Computer Science (Cybersecurity), MS
Computer, Cybersecurity, Information, Information Assurance, Security, approved for STEM-OPT extension, assurance, enggradcs, foundation, network, systems
Take the first step toward a rewarding career that not only pays well but also contributes to a safer digital world. Level up your expertise in cybersecurity and become a guardian of the digital realm.
The Master of Science program in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity is designed for graduate students who want to pursue a thorough education in the area of cybersecurity and information assurance. This program offers a thesis and nonthesis project portfolio option.
This concentration program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed in science and engineering for cybersecurity. This includes computer and network security, software security, data and information security, applied cryptography and computer forensics.
According to the National Security Agency, information assurance is defined as the set of measures intended to protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality and nonrepudiation. This includes providing restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection and reaction capabilities.
Domestic students enrolled in the cybersecurity concentration are eligible for federal fellowships such as the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program. For more information, students can visit the Cybersecurity and Trusted Foundations website.
Cybersecurity courseware at ASU has been certified by the Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation Program to satisfy the standards for Information Systems Security Professionals (NSTISSI 4011) and Senior Systems Managers (CNSSI 4012).
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
30 credit hours and a portfolio, or
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours and the required applied project course (CSE 593)
Required Core Areas (9 credit hours)
applications (3)
foundations (3)
systems (3)
Concentration (9 credit hours)
CSE 543 Information Assurance and Security (3)
Choose two:
CSE 539 Applied Cryptography (3)
CSE 545 Software Security (3)
CSE 548 Advanced Computer Network Security (3)
Electives or Research (6 or 9 or 12 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (0 or 3 or 6 credit hours)
CSE 593 Applied Project (3) or
CSE 599 Thesis (6) or
portfolio (0)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for the list of courses approved for each core area in applications, foundations and systems.
Courses that are used to satisfy the concentration requirement on the plan of study cannot be used to satisfy the core requirement. Additionally, courses selected as part of the core or concentration may not be used as other elective coursework on the same plan of study.
Students complete a thesis, applied project or portfolio for the culminating experience. Regardless of the culminating experience chosen, all students in the program must complete six credit hours from the restricted electives list. Students completing a portfolio take 12 credit hours of electives and must follow the academic unit's requirements for portfolio projects. Students in the applied project experience must also take nine credit hours of electives. Research credit hours may be included on the plan of study if the student is completing a thesis. Students should see the academic unit for more information.
MS program students who select the project portfolio as their culminating experience event must complete a project portfolio from two courses in which the student received a "B" grade (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher. Students who select the applied project as their culminating event must complete their project at the direction of an approved computer science faculty member and complete the project course with a "B" grade (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher.
Students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours for the program. At least 24 of these credit hours must be 500-level CSE courses at ASU. Up to six credit hours of 400-level courses may be applied to the plan of study.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Applicants are eligible to apply for the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related area from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- a statement of purpose
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by scoring at least 90 on the TOEFL iBT, 7.0 on the IELTS or 115 on the Duolingo English test, regardless of current residency.
Before applying to the MS program, students are required to have completed two semesters or six credit hours of calculus, equivalent to Calculus I and II with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher. Discrete math is also recommended prior to admission.
Students assigned any additional requirements courses upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher within two semesters of admission to the program. Additional requirements courses include:
CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSE 330 Operating Systems
CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Final |
Graduates who complete the MS program in computer science are able to analyze and apply key theories, algorithms and software modules used in the field of computer science. They are also able to evaluate and advance existing theories, algorithms and software modules in the field of computer science. Graduates have a competitive advantage in securing employment.
Career examples include:
- computer network architect
- computer systems analyst
- computer systems security engineer
- data scientist or engineer
- machine learning, artificial intelligence or computer vision engineer
- software developer
- software engineer
Computer Science and Engineering Program
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CTRPT 105
SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
