Cybersecurity (Distance Format), MS

Contact:

Rick DiRubbo, Director of Online Learning, pwdirubb@syr.edu

Description:

The global electrical power grid, financial services, and other critical infrastructure are inextricably dependent on robust cybersecurity to ensure security trust, and system assurance. The explosion in the Internet of Things domain is increasing connectedness amongst devices and the need for securing the resulting data is paramount in today’s world. Syracuse University’s M.S. in Cybersecurity program is designed to address this national and global need.

Syracuse University has been designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research (CAE-R) since 2009.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from this program will be able to:

identify and analyze vulnerabilities in systems;
assess the risks faced by systems;
develop countermeasures to remedy risks;
develop systems that are secure
deliver software components or systems that have verifiable assurance properties.

Admission:

A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field from an STEM field with a strong mathematics background from an accredited institution, with an average GPA of 3.0 or better is required. Core competency in Discrete Mathematics, Calculus, Data Structures, Computer Organization, and knowledge of programming languages (C, C++, Java, etc.) is preferred.

GRE Verbal score of 150 or better (using New GRE Score System);
GRE Quantitative score of 155 or better (using New GRE Score System);
GRE Analytical (multiple choice) score of 650 or better, or a score of 3.5 or better in the new Analytical Writing;
for international students: TOEFL computer-based score of 223 (Internet-based score 85; paper-based score 563) or better;
grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 or better.

Requirements:

Students are required to complete 30 credit hours of courses, consisting of 15 credits of core, 9 credits of technical cybersecurity electives, and 6 credits in CIS/CSE courses at 600 level or higher, as described below:

15-Credit Core:

Electives

CIS 600 - Fundamentals of Data & Knowledge Mining
CSE 661 /CIS 655 - Computer Architecture
CIS 700 - Machine Learning and Security
CIS 628 - Introduction to Cryptography
CIS 663 - Biometrics

Final Examinations

Candidates are required to complete the final examinations in all core courses with an average grade of B- or better.

Degree Awarded:

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Transfer Credit

Up to 9 credits may be transferred from other schools, upon evaluation of details by the program director or department chair.

Part-Time Study:

Part-time study may be permitted, but the program must be completed within four years from the date of admission into the program.

Satisfactory Progress:

A GPA of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program or else matriculation may be terminated.