Introduction
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity in Computer Science degree program was created to respond to the large and fast-growing need for technical cybersecurity experts nationally and internationally. A large and lucrative job market with a variety of jobs is available to graduates of the program.
Master of Science in Cybersecurity in Computer Science is the first such degree in the Nation’s capital, and one of a few graduate degrees in cybersecurity in the U.S. and around the world. It is different from both the M.S. in computer science degree and the graduate certificate in computers security and information assurance.
Master’s Degree Program Requirements
To earn the Master of Science in cybersecurity in computer science, a student must take 30 graduate credit hours, as follows:
Take the three core courses (See the Section A list below)
Take five security courses:
a. EMSE 6540 Management of Information and Systems Security.
b. Take two more security courses from the CS department (See Section B list below). At least one of the two must be designated as an “applied cryptography” course.
c. Take two more approved security courses from across the university, including CS. (See the Section C list below)
Take two additional graduate-credit-bearing courses, or take the thesis option
At least 24 of the 30 credits must be taken at the 6000 level or above
At least 21 of the 30 credits must be taken in the Department of Computer Science
At least a 3.0 GPA within the five required security courses
Students are encouraged to attend cybersecurity seminars
A. The core courses:
CSci 6212 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
CSci 6461 Computer Architectures
CSci 6221 Advanced Software Paradigms
B. Security courses from the Department of Computer Science:
The courses that satisfy the “applied cryptography” requirement are:
CSci 6331 Cryptography
CSci 6541 Network Security
CSci 6545 Software Security
CSci 6531 Computer Security
CSci 6532 Information Policy
CSci 6542 Computer Network Defense
CSci 6547 Wireless and Mobile Security
CSci 6548 E-commerce Security
CSci 6907 Special Topics, when the course focuses on security or cryptography
CSci 8331 Advanced Cryptography
CSci 8531 Advanced Topics in Security
C. Approved security courses across the university:
Any of the security courses from the CS department, listed above
EMSE 6537 Information Operations
EMSE 6543 Managing the Protection of Information and Systems Security
EMSE 6545 Internet and On-Line Law for Security Managers
With the approval of the student’s advisor and the program director, any sufficiently advanced and rigorous cybersecurity-related course from across the university. Other departments offering courses may include Electrical and Computer Engineering, Forensics, International Affairs, ISTM, Law, and Political Science. Students must meet the prerequisites for such courses.
Admissions Requirements
Successful submission of the online application form, exam scores, and other documents as outlined in the admissions requirements.
All applicants - first-time or transfers - to a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program at the School of Engineering & Applied Science must meet the admissions requirements to be considered for any of the programs at SEAS.
Application Checklist
Applicants must provide the following materials to be considered for any graduate program at SEAS:
Complete online application form
Transcripts
GRE exam scores (Optional for Fall 2021 intake)
International applicants: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Resume/CV
Application Fee
English Language Exam Requirements
All visa-seeking international applicants are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores to SEAS to be considered for admission.
Please provide only your most recent test scores. Scores may not be more than two years old.
Minimum Score Requirements
IELTS
6.0 overall with no individual score below 5.0.
Applicants to the graduate programs in Engineering Management, Systems Engineering, or Data Analytics are required to have a minimum score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0.
Applicants who would like to be considered for funding opportunities must have an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0.
TOEFL
80 on the Internet exam (iBT) or 550 on the paper exam
Applicants to the graduate programs in Engineering Management, Systems Engineering, or Data Analytics are required to have a minimum score of 100 on the Internet exam.
Applicants who would like to be considered for funding opportunities must have a 600 on the paper-based exam or 100 on the Internet-based exam.
PTE Academic
53. Applicants who would like to be considered for funding opportunities must have a minimum score of 68.
Exceptions
Exceptions are granted to applicants who:
Hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction AND the official language of the country in which the university is located.
Hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an institution located in a country that qualifies for the English language exam exemption.
