Cyber Security

The overall goal of the MSC program is to provide students with the background knowledge in theory and practice to understand current cyber security threats, but more importantly to be able to understand, adapt, and develop new techniques to confront emerging threats. The research component of the MSC embodied in the culminating thesis requires students to expand beyond state-of-the-art technique by exploring new and creative approaches to address emerging threats.

The MSC degree is a natural continuation of studies for students who have received a baccalaureate in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, electrical engineering, information systems, mathematics, software engineering, or a related technical area, and are interested in furthering their knowledge in cyber security.

The program requires a total of 32 semester hours: 16 semester hours of foundation and core courses, 16 semester hours of depth course work, which optionally includes a master's thesis.

Core courses in computer network security, host computer security, and information security provide the theoretical basis for understanding the source of vulnerabilities in computation and information systems. The courses also expose students to state-of-the-art tools and techniques for identifying threats related to networking infrastructure, computer systems and the data and information flowing through the system.

With this broad theoretical foundation, students can select courses from domain areas that provide both depth and breadth of coverage across a wide variety of topics in cyber security. The curriculum for the MSC program blends contemporary knowledge with advanced research concepts to deliver a cutting-edge program.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information systems managers and administrators is projected to jump between 2008 and 2018. The number of computer and information systems managers is slated to increase 17%, while the amount of computer network, systems and database administrators is expected to skyrocket 30%. These workers help companies adopt new technologies, boosting corporate competitiveness and protection against cyber attacks.

The Department of Homeland Security, meanwhile, is hiring 1,000 cyber experts in three years to protect the nation's cyber infrastructure. The Department of Defense is reportedly adding 50,000 security experts in coming years. Other government studies have indicated the need for at least 1,000 new cyber security graduates per year for the foreseeable future. Cyber security positions are growing rapidly in the banking sector as well.

Employment opportunities will continue to be available in both public and private sectors in areas of cyber risk and strategic analysis, vulnerability detection and assessment, cyber incident response, intelligence and investigation, networking and systems engineering.