The Science of Protection and Prevention
Every day seems to bring another headline about a major computer security breach, whether at a corporation, government agency, or communications system. From online banking to electronic commerce to transportation operations, our world increasingly depends on a cyber infrastructure. Hardening these diverse software and control systems against malicious users has become a national priority. To achieve this goal, there is a broad need for computer experts with the deep technical training and expertise to protect vital networks and electronic systems.
To meet the burgeoning demand, we offer our master’s students in the Computer Science department the opportunity to specialize in cyber security. The 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 be trained in topics ranging from cryptographic methods, data and information security, fault-tolerant computing, network security, privacy and anonymity, software safety, and system security.
Cyber security students also have the opportunity to work closely with Boston University’s Center for Reliable Information Systems & Cyber Security (RISCS), which promotes and coordinates research and education in system reliability and information security. Current research includes cryptography, network and software security, economic and game-theoretic approaches to Internet computing, database security, and secure cloud computing, among others. The center has earned the University the distinction of being named a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education and Research by the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security.
While not required, 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.
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A Well-Rounded Degree
Our CS students have the opportunity to study cyber security not only at an intimate level, but from a broad perspective as well. In particular, students are encouraged to enroll in courses from other RISCS-affiliated programs at BU, including Metropolitan College (MET), the ECE department in the College of Engineering, and the School of Management (SMG). These courses focus on lower-level issues, such as secure hardware design, as well as higher-level ones such as digital forensics and managing security.
Requirements
Eight semester courses (32 credits) approved for graduate study are required. Course requirements include 5 breadth courses, with at least one in each of the following areas:
- Theory
- Systems
- Software
- Applications
- and three additional course electives
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 must be satisfied by all students pursuing an MS in CS, inclusive of specialization. This 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 (offered both fall and spring)
- Theory: GRS CS 630 (offered fall only)
- Systems: A choice of:
- CAS CS 551 (spring only)
- CAS CS 599 L1 (fall only)
- GRS CS 651 (spring only)
- GRS CS 654 (spring only)
- GRS CS 655 (fall only)
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 degree.
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 (fall only)
- CAS CS 538 (spring only)
- CAS CS 548 (fall only – CAS CS 538 is a prerequisite)
- CAS CS 558 (spring only)
- CAS CS 565 (spring only)
- CAS CS 568 (fall only)
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
- Metropolitan College (requires Departmental approval)
As an example*, cyber security electives that have been approved in the past include:
*List coming soon*
*Please note that this list does not guarantee a course will be offered any given semester or approved in the future and only serves as a reference.
Thesis
While not required, 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.
Sample Program
*Sample program coming soon*
How to Apply
Please view our Admissions tab on how to apply.
Meet Our Faculty
Our cyber security professors are internationally recognized experts in their fields. Meet faculty members Ran Canetti, Sharon Goldberg, Steve Homer, Assaf Kfoury, Leo Reyzin, and Nikos Triandopoulos.
Research
From cell phone privacy to data mining to image and video computing, our professors and researchers are continually exploring and breaking new ground. See where they’re headed next.
Careers: Next Steps
Our CS Connections program is designed to link students and potential employers in the computer science and cyber security fields. We also offer plenty of professional resources, networking events, and the latest job and internship listings.
Resources for Current Cyber-Security Students