Program Overview

Master of Science in Technology, Cybersecurity & Policy Degree Requirements

The Master's in Technology, Cybersecurity & Policy requires a total of 30 credits for completion.

Curriculum Overview

• The program consists of three core areas: Cybersecurity, Technology, Thought Leadership and Policy, and Networking and Secure Communications.
• Students must complete the three core courses listed below to explore each area.
• These areas cover the skills needed to become a leader in Technology, Cybersecurity and Policy and ensures graduates have the technical, policy, and strategy skills to work in industry and advance to senior leadership levels.

TCP Core Courses

The TCP program has three core areas:

1. CYBR 5300: Cybersecurity
   Introduces students to the key concepts in the design and use of cybersecurity techniques to protect individuals, corporations, and nations.
2. CYBR 5000: Seminar in Technology, Cybersecurity and Policy
   The TCP seminar is a three-credit course that runs in the fall semester intended to introduce students to a variety of topics in technology, cybersecurity and policy.
3. CYBR 5010: Fundamentals of Data Communication
   Introduces students to the underlying technologies involved in networked systems and secure data communications between computers and other hosts.

TCP Depth Areas

TCP’s advanced courses allow students to gain deeper knowledge and focus in the area of their choosing. Students must select a depth area and complete the 15 credit (5 course) requirement associated with that depth area. Three depth areas are currently available:

• Cybersecurity Engineering
  • 4 Required Courses
    • CYBR 5320: Cybersecurity Network Analytics
    • CYBR 5330: Digital Forensics
    • CYBR 5350: Security Auditing and Penetration Testing
    • CYBR 5830: Special Topics: Software Reverse Engineering
  • 1 Advanced Elective Option
    • CYBR 5240: Introduction to Blockchain
    • CSCI 5413: Computer Security and Ethical Hacking
• Secure Communications
  • 4 Required Courses
    • CYBR 5200: Introduction to Wireless Systems
    • CYBR 5220: Wireless Local Area Networks
    • CYBR 6200: Advanced Wireless Lab
    • CYBR 6215: Wireless and Cellular Systems
  • 1 Advanced Elective Option
    • CYBR 5230: Wireless Systems Lab
    • CYBR 5420: Spectrum Management and Policy
    • CYBR 5240: Introduction to Blockchain
• Custom
  • Students electing to take the Custom Depth Area option must first obtain approval from the TCP Program.

Interdisciplinary Capstone

To complete their interdisciplinary capstone, students will work in teams across two semesters to complete an advanced project that builds on their Core and Depth Area courses. Projects are often done in conjunction with industry partners. Topics are selected based on the combined interests of the students, the faculty, and external partners such as industry and government.

Research Thesis

With faculty approval, students may elect to take 6 credits of thesis work (CYBR 6950) in place of the Interdisciplinary Capstone requirement. To complete a thesis, the student must get approval from a faculty member who will serve as their thesis advisor and find two additional faculty members who are able to serve on their thesis committee.

Portfolio

The portfolio option allows a student to petition the graduate committee to identify two courses that will help them customize their TCP degree in a way that will help them meet their academic and career goals.

Academic Standards

Minimum Grades & GPA Requirements

Students must complete a total of 30 credit hours of approved graduate level course work with a grade of C or better and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.

Incomplete (I) Grades

An incomplete (I) grade is given only when students, for documented reasons beyond their control, have been unable to complete course requirements in the semester enrolled.

Graduation Checklist

The following Graduate School forms must be submitted to the TCP Program for approval:

• Apply to Graduate.
• Candidacy Application for Advanced Degree
• Master's Examination Report
• Final Grade Card
• Thesis Approval FORM (TAF)

Transfer Credit

Master's students may request a maximum of nine semester hours taken at another University or within CU to be transferred. All transfer requests must have departmental approval.