• Software
• Applications

The remaining courses can be fulfilled by any graduate-level CS course relating to cybersecurity.

Students are expected to achieve a grade of B– or better in all graduate-level courses that count towards the 32-degree credit requirement. In addition, among the grades received for the five breadth courses, the number of grades of B– must not be greater than the number of grades of B+ or higher. No grade lower than B– may be used for graduate credit.

Of the eight required courses for the MS CS degree, students must take five (breadth requirement) courses, three of which satisfy the CS core and two of which satisfy the specialization requirements of the student’s CS program track.

The MS in CS Core Breadth Requirements must be satisfied by all students pursuing an MS in CS, inclusive of specialization. This core requirement covers the three areas of software, systems, and theory. Students can satisfy each area of the core with any graduate-level CS course that is applicable. However, it is recommended that the CS core be satisfied with the courses that have been explicitly designed to form the core CS foundation for master’s students, specifically:

• Software: GRS CS 611 *recommended*
• Theory: GRS CS 630 *recommended*
• Systems: A choice of:
  • CAS CS 551
  • CAS CS 552
  • CAS CS 561
  • GRS CS 651
  • GRS CS 654
  • GRS CS 655

Students wishing to satisfy a core area with a different course, other than the course recommended, have the option to do so with the approval of their CS advisor.

In addition to the three course CS Core requirement, students must complete at least two additional courses specific to their specialization.

Cybersecurity Track

Students who are in the Cybersecurity specialization track should take at least two additional specialization core requirements offered in their area of specialization. The cyber security core specialization courses are:

• CAS CS 518
• CAS CS 538
• CAS CS 548 (CAS CS 538 is a prerequisite)
• CAS CS 558
• CAS CS 568

The remaining three courses are fulfilled by any cyber security-related electives in the following departments:

• Graduate-level courses in the Department of Computer Science (CAS CS 500–599 or GRS CS 600–999)
• Graduate-level courses in other departments (with advisor approval):
  • Department of Mathematics & Statistics
  • College of Engineering
  • Questrom School of Business

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.

Master’s Project

While not required to do so, MS candidates may complete a master’s project or thesis. Projects are carried out with the approval of, and under the supervision of, a faculty member. A master’s project can be expanded into a master’s thesis, which requires two faculty readers.