Program Curriculum
Students must successfully complete 11 courses (33 credits total). The curriculum for the Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree includes foundation courses, core courses and elective courses as described below:
Foundation Core Course
Students are required to take the three following foundation Courses
Foundation Core Courses (9 Credit Hours Total):
- CYSE 501 Python Programming (Comprehensive Format)
- CYSE 510 Cyberlaw and Ethics in Cybersecurity
- CYSE 512 Cybersecurity Essentials and Identity and Access Management
Core Courses
Students are expected to complete six (6) core courses to meet the requirements. If the students completed the same/similar course listed under the core courses, he/she must select courses from elective courses. The students can only register for capstone Security course during the last semester.
Core Courses (18 Credits Hours Total):
- CYSE 514 Cloud Computing Security
- CYSE 518 Architecture and Design of Secure Systems
- CYSE 520 Information Security Assurance & Risk Control
- CYSE 522 Cybersecurity Governance and Security Management
- CYSE 524 Threat Intelligence and Malware Analysis
- CYSE 599 Capstone (Final Project Course)
Elective Courses
Students are expected to take at least two elective courses (6 Credit Hours) to meet the requirements. The exact number of elective courses students need to take is subject to their competency level and the type of courses they attended in the previous institute. If students prefer to focus on specific area (Example: Network security, software security, digital forensics), they can select subject matter related courses.
Elective Courses (6 Credits Hours Total):
- CYSE 511 Advanced Network Security and Cryptography
- CYSE 521 Advanced Network Technology Management
- CYSE 531 Advanced Digital Forensics and Investigations
- CYSE 541 Wireless Communication, Security, and Forensics
- CYSE 561 Software and System Security
- CYSE 571 Operating System Security
- CYSE 590 Special topic in Cybersecurity
UDC’s Master of Science cybersecurity program allows students to have the flexibility they need to earn their degree at a pace that suits their schedule—Students can take up to 9 credits per semester registered as a full-time student or have up to four years to complete the degree.
- Full-time students typically take three courses during the fall and spring semesters.
- Online and Part-time students typically take one to two courses during the fall, spring, and one course during summer semester. Courses provided during summertime are mostly online.
Student Outcomes
Upon completing the MS Cybersecurity program, students will be able to:
- Direct and protect critical information infrastructures.
- Design and implement a cybersecurity governance framework.
- Develop, implement, evaluate, and update the cybersecurity policies and practices that help organizations respond effectively to the dynamic cybersecurity landscape.
- Manage information continuity, asset classification and control, compliance, and the secure administration of IT infrastructure, as well as incident response.
- Identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks across the organization.
- Analyze the impact of emerging technologies on organization network and security infrastructure.
- Integrate regulations and compliance requirements with cybersecurity strategies.
How do I apply for the MS in Cybersecurity program?
Application instruction can be found in the university catalog. Please check the website at Graduate Admission pages.
How the application materials are reviewed and how decisions for admission will be made?
Applications will be reviewed and discussed by graduate committee members before decision of admission is made. The committee's recommendation will be forwarded to the Admission's office. Final admission's letter is issued by the Admission's office.
Do I need TOEFL score? What is the minimum score?
International students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This requirement will be waived upon the submission of an official college transcript evidencing the successful completion of two college-level English courses at an accredited American college or university.
Minimum scores:
- Pencil Test - 550;
- Computer-Based Test - 213;
- Internet-Based Test - 79; degree earned in an accredited American college or university.
Do I need GRE? What is the minimum score?
Yes. As part of university admission requirements, you must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as well as GRE Analytical Writing Subtest as a requirement of admission. The minimal acceptable score is a 4.0. Students failing to meet the respective criterion score may be admitted conditionally. If admitted conditionally, a student must enroll in and pass (with a grade of B or better) the University's graduate writing proficiency course during their first semester of enrollment.
Can I apply before taking TOEFL and/or GRE?
Yes, you can submit your application without official score. However, your application will not be approved before your application package is completed.
What if I do not have a BS degree in Cybersecurity?
You can still apply for the MS in Cybersecurity program. However, when you are admitted and enroll, you are required to take background courses in cybersecurity before you can take other classes.
Is there assistantship? And how do I apply for one?
Please refer to the assistantship information.
