Overview
Cyber-Attacks continue to rise around the world and companies are struggling to keep up with the increases in attacks. This STEM-designated program teaches students how to identify cybersecurity risks, understand different cyber-attacks and ways to mitigate those risks or solve cybersecurity issues. This degree program prepares students to protect critical information systems, data, and infrastructure from cyber threats. Through a combination of technical training, strategic thinking, and ethical understanding, students will be equipped to address the evolving landscape of cybersecurity challenges.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for careers such as Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant, Network Security Engineer, and Penetration Tester, with opportunities in sectors like finance, government, healthcare, and technology. Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand in the US () and around the world.
Program Objectives
- Core Technical Skills: Students will develop proficiency in key areas such as network security, cryptography, risk assessment, and secure software development.
- Threat Analysis and Mitigation: The program emphasizes the identification and mitigation of cybersecurity risks, teaching students how to prevent, detect, and respond to potential cyber threats.
- Ethics and Legal Frameworks: With a focus on ethical and legal issues in cybersecurity, students will gain an understanding of privacy laws, data protection regulations, and responsible handling of sensitive information.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Cybersecurity program will be able to:
- Identify and defend against a variety of cyber threats across different platforms.
- Conduct risk assessments and develop security policies to protect information assets.
- Use ethical hacking techniques to uncover and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
- Demonstrate an understanding of cybersecurity laws and ethical standards.
Curriculum
Master of Science in Computer Science (33 CH) - Cybersecurity
Required courses (21 CH):
- CSCI 5003 Object-Oriented Programming Design & Patterns
- CSCI 5403 Software Engineering
- CSCI 5413 Algorithm Design and Analysis
- CSCI 5603 Database Design
- CSCI 6583 Internship (16 weeks) OR
- CSCI 6883-6 M.S. Degree Project (16 weeks) OR
- CSCI 6983-6 M.S. Degree Research (16 weeks)
- CSCI 5-6xxx CSCI elective outside of chosen track
- CSCI 5-6xxx CSCI elective outside of chosen track
Cybersecurity (12 Hours)
- CSCI 6113 Cryptography - History of cryptography and modern practices to secure systems: ciphers, encryption, hashing, RSA, public key encryption, protecting personally identifiable information (PII), and best practices.
- CSCI 6123 Cloud Security - Hands-on introduction to securing your code and cloud infrastructure in the cloud: authentication, authorization, firewall, gateway and API security.
- CSCI 6133 Ethical Hacking - Ethical Hacking/Pen Testing; simulate cyberattacks to evaluate computer systems: social engineering, physical security, application vulnerabilities, and vulnerability assessments.
- CSCI 6143 Secure Coding - Write code to guard against the most common hacker attacks: OWASP Top 10, secure authentication, storing data securely, input validation, and vulnerability management.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above (preference given to applicants with Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related area, or applicants with significant relevant experience)
- Personal statement and purpose for seeking the degree
- One letter of recommendation from an employer, supervisor, or professor
- Professional resume including academic and professional accomplishments
- Students must provide their own computer/laptop
Transferring from another Masters Program
- Students may transfer up to nine hours from another Computer Science Masters program
- Only grades of a "B" or higher will be transferred
- Need to include an Official transcript when applying to ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV
Graduate Admissions can be reached at [email protected] or by calling (405) 208-5351. If you are an International student seeking a visa, please contact [email protected] or 405-208-5358.
Related Programs
The Computer Science department at ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV offer several engaging Masters Programs including:
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