Online Master of Computer Science – Cybersecurity

Arizona State University’s online Master of Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity program helps you develop the skills needed to understand information assurance and security problems, as well as come up with potential solutions. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to work in a variety of in-demand positions, including cybersecurity engineer, cybersecurity risk analyst, software development engineer, security engineer and security analyst.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered.

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Prepare for in-demand jobs in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is not only an important industry, but it’s also a lucrative one. This program prepares you for career advancement and increased pay, which is projected to continue growing for years to come. According to an estimate by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the global cybersecurity market is projected to grow 86%, from around $145 billion in 2018 to $270 billion by 2026.

What you’ll learn in this cybersecurity master’s concentration

 

In this program, you’ll learn how to protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality and non-repudiation through protection, detection and reaction practices. You’ll also learn how to analyze and apply key theories, algorithms and software modules used in the field of computer science. Upon graduation, you’ll feel comfortable evaluating and advancing existing theories, algorithms and software modules in the field of computer science.

What’s a concentration and how is this different from a master’s in cybersecurity?

 

This cybersecurity master’s concentration is designed for graduate students looking to pursue a thorough education in the area of cybersecurity through the lens of computer systems and algorithms. While a master’s in cybersecurity focuses all studies on cybersecurity topics, this concentration provides a holistic education of computer science with nine credit hours of cybersecurity-specific courses.

Upon graduation from this master’s concentration, you’ll be equipped with knowledge, skills and advanced development capability in science and engineering for cybersecurity, including:

  • Applied cryptography.
  • Computer forensics.
  • Computer and network security.
  • Data and information security.
  • Software security. 

Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities

As a nondegree-seeking graduate student, you can take master’s-level computer science courses without being admitted to the program. This provides you the opportunity to establish a high graduate GPA, try out courses, meet the English proficiency requirement or earn a professional certification credential.

Those who complete three courses with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 after the first attempt can use this GPA and the credit hours earned when applying for the Master of Computer Science program. You must also meet all prerequisite requirements to be admitted.  

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Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Advance your knowledge of computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity.

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Computer science and cybersecurity master’s courses

In this program, you’ll take one course each in foundations, systems and applications. You’ll also fulfill your cybersecurity concentration requirement of nine credit hours by taking three of the following cybersecurity courses:

  • Advanced Computer Network Security.
  • Applied Cryptography.
  • Information Assurance and Security.
  • Software Security.

Foundations

Foundations of Algorithms


Foundations

Knowledge Representation and Reasoning


Systems

Distributed & Multiprocessor Operating Systems


Systems

Mobile Computing


Systems

Software Verification, Validation and Testing


Systems

Software Project, Process and Quality Management


Applications

Artificial Intelligence


Applications

Data Mining


The jobs you could get with a master’s in cybersecurity

This program’s unique coursework provides you with a competitive advantage in the workforce. Upon graduation, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a wide variety of careers including, but not limited to:

Cybersecurity engineer

Cybersecurity risk analyst

Security analyst

Security engineer

Software development engineer

Study with award winning faculty members in the field of computer science

Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:

  • National Academy of Engineering members.
  • National Academy of Sciences member.
  • National Academy of Inventors members.
  • National Academy of Construction members.
  • More than 42 NSF CAREER Awards for early career faculty in the last five years.

Study with award winning faculty members in the field of computer science

Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:

  • National Academy of Engineering members.
  • National Academy of Sciences member.
  • National Academy of Inventors members.
  • National Academy of Construction members.
  • More than 42 NSF CAREER Awards for early career faculty in the last five years.

How to apply

This program has a highly competitive admission process.

Application deadlines

Admission requirements

Professional certification and nondegree enrollment opportunities

Top 25% of all accredited engineering programs in the nation

Each student is fully supported on their path to success in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. We have received peer-reviewed programmatic honors from U.S. News & World Report and provide students with a rich learning environment.

Top 5


best online master’s in electrical engineering programs.

Top 5


best online master’s in engineering management programs.

Top 35


best undergraduate engineering programs.

60+


engineering student organizations and student professional societies.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

View the most commonly asked questions

Do prerequisites need to be taken from ASU?

Is there any credit offered for work experience in IT?

Can completing professional certification coursework satisfy prerequisites?

Are letters of recommendation required for admission?

What is a statement of purpose?

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