Program Overview
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Risk
Overview
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Risk program at the University at Albany is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect organizational assets from cyber threats. The program offers two concentrations: Cyber Risk Management & Compliance and Cybersecurity & Privacy of Health Information.
Program of Study
The program consists of 36 credits of coursework in the selected concentration, followed by a 3-6 credit internship or thesis. The program offers flexibility to tailor the path based on interests, whether in technical, risk and compliance, or managerial and strategic roles.
Concentrations
Cyber Risk Management & Compliance
This concentration focuses on policy and risk management, with a focus on how cyber incidents and cybersecurity programs impact the security of organizations and government. It also incorporates a focus on homeland security.
- Core Courses (21 credits)
- Advanced Networking and Security OR Advanced Networking
- Information Security and Privacy OR Introduction to Information and Cybersecurity
- Human Aspects of Cybersecurity OR Psychology of Security
- Information Security Compliance Auditing
- Core Electives - Choose three from the following:
- Principles and Practices of Cybersecurity
- Computer and Network Security
- IT and Homeland Security
- Cybersecurity Risk and Policy
- Cybersecurity: Long Term Planning and Risk Management
- Cybersecurity Tool (3 credits)
- Choose one:
- Hacking for Penetration Testers
- Computer Forensics
- Incident Handling
- Fundamentals of Information Technology (3 one-credit modules)
- Choose one:
- Electives (9 credits)
- Choose three:
- Cybersecurity Policy, Law and Institutions
- Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity
- Cyber Threats and Intelligence
- Cybersecurity Practicum
- Cyberlaw & Ethics
- Cyber Vulnerability Exploitation
- Other elective as advised
- Choose three:
- Internship OR Master's Thesis (3 credits)
Cybersecurity & Privacy of Health Information
This concentration prepares students to apply security analytics, risk assessment, and policy management to protecting health information.
- Core Courses (21 credits)
- Advanced Networking and Security OR Advanced Networking
- Information Security and Privacy OR Introduction to Information and Cybersecurity
- Health Information Technology
- Topics in Health Policy & Mgt: Health Analytics
- Core Electives - Choose three from the following:
- Information Security Compliance Auditing
- Principles and Practices of Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Risk and Policy
- Computer and Network Security
- Cyber Vulnerability Exploitation
- Cybersecurity Tool (3 credits)
- Choose one:
- Hacking for Penetration Testers
- Computer Forensics
- Incident Handling
- Fundamentals of Information Technology (3 one-credit modules)
- Choose one:
- Electives (9 credits)
- Choose three:
- Cybersecurity Policy, Law and Institutions
- Human Aspects of Cybersecurity OR Psychology of Security
- Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Practicum
- Other elective as advised
- Choose three:
- Internship OR Master's Thesis (3 credits)
Career Paths
The program prepares students for high-demand careers in government, finance, healthcare, energy, and technology. Potential job titles include:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- GRC Specialist
- Security Auditor
- Data Privacy Officer
- Cybersecurity Program Manager
- Policy Advisor
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Why Enroll in this Program?
The program is especially attractive to recent graduates with degrees in emergency preparedness, homeland security, cybersecurity, informatics, applied engineering, mathematics, and computer science. If you're an early- or mid-career working professional wanting to advance your career, you can finish the program part-time by registering for evening classes.
Admissions Requirements
- Deadlines: Rolling
- Required Application Materials:
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Two Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Special Notes:
- If you are a UAlbany undergraduate student in the BS Informatics program or the BS Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (Cybersecurity Risk Management concentration) program, you can apply for the accelerated bachelor's-master's option in the MS in Cybersecurity and Risk to complete your combined program in only five years.
Student Learning Objectives
- Design and implement effective cybersecurity strategies to protect organizational assets.
- Lead and manage cybersecurity teams and initiatives in diverse organizational settings.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
- Assess and mitigate cybersecurity risks through advanced risk management techniques.
- Conduct in-depth security analytics to detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats.
- Develop and enforce policies that address cybersecurity challenges, privacy, and governance.
- Perform network security, penetration testing, and digital forensics to identify vulnerabilities and secure systems.
- Apply cryptographic techniques to protect sensitive information and communications.
- Understand and navigate legal, ethical, and compliance frameworks within cybersecurity.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of security operations and organizational resilience.
- Demonstrate comprehension of top five foundational concepts in information technology, including programming, operating systems, cryptography, databases, and networking.
- Have operational knowledge of cybersecurity tools in the domains of anti-virus, anti-malware, network defense, intrusion detection, and encryption.