Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Computer Science (Cybersecurity), MS

Study detals

: Master's degree : Computer Science (Cybersecurity), MS ESCSEIAMS : Full time : 24 Month

Requirements

Admission requirements
  • 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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. GRE scores
  4. a statement of purpose
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information

An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 80 (no band below 20) (IELTS 6.5 at least 6.0 in all skills)) regardless of their current residency.

GRE scores are not required if the student has earned an undergraduate degree in computer science or computer systems engineering from ASU. ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

Students assigned any deficiency coursework 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. Deficiency courses commonly taken 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.

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

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.

Additional information

Program description

Degree awarded: MS  Computer Science (Cybersecurity) 

The MS 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).

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Computer Science, BS
  • Computer Science (Cybersecurity), BS
  • Computer Science (Software Engineering), BS
  • Computer Systems Engineering, BSE
  • Computer Systems Engineering (Cybersecurity), BSE
  • Software Engineering, BS

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. 

Career opportunities

Graduates who complete the Master of Science 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, AI or computer vision engineer
  • software developer
  • software engineer
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