Cybersecurity—MS

The Cybersecurity master’s program at Michigan Tech answers the demand with a collaborative program through the departments of Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Applied Computing. Students develop a unique focus for the careers—and the future—they want to create. Michigan Tech’s master's in cybersecurity curriculum combines both theory and applied research across multiple computing disciplines. Graduates are prepared to succeed as cybersecurity professionals and researchers.

Cybersecurity Is a National Priority

Trusted software engineering. Critical infrastructure protection. Network security management. Cybersecurity is a broad field and a national priority. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cybersecurity sector is projected to grow 33 percent from 2023 to 2033.

CAE-designated Institution

Michigan Tech is National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE–CD) and in Cyber Research (CAE-R) designated by the National Security Agency (NSA). The Institute of Computing and Cybersystem's (ICC) Center for Cybersecurity is the CAE cyber center at Michigan Tech.

Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) seal

National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R)

The CAE-R designation identifies institutions that excel in cybersecurity research and are formally recognized by the NSA and DHS for their contributions. Students at these institutions benefit from a recognized research environment that can connect them to future opportunities in public and private sectors.

Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) seal

National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)

The CAE-CD recognizes institutions that deliver high-quality, hands-on cybersecurity education aligned with national workforce needs. Students are prepared with skills that are valued across government and industry.

What Sets Us Apart

The Cybersecurity MS program incorporates academic and industry experience across multiple disciplines, with blended learning in theoretical and applied research. Shared resources and centers create a learning environment with strong research opportunities where students can thrive.
Students have the flexibility to customize their coursework to align with career goals in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Systems Security, and other high-impact domains within cybersecurity.
Our faculty research is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Microsoft, Google, and others. Five faculty members and an alumnus are NSF CAREER Award recipients.
Michigan Tech is one of only a few universities in the region that offers a cybersecurity graduate program.

MS Degree Completion Options

Students select one of three degree completion options: Thesis, Report, or Coursework.

MS, Cybersecurity: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Cybersecurity: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Cybersecurity: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Course Information

Undergraduate Course Descriptions Graduate Course Descriptions

The degree requires completion of 30 credits from three categories. It requires four core courses (12 credits), at least three specialization courses (9 credits) and additional general courses may be taken to complete the required 30 hours.

Core Courses

4 courses/12 credits

CS 4471/5471 Computer Security or SAT 5111 Security and Privacy
CS 4723 Network Security
CS 4001/5001 National Cybersecurity Policy and Law
CS 5350 Modern Cryptography or MA 3203 Introduction to Cryptography

General Courses

Any CS, EE, or SAT 4000 or 5000 level courses. There are a few courses that do not count, please see the graduate handbook or contact an advisor.

EET 4501 Applied Machine Learning
EET 5144 Real-Time Robotics Systems
EET 5147 Industrial Robotic Vision System and Advanced Teach Pendant Programming
UN 5550 Introduction to Data Science
BA 5200 Information Systems Management and Data Analytics
SAT 5988 Practical Experience in Cybersecurity (up to 6 credits, requires instructor approval)

Specialization Courses

At least 9 credits

CS 4710 Model Driven Software Development
CS 5472 Advanced Topics in Computer Security
CS 4740/5740 Development of Trusted Software
CS 5751 Dependable and Secure CPS-IoT
EE 5315 Cyber Security of Automotive Systems I
EE 5455 Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems
SAT 5283 Information Governance and Risk Management
SAT 4520/5520 Machine Learning in Cyber Security
SAT 5816 Digital Forensics
SAT 5817 Security Penetration Test and Audit

Degree Tracks

Trusted Software Engineering

Trusted software is the foundation of cybersecurity. The Software Engineering Institute estimates that 90 percent of reported security incidents result from exploits against defects in software design or code. Students in the Software Engineering track learn how to systematically apply scientific and technical knowledge to the design, implementation and testing of software to enable it to withstand attack, to provide security services, and to inspire trust by potential hosts.

CS 4710 Model Driven Software Development
CS 4711 Software Processes and Management
CS 4740/5740 Development of Trusted Software
CS 5751 Dependable and Secure CPS-IoT
SAT 5817 Security Penetration Test and Audit

System Security

Systems security prepares students for advanced technical roles in securing modern computing systems and critical infrastructure, including careers as security engineers, systems security analysts, vulnerability researchers, and digital forensics specialists. With a strong grounding in cybersecurity fundamentals and deep technical expertise in areas such as operating systems, compilers, architecture, and digital forensics, students develop the skills needed to analyze complex systems, identify and mitigate security threats, and contribute to the design of secure technologies.

CS 4411 Operating Systems
CS 4130 Compiler Design and Optimization
CS 4431 Computer Architecture
CS 5472 Advanced Topics in Computer Security
SAT 5816 Digital Forensics

Applied Network Security

Students in the Network Security track learn to develop and manage networks and services to meet computing-resources needs for organizations. Effective network and system management targets a variety of threats in different layers to stop them from entering or spreading on networks. Security teams design the networks, set up appropriate services, ensure resources are available, address performance concerns, study histories, and troubleshoot network and host problems.

CS 4811 Artifical Intelligence
CS 5472 Advanced Topics in Computer Security
CS 5481 Systems Performance Analysis or SAT 5520
CS 5831 Advanced Data Mining or SAT 5165 Introduction to Big Data Analysis

Artificial Intelligence

AI and machine learning (ML) are becoming versatile tools in cybersecurity to detect new threats, identify and combat bad bots, and improve both risk identification and intrusion detection. At the same time, AI and ML systems themselves have unique properties that can be the target of an attack such as model theft, model hijacking, data poisoning, and adversarial examples. In the AI track, you will learn the fundamentals of AI and machine learning and their use in cybersecurity. In addition, you will learn about attacks that target ML systems and how to develop countermeasures.

CS 4811 Artificial Intelligence
CS 5472 Advanced Topics in Computer Security
CS 5481 Systems Performance Analysis or SAT 5520
CS 5831 Advanced Data Mining or SAT 5165 Introduction to Big Data Analysis

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

2 Letters of Recommendation
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate overall GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale
GRE required for International Students
Students must choose one of the areas of interest
4-year bachelor's degree required - Must have a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or computer engineering. Students with degrees in other fields may be required to take preparatory courses.

International Students

TOEFL: Recommended Score of at least 90 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Score of 6.5 overall

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

For Fall: beginning January 1
For Spring: beginning October 1

Recommended Deadlines

Fall Semester: May 1
Spring Semester: September 1
Summer: Please contact the Graduate Program Director
For full financial consideration for Fall: February 1

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accelerated Master's Requirements

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Specific

2 Letters of Recommendation
GPA of 3.0 or greater
No GRE required

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Computer Science
Software Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Network and System Administration
Cybersecurity

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.