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:
CS 4471/5471 | Computer Security1 |
EE 4723 | Network Security |
CS 5001 | National Cybersecurity Policy and Law |
MA 3203 |
Cryptography |
1Students on the CIP and NSM tracks may substitute SAT 4812 (Cybersecurity II) or EE 5455 (Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems) for CS 4471/CS 5471. |
Concentration Course Requirements
- Satisfy 12 credits concentration-course requirements by completing the four courses in your concentration below:
TSE | CS 5472 | Advanced Topics in Computer Security |
TSE | CS 4710 | Model Driven Software Development |
TSE | CS 5321 | Advanced Algorithms |
TSE | CS 5740 | Development of Trusted Software |
CIP | EE 5500 | Probability and Stochastic Processes |
CIP | EE 5231 | Energy Control Center Applications |
CIP | EE 5451 | Risk Assessment for Critical Infrastructure Protection |
CIP | EE 6210 | Power System Dynamics and Stability |
NSM | SAT 4520/5520 | Machine Learning in Cyber Security |
NSM | SAT 5111 | Security and Privacy |
NSM | SAT 5283 | Information Governance and Risk Management |
NSM | SAT 5816 | Digital Forensics |
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:
Course work | 24 credits |
Report | 2-6 credits |
Total (minimum) | 30 credits |
Distribution of course work credit | |
5001–6001 series (minimum) | 12 credits |
3000–4001 level (maximum) | 12 credits |
Completing CS 5990 |
3 to 6 credits |
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:
Course work | 24 credits |
Report | 2-6 credits |
Total (minimum) | 30 credits |
Distribution of course work credit | |
5001–6001 series (minimum) | 12 credits |
3000–4001 level (maximum) | 12 credits |
Completing CS 5990 |
3-6 credits |
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:
Distribution of course work credit | |
5001–6000 series (minimum) | 18 credits |
3000–4001 level (maximum) | 12 credits |
Complete electives | 6 credits |