Program Overview
The Master of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity provides students with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity and information assurance. The program offers a thesis or non-thesis project option and focuses on areas such as computer and network security, software security, and data protection. Graduates are prepared for careers in cybersecurity, including roles as computer network architects, systems analysts, and software engineers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Science (MS) program in Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of cybersecurity and information assurance. This program offers a thesis and nonthesis project portfolio option.
Objectives:
- Provide students with the knowledge and skills needed in science and engineering for cybersecurity.
- Prepare graduates for careers in cybersecurity and information assurance.
- Focus on areas including computer and network security, software security, data and information security, applied cryptography, and computer forensics.
Outline:
The program consists of 30 credit hours, including:
Required Core Areas (9 credit hours):
- Applications (3 credit hours)
- Foundations (3 credit hours)
- Systems (3 credit hours)
Concentration (9 credit hours):
- Information Assurance and Security (3 credit hours)
- Choose two from:
- Applied Cryptography (3 credit hours)
- Software Security (3 credit hours)
- Advanced Computer Network Security (3 credit hours)
Electives or Research (6 or 9 or 12 credit hours):
Students can choose electives or complete research depending on their chosen culminating experience.
Culminating Experience (0 or 3 or 6 credit hours):
- Applied Project (6 credit hours)
- Thesis (6 credit hours)
- Portfolio (0 credit hours)
Assessment:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Coursework assignments and exams
- Project presentations and reports
- Thesis or portfolio defense
Teaching:
The program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in cybersecurity and related fields. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Hands-on labs
- Research projects
Careers:
Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in cybersecurity, including:
- Computer network architect
- Computer systems analyst
- Computer systems security engineer
- Data scientist or engineer
- Machine learning, AI, or computer vision engineer
- Software developer
- Software engineer
Other:
- The program is STEM-OPT eligible, allowing international students to extend their OPT work authorization for up to 36 months.
- The program offers accelerated options for students who want to complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in as little as five years.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree: Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related area from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00) in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00) in an applicable master's degree program.
- Transcripts:
- GRE scores: are not required if the student has earned an undergraduate degree in computer science or computer systems engineering from ASU.
- Statement of purpose:
International Overseas Students outside the EU:
- Same requirements as EU Home Students. This can be done through one of the following:
- A TOEFL score of at least 80
- An IELTS score of at least 6.5
- A PTE Academic score of at least 53
- Completion of an English language proficiency program approved by ASU
Note:
- Students assigned any deficiency coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher within two semesters of admission to the program.
- The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
