Program Overview

Master of Science in Cyber Security, Technology and Policy

The Master of Science in Cyber Security, Technology and Policy is a degree program intended for individuals who will systematically analyze cybersecurity and technologies issues, implementation, and analysis, within an interdisciplinary and strategic approach, and according to the mission of the organization.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Cyber Security, Technology and Policy is to provide students with both policy and cybersecurity expertise needed to study and solve complex problems using innovative methods for existing technology on a societal level. This graduate program fills a workforce demand focusing on policymaking and policy analysis in relation to the cybersecurity field that is needed both in Texas and nationally.

Program Description

Cyber threats and attacks are increasing in frequency and severity. The MS in Cyber Security, Technology and Policy provides the opportunity for both students with prior computer science experience and those coming from nontechnical backgrounds to learn strategic, policy, and analytic aspects of cybersecurity. In addition to courses in informational systems, computer science, and cognitive psychology, this program provides public policy courses regarding privacy, ethics, data security, and regulations, in relation to cybersecurity.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be prepared for managerial and analyst positions in a wide array of professional settings in the public and private sectors, specifically as security, intelligence, or cybersecurity analysts or managers. Some potential job titles include:

• Cybersecurity analyst
• Cybersecurity engineer
• Information security officer
• Security researcher
• Senior tech associate
• Data analytics specialist
• Security operations center analyst
• Digital forensics and incident response consultant

Objectives

The objectives of the program are:

• Students will analyze the risks of vectors of cyber attacks, identify security gaps, and the pros and cons of different policy and security options.
• Students will identify sector-specific standards and policies regarding privacy, ethics, and legal requirements.
• Students will analyze the options that ensure survivability, resilience, and restoration of services and functions and demonstrate resourcefulness in investigating unfamiliar issues.
• Students will communicate complex security and policy information, concepts, or ideas in a confident and well-organized manner through verbal, written, and/or visual means.

Required Classes

The required classes for the program are: | Course Number | Course Name | | --- | --- | | PPPE/PSCI 6302 | Political Violence and Conflict in Cyber Space | | CS 6303 | Cyber Security Essentials for Practitioners | | PPPE/PSCI 6308 | Governance and Auditing Essentials for Cyber Security | | MIS 6330 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals | | MIS 6333 | Digital Forensics and Incident Management | | PSYC | Cognitive Psychology Essentials for Cyber Security | | PPPE/PSCI 6303 | Cyber Security Policy | | PPPE/PSCI 6315 | Legal Aspects of Cyber Security and Cyber Security Ethics | | CS 6305 | Data Security and Privacy for Practitioners | | CS 6306 | Cyber Security Analytics & Malware Analysis for Practitioners | | CS 6308 | Cyber Physical Systems and Critical Infrastructure for Practitioners | | PPPE/PSCI 6328 | Capstone in Cyber Security and Policy |

Other classes may be substituted with the approval of the program head.

Facilities

Students have access to the computing facilities in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences and the University's computer labs. The school has four computing laboratories, which house 24-30 computers each that are network linked and equipped with major social science software packages, including EViews, R, RATS, SPSS, and Stata. A geographic information system, the LexisNexis database, and Westlaw are also available for student use.

Admission Requirements

Although applications will be reviewed holistically, in general, entering students have earned a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (on a 4.0 point scale). An application essay, letter of recommendation, and official transcripts are also required.

Prerequisites

While there are no specific course prerequisites, entering students will benefit from exposure to undergraduate courses in statistics.

Grading Policy

In order to qualify for graduation, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.