Computer Science

Cybersecurity MS Degree Program

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 29 percent from 2024 to 2034.

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.

Course Information

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.

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.

Taking the Leap to Graduate School?

Learn more about the Graduate Master's Cybersecurity Program at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Funding Opportunities

Financial Support

The graduate program endeavors to support all students who need financial support using a combination of external and internal funding. The funding opportunities are varied across disciplinary boundaries. The graduate school endeavors to find funding opportunities for each incoming student appropriate to that student’s background, however, funding is not guaranteed.

Decisions on financial support and contract offers for the upcoming academic year are typically made in the spring semester.

Applicants for GRA (Graduate Research Assistant) positions should submit a current vita emphasizing their research qualifications.

Conferences and Travel Support

It is important for students to attend conferences in their area of research. Often, travel support is available through various research grants, but students should not depend upon this. Limited travel funds are available from the Graduate Student Government (GSG). Contact gradadms@mtu.edu with your questions regarding funding opportunities.

Fellowships and Scholarships

Resources

 

The Department of Computer Science

In Michigan Tech’s Department of Computer Science, we pioneer the future. Our students learn to think deeply at the computational level, where the technological evolution is happening. Our peer mentoring programs, access to friendly faculty, and research collaborations across our R1 institution give Computing Huskies the support of a vibrant campus and industry network. Claim your place at the head of the pack and be part of the transformation as artificial intelligence and other advancements just over the edge of the computing horizon change the world.

In Tech's computer science department, you can:

  • Pilot human-robotics interactions and walk Balto, the robot dog greeter in our robotics lab.
  • Mentor fellow Huskies—or get the help you need in our one-of-a-kind Student Academic Mentors (SAM) program.
  • Tap into leading-edge research and continuous development opportunities in Michigan Tech’s Center for Artificial Intelligence.
  • Hang out in the Rekhi Round Lounge or our faculty-student lounge and get to know your fellow Huskies from across campus.
  • Do game-centric research for early Alzheimer’s detection and other life-changing projects in Tech’s new H-STEM Complex, which is devoted to cross-disciplinary health research.
  • Pursue a minor in computer science, cybersecurity, or data acquisition and controls to level up what you bring to the table.

MTU engineering

Tomorrow won’t wait. Neither will we.

Computing is for everyone, everywhere. Artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, and other forms of digital connectivity are ingrained in nearly every aspect of life. Cybersecurity has never been more important. These transformational technologies require intrepid problem-solvers, bold leaders, and fearless visionaries. You can be one of them.

Founded in 2019, Michigan Tech's College of Computing is one of the first colleges in the nation and one of the few institutions of its kind to focus solely on computing. Digital transformation has morphed every discipline into a computing discipline, reinventing industries like manufacturing, criminal justice, marketing, and healthcare. At Tech, we are making sure employers have the computing talent they need to thrive—and that our students are equipped for fulfilling careers now and for all the tomorrows to come.

The world needs Computing[MTU]. The world needs you.

Supercharge your future.

Study, do research, and build a future-forward career at a flagship R1 public research university powered by STEM. Get the theoretical knowledge and practical experience you need to succeed in a high-tech world.

Our students work alongside faculty on meaningful research, like helping to detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier and making machine learning more user-friendly. They connect at the intersection of engineering and computing in our mechatronics playground. They teach middle schoolers coding and cybersecurity basics, assist older generations with digital literacy essentials, and help each other persist through academic and life challenges through SAM, our unique peer mentoring program. Computing Huskies also partner with national entities like the US Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency as well as local businesses to analyze security and safeguard sensitive data. And, from robotics to the MTU RedTeam, Huskies train, run, and win national competitions.

Find your jam at Tech—whether it's competing in Esports, joining an Enterprise team, or working with a group of Huskies to build a robot in three days. Here, you’ll find opportunities to connect with what clicks. And when it’s time to blow off steam, the Keweenaw Peninsula’s trails, forests, and Lake Superior beaches await, along with Michigan Tech’s Mont Ripley Ski Hill.

When it comes to preparing for life after graduation, our Career Fair offers more than a one-day event—it’s a series of workshops and meetups, leading to co-ops, internships, and full-time, well-paying positions. If you want to be ready for what tomorrow needs, your future starts now, in the Michigan Tech College of Computing.

"I chose Tech for its unmatched combination of a great engineering program, scholarship opportunities, and fantastic outdoor activities such as skiing and mountain biking. There aren't many places where you can do these things and also see the Northern lights!."Peter LaMantia '25, MS Cybersecurity