MSc in Cyber Security Program

Program Name

MSc in Cyber Security (MScCS)

Program Description

Cybercrime has been described as "the greatest wealth transfer in history." Securing cyberspace is crucial for nations to maintain and increase their economic activity through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as e-commerce, finance, and governance. Cybersecurity has now entered the mainstream of our daily lives. Many fields, such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail, require cybersecurity specialists to protect valuable information from cyber violations. The demand for specialists in this field is high.

This program will achieve one of the goals of the Kingdom's vision, as Saudi Arabia has established a new cybersecurity authority to enhance national security and protect its vital interests and critical infrastructure. The authority will enhance the protection of networks, information technology systems, operating systems, hardware components, software, data, and services, given the increasing vital importance of cybersecurity in the life of communities. It also aims to establish a national cybersecurity industry to consolidate the Kingdom's leadership in this field in line with Vision 2030.

The program will prioritize the attraction, qualification, and empowerment of qualified national cadres, building partnerships with public and private entities, and encouraging innovation and investment in cybersecurity to contribute to achieving a technological renaissance that serves the future of the national economy. The increasing threat to cybersecurity has prompted the Kingdom to pay greater attention to its national cybersecurity strategy as the country embarks on its Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify its economy. Technology will play a crucial role in facilitating the vision, and the digitization of almost all government data will inevitably make it more vulnerable to cybercriminals.

Total Hours Required to Complete the Program

37

Expected Professional Careers

The program prepares its graduates to work in one of the following positions:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Cybersecurity Engineer
• Cybersecurity Architect
• Cybersecurity Manager
• Cybersecurity Software Developer
• Cryptologist
• Code Analyst
• Security Consultant

In addition, the program prepares its graduates to work as:

• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

Program Mission

The program's graduates will make a significant contribution to the field of cybersecurity for individuals, companies, government services, and organizations.

Program Objectives

1. Prepare highly qualified and industry-ready specialists in the field of cybersecurity.
2. Prepare students to become leading academic researchers in the field of cybersecurity and privacy, and to address technical and political security challenges.
3. Develop and enhance research skills in the field of cybersecurity.
4. Create future leaders in the field of cybersecurity and privacy in academic, government, and industrial environments.
5. Prepare students to participate in continuous learning activities within a professional, legal, and ethical framework.

Program Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

• Identify information security issues using appropriate methods and industry-standard terminology.
• Describe the characteristics of information security to protect computing and information resources belonging to the organization.
• Conclude information security gaps, considering current and emerging technologies, and current and trending information security conditions.

Skills

• Evaluate and respond appropriately to various risks that can affect the expected operation of information systems.
• Investigate current and emerging cyber threats, and various communication and transmission attacks, and integrate best practices to reduce them.
• Apply preventive measures and security testing to given components to help protect the organization's resources.
• Use appropriate policies, procedures, and ethical considerations to protect information security and information security levels to ensure data integrity and security for information systems and networks in a global context.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse audience to interpret cybersecurity policies and ethics within a given scenario.

Values

• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed decisions in the practice of information security based on legal and ethical principles.
• Work effectively as a member or leader of a team participating in activities appropriate to the program specialization.

Admission

The general admission requirements for studying at Taif University are available here. The regulations help students understand the study system and the university's regulations regarding admission, study, and exams for students.

The specific admission requirements and conditions for the MSc in Cyber Security program are available here.

Admission to the College of Computers and Information Technology is highly competitive. The number of admitted students is limited to the number of available seats as determined by the university council, based on the college's physical and human capabilities.

Degree Requirements

The Master's degree in Cyber Security is a non-thesis degree, which requires students to complete 30 credit hours of compulsory core courses, in addition to 6 credit hours of elective courses. Under this track, students are required to earn 6 credit hours for a research project under the supervision of their academic advisors. Degree requirements are available here.

For more information about the program description, please refer to the report available here.

Research

Students of the MSc in Cyber Security program participate efficiently in various important research areas related to cybersecurity in cooperation with specialized faculty members in the field. Our faculty provides students with continuous opportunities to conduct realistic research and publish results that benefit the scientific community. An integral part of our graduate students' experience is involving them in the research and publication process.

To view the latest research contributions and publications by program staff in accredited journals and conferences, please refer to the report available here.

Attachments:

• MSc in Cyber Security program requirements
• Study plan for the MSc in Cyber Security program
• Research project guide for the MSc in Cyber Security program
• Program description report for the MSc in Cyber Security
• List of research publications in the MSc in Cyber Security program

Taif University

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Overview:

Taif University is a public university located in Taif, Saudi Arabia. It is a prominent institution of higher education in the region, known for its commitment to academic excellence and its diverse range of programs.

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Academic Programs:

Taif University offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Medical Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Applied Medical Sciences, Nursing

Humanities and Education:

Education, Arts

Sharia and Administration:

Sharia and Law, Business Administration

Science and Engineering:

Science, Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Design and Applied Arts

Branches:

Taif University also has branches in Turabah, Rania, and Al-Kharmah, offering a variety of programs at the undergraduate level.

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Other:

Taif University has a strong focus on research and development, with several research centers dedicated to various fields. The university also boasts a central library, a digital library, and a range of online services for students and staff.