Advising

• Degree Tracks
• Requirements
• Options

Degree Tracks

Track 1: Trusted Software Engineering (TSE)

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 TSE 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.

Track 2: Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)

Advances in smart-grid technology create both improvements and entry points for hackers. Students in the CIP track focus on power grid cybersecurity with a critical mass of courses—industrial control security, network architecture, threat identification, anomaly detection, incident response, forensics, and recovery—that provides students with the knowledge and skills to carry out North America Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) CIP compliance and industry best practices. 

Track 3: Network Security Management (NSM)

Network Security Managers are among the highest-paid in the cybersecurity field, with an average salary range of $100,215 to $71,433, more in larger organizations. Students in the NSM 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.

MS Degree Requirements

• Complete 30 total approved credits
• You must earn a grade of B or better in all courses

Core Course Requirements: 

• Satisfy 12 credits of core-course requirements by completing the four courses below:

Concentration Course Requirements

• Satisfy 12 credits concentration-course requirements by completing the four courses in your concentration below:

MS Degree Completion Options

1. Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis, prepared under the supervision of your advisor, that describes a research investigation and its results. 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 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits. 

• The minimum requirements:

2. 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:

3. Course Work Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits earned through course work. 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: