Master of Science in Cybersecurity in Computer Science

Cybersecurity in Computer Science

Program Overview

Offered through the Department of Computer Science, the M.S. in Cybersecurity in Computer Science is designed to respond to the large and fast-growing need for technical cybersecurity experts both nationally and internationally. As the first such degree offered in the D.C. area, students acquire up-to-date knowledge and skills in cybersecurity, an increasingly important field to national security, the economy, and private citizens.

Students take a combination of core courses focused on design and analysis of algorithms; computer architectures; and advanced software paradigms. These are to be combined with courses focused on security (ex. applied cryptography, computer network defense, etc.) and elective courses.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity in Computer Science (M.S.)

• Credit hours: 30
• Thesis options: Two - thesis and non-thesis options available
• Core courses: Three - Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Computer Architectures, Advanced Software Paradigms. Remaining coursework is comprised of five security courses and two electives in computer science, totaling 10 courses for the degree program.

M.S. Admissions Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials in order to be considered for admission into a master's program at SEAS. All materials except test scores must be uploaded to the online application form:

Online Application

Transcripts

• Scanned copies of unofficial transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned; the program was not completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript.
• Please ensure that all transcripts are properly scanned and attached to the online application form. Otherwise, applicants will receive notifications requesting legible transcripts, which may delay review of their application.
• Please do not mail official transcripts unless you are instructed to do so by a SEAS admissions officer. Admissions decisions are based on unofficial transcripts.
• For international applicants, please see additional requirements for attaching foreign transcripts to the online application.

GRE scores

• The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants, except for those applying for a Combined Five-Year Program.
• GRE scores must be sent to institution code 5246 through the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
• There is no minimum score required on the GRE for admission. However, applicants are encouraged to score within the 90th percentile of the Quantitative section of the exam in order to be considered competitive. To see average GRE scores from the most recent incoming class, visit the Graduate Student Profile.

English proficiency exam scores (international applicants)

• International applicants who did not receive a degree from an institution situated in the United States or English-speaking country must also submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic exams.
• Please view the International Admissions section for information on English language exam score requirements and sending scores to GW.

Letters of Recommendation

• A minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation is required to be submitted with the online application form. These may be from your academic advisor, professor, and/or employer.

Statement of Purpose

• Applicants must include an essay of 250-500 words that clearly states their purpose in undertaking graduate study at the George Washington University; explains their academic objectives, research interests, and career plans; and discusses related qualifications including collegiate, professional, and community activities, as well as any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned.
• It is strongly encouraged that essays stay within the 500-word limit. While applicants are not penalized for submitting longer essays, concise essays are more effective in demonstrating an applicant's motivation.
• The Statement of Purpose must be written by the applicant. Any essay found to have been written by anyone other than the applicant, or plagiarized from other published materials, will be withdrawn from consideration.

Résumé/CV

• A current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) should be uploaded with the online application form.
• If you have published articles in peer-reviewed publications, please include them as a hyperlink.

M.S. applicants must also demonstrate the following requirements in order to be considered for admission:

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work.
• Completed two courses in mathematics beyond pre-calculus during the undergraduate curriculum.
• One year of science with laboratory.
• Prior coursework in computer science using a structured language, discrete structures, data structures, and computer architecture.