The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary program offered by the departments of Computer Science (CSC) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) that will train the next generation of professionals for careers in industry, government, and academia to safeguard our society and our world. The MS in Cybersecurity will be offered on campus and online. The program provides students with the latest technical knowledge and skills in cybersecurity and privacy principles and the engineering aspects of software and hardware security to build secure systems that are resistant to attack. Vulnerabilities can enable cyber attacks that could lead to critical disruptions in telecommunications, banking, utilities, data storage, transportation, and more. The program contributes to the economic development of North Carolina by providing a pipeline of experienced cybersecurity-trained professionals to support the development of technology solutions across a range of industries.

Specific educational objectives are comprehensive and are in alignment with the faculty in the North Carolina State University Secure Computing Institute (SCI), of which include:

• Design, develop, and analyze secure and privacy-aware systems
• Secure the critical infrastructure (e.g., network, cloud, telephony, Internet of Things)
• Enhance the security and privacy of end-user technologies (e.g., mobile, web, IoT, blockchain)

Admission Criteria

Minimum application requirements include an accredited Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average and, for non-Computer Science majors, strong academic performance in computer science and mathematics.  Applicants must also submit the GRE General Test scores and international applicants must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores, as proof of English proficiency.  We also ask for a Statement of Purpose to be included with the application as well as three professional or academic recommendations.

Those interested in developing their computer science knowledge and skills, but not ready to commit to a degree program, might consider one of our graduate certificates.  Refer to the Graduate Certificate Programs listed in the selection under Computer Science.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 31 credit hours is required for all students. A minimum of 12 credits should be taken from a group of  Cybersecurity Core Courses, and a minimum of 12 hours of Cybersecurity Core or Cybersecurity Foundations courses. Additionally, 3 credits of Computer and Network Security, 3 credits of Cybersecurity Practicum course and 1 credit of graduate orientation course is required of all students.

Requirements	Credit Hours
CSC 600 Graduate orientation	1
CSC/ECE 574 Computer and Network Security	3
Cybersecurity Core Electives	12
Cybersecurity Core or Foundation Electives courses	12
CSC 595 Cybersecurity Practicum	3
Total	31

Special Topics

Prior approval from Dr. Isabella White is required if you plan to take an CSC/ECE special topics (ECE 591/791) course and have it count towards graduation.

Advising

If you are admitted to the CYS MS program, your adviser is Dr. Isabella White (isabella_white@ncsu.edu).