Program Overview

Cybersecurity Master of Science Degree

Overview

The Cybersecurity Master of Science Degree is designed to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical foundation in security computing, preparing them for leadership positions in the cybersecurity industry, academia, or research careers, or to pursue a more advanced degree in cybersecurity or another computing discipline.

Careers and Cooperative Education

Typical Job Titles

• Associate Detection and Response Engineer
• Backend Developer
• Cyber Defense Solutions Engineer
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Cyber Security Consultant
• GRC Consultant
• Incident Response Analyst
• Information Technology Analyst
• Security Engineer
• Systems Engineer

Cooperative Education

Cooperative education is optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the computing security MS degree. It provides students with relevant, hands-on career experience, giving them unparalleled credentials that truly set them apart.

Curriculum

Cybersecurity (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • CSEC-604: Cryptography and Authentication (3 credits)
  • CSEC-742: Computer System Security (3 credits)
  • Research Electives (6 credits)
  • Advanced Electives (6 credits)
• Second Year
  • CSEC-790: MS Thesis (6 credits)
  • Advanced Electives (6 credits)
• Total Semester Credit Hours: 30

Cybersecurity (capstone option), MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • CSEC-604: Cryptography and Authentication (3 credits)
  • CSEC-742: Computer System Security (3 credits)
  • Research Electives (6 credits)
  • Advanced Electives (6 credits)
• Second Year
  • CSEC-7XX: Capstone Research Elective (3 credits)
  • Advanced Electives (9 credits)
• Total Semester Credit Hours: 30

Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Cybersecurity MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in computing security, computer science, software engineering, information technology, networking, computer engineering, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or computer engineering technology (exceptional students from other fields may be admitted on a contingent basis). A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit one letter of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE optional for Fall 2025 applicants. No minimum score requirement.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

• TOEFL: 88
• IELTS: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 60

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree.

Faculty

• Hanif Rahbari, Assistant Professor
• Daryl Johnson, Associate Professor
• Bill Stackpole, Professor

Research

Cybersecurity faculty are actively engaged in consulting and research in various areas of secure computing and information assurance, such as cryptography, databases, networking, secure software development, and critical infrastructure security. There are opportunities for students to participate in research activities towards capstone completion or as independent study work.

Facilities

• ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute

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