Program Overview

Introduction to the Cyber Security Graduate Program

The Cyber Security Graduate Program at Sabancı University offers students a unique opportunity to acquire a graduate degree in cyber security. With a carefully designed curriculum, academic staff conducting research in relevant areas, and a progressive approach to education, the program provides students with an in-depth education and participation in original research projects.

Program Description

The program focuses on contemporary cyber-security needs, covering areas such as:

• Cryptography
• Mathematics of cryptography (especially number theory and abstract algebra)
• Cryptographic engineering (secure and efficient realization of cryptographic algorithms)
• System level knowledge (operating systems, computer architectures)
• Computer networks and security
• Wireless networks and security
• Software security
• Digital forensics
• Penetration testing
• Cybersecurity intelligence
• Data privacy and biometrics

Research Areas

Ongoing activities and research areas in cybersecurity at Sabancı University include:

• Computer and Network Security
• Biometrics
• Blockchain
• Cryptography
• Cryptographic Engineering
• Software and Hardware Realization of Cryptographic Systems
• Wireless System Security
• Data Security and Privacy
• Software Security

Ph.D. Qualifying Written Exam

The Ph.D. Qualifying Exam consists of written and oral exam parts. The written qualifying exams offered by the CYSEC PhD Program include:

• Cryptography and Network Security (CS 411, CS432)
• Operating Systems and Computer Networks (CS307, CS408)
• Computer Architecture and Digital Design (CS303, CS401)

Students must pass Ph.D. Qualifying written exams from three packages with specific rules:

• Students must pass Cryptography and Network Security exam.
• Students must pass at least one of “Operating Systems and Computer Networks” and “Computer Architecture and Digital Design” exams.
• If needed, students can select their third exam from additional options provided by other programs.

Ph.D. Program Outcomes

The program aims to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Develop and deepen current and advanced knowledge in the field with original thought and/or research.
2. Conceive the interdisciplinary interaction which the field is related with; come up with original solutions by using knowledge requiring proficiency on analysis, synthesis, and assessment of new and complex ideas.
3. Evaluate and use new information within the field in a systematic approach.
4. Develop an innovative knowledge, method, design, and/or practice or adapt an already known knowledge, method, design, and/or practice to another field; research, conceive, design, adapt, and implement an original subject.
5. Critical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of new and complex ideas.
6. Gain advanced level skills in the use of research methods in the field of study.
7. Contribute the progression in the field by producing an innovative idea, skill, design, and/or practice or by adapting an already known idea, skill, design, and/or practice to a different field independently.
8. Broaden the borders of the knowledge in the field by producing or interpreting an original work or publishing at least one scientific paper in the field in national and/or international refereed journals.
9. Demonstrate leadership in contexts requiring innovative and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
10. Develop new ideas and methods in the field by using high-level mental processes such as creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
11. Investigate and improve social connections and their conducting norms and manage the actions to change them when necessary.
12. Defend original views when exchanging ideas in the field with professionals and communicate effectively by showing competence in the field.
13. Ability to communicate and discuss orally, in written, and visually with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio C1 General Level.
14. Contribute to the transition of the community to an information society and its sustainability process by introducing scientific, technological, social, or cultural improvements.
15. Demonstrate functional interaction by using strategic decision-making processes in solving problems encountered in the field.
16. Contribute to the solution finding process regarding social, scientific, cultural, and ethical problems in the field and support the development of these values.

MSc Program Outcomes

The MSc program aims to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Develop the ability to use critical, analytical, and reflective thinking and reasoning.
2. Reflect on social and ethical responsibilities in his/her professional life.
3. Gain experience and confidence in the dissemination of project/research outputs.
4. Work responsibly and creatively as an individual or as a member or leader of a team and in multidisciplinary environments.
5. Communicate effectively by oral, written, graphical, and technological means and have competency in English.
6. Independently reach and acquire information and develop appreciation of the need for continuously learning and updating.

Common Outcomes of Our Graduate Programs at FENS

7. Design and model engineering systems and processes and solve engineering problems with an innovative approach.
8. Establish experimental setups, conduct experiments and/or simulations.
9. Analytically acquire and interpret data.

Cyber Security (With Thesis) Graduate Program Specific Outcomes

10. To have acquired basic theoretical knowledge and technical infrastructure in the field of cyber security.
11. To have developed a deep experience and understanding on the basic methods and human-induced and technical weaknesses followed by the existing and future cyber-attacks, threats, and counterfeiting.
12. To be able to analyze an IT infrastructure comprehensively and to determine risk by monitoring the existing weaknesses and to determine a cyber security strategy.
13. To take the necessary measures to prevent possible costs and destruction during the occurrence of cyber-attacks.
14. To be able to use current cyber security software tools and related software for professional purposes.