Cybersecurity, M.S.

Program Director: George Dimitoglou, Ph.D.  [e-mail]; 301-696-3980

Overview:

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a 30-credit program designed for both technical and non-technical students with a bachelor’s degree. A prior background in information technology (IT) or computing is desirable, but not required to enter this program. Individuals without such background can enter the degree program by enrolling in two prerequisite foundation courses. The structure of the program allows students to enter from different disciplines, provides a common foundation and robust subject matter training necessary in today’s Cybersecurity job market.

The Master’s in Cybersecurity is designed to allow partnerships with local technology companies and government organizations. Students will be required and supported to pursue experiential learning and research opportunities during their studies. The program culminates with a team-based capstone project, linked to local industry and government partners. Students will work with faculty and partners to develop suitable research and project questions; collect data, design systems, develop software, protocols, methods and techniques; synthesize their findings or work artifacts into a final product; and present their findings to the partners and scholarly venues.

Application Requirements:

Students applying to the Cybersecurity program must submit all official transcripts and a résumé/CV that provides educational and professional experience with specific information about mathematics background, programming background, if any, and their technical skills. Applicants should also provide a statement of purpose indicating their motivation for choosing the program and the goals they hope to achieve through completing it.

For additional admission information, see Graduate Admission.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity requires completion of foundation courses designed to provide the appropriate background knowledge.  Students with undergraduate degrees in computer science or a related field may be waived from one or both of these courses at the time of application review.  If these courses are required, they are in addition to the 30 credits required for program completion (24 credits of core courses, 3 credits of elective, 3 credits of capstone).

Core Requirements

Capstone

Elective

	or
CYBR 597	Cybersecurity Practical Training	1.0 - 6.0

Foundation Courses

Any foundation courses required are in addition to the 30 credits required for program completion.

CSIT 512

Elements of Computer Programming

3.0