Requirements-MS-in-Cybersecurity-Computer-Security

Computer Security Concentration
The Computer Security concentration focuses on fundamental security topics that arise in the design, analysis, and implementation of distributed systems. This concentration provides in-depth coverage of the theory and application of identity, authentication, access control, auditing, assessment & prevention of software vulnerabilities, and cryptography, in the context of modern enterprise-scale & web-based systems..Online Learning Learning opportunities are available for this concentration.
Master of Science 2024 through2025

Cybersecurity


About the Program

Computer Security Concentration


Curriculum Requirements

Introductory Courses

No Introductory Course may be substituted for any other course at any level.

Introductory courses may be waived for any of the following conditions based on faculty review:

  • The student has the appropriate course work to satisfy an Introductory Course based on an official transcript review by faculty and successful grades, typically B or better.
  • The student has appropriate and verified professional experience to satisfy an Introductory Course which is demonstrated through successful completion of a GAE exam.
  • If a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) is available for the Introductory Courses, upon successfully completion of a GAE, a waiver will be issued.
  • Plan accordingly prior to start of the term, faculty reviews for possible course waivers can take a few weeks. For newly admitted students, possible course waivers will not be initiated until an Intent to Enroll form has been submitted.
  • CSC 400
  • CSC 401
  • CSC 402
  • CSC 403
  • CSC 406
  • CSC 407

Foundation Courses

Students must achieve an average GPA of 3.0 or better in the five Foundation Courses. Students who do not meet the Foundation Courses' GPA requirement must retake the course with the lowest grade. If a number of such courses exist, it is up to the student to choose which class to retake. Only the higher grade will count toward the average grade for the purpose of completing the GPA Requirement. Students who do not meet the GPA requirements are encouraged to talk to their faculty advisor to discuss their options. To progress to the Advanced Courses of the degree, a student must complete the Introductory and Foundation Courses.

Students must complete the following courses:

  • CSC 435
  • CSEC 440
  • CSEC 450
  • NET 477
  • SE 450

Advanced Courses

  • CSEC 480

  • Select twelve (12) Credit Hours from the following:

    • CSC 439
    • CSC 440
    • CSC 463
    • CSEC 428
    • CSEC 477
    • NET 560
    • NET 577
    • SE 525
    • SE 526

Major Elective Courses

Students must complete four (4) credit hours from CSEC courses in the range of 420 or higher or a course from the list of courses below. That course cannot be used to fulfill a student's CSEC Concentration Area or Foundation Course requirements.

  • CSC 436
  • CSC 438
  • CSC 439
  • CSC 440
  • CSC 536
  • CSC 557
  • CSE 426
  • DSC 423
  • DSC 424
  • DSC 433
  • DSC 441
  • DSC 465
  • DSC 478
  • ECT 582
  • IS 444
  • IS 482
  • IS 505
  • IS 506
  • NET 460
  • NET 511
  • NET 560
  • NET 562
  • NET 563
  • NET 567
  • NET 568
  • NET 577
  • SE 433
  • SE 441
  • SE 452
  • SE 482
  • SE 525
  • SE 526
  • SE 529

CDM Open Elective Courses

Students must complete four (4) Credit Hours of  advisor-approved graduate courses from the School of Computing in the range of 421-699.  Open Elective courses must be within the range of 421-699 and must be chosen among : CSC, CSE, CSEC, DSC, ECT, GAM, HIT, IS, IT, NET, SE.

Capstone Options

Students have the option of completing the Information Security Governance course (4 credit hours) or the Cybersecurity Security Capstone course (4 credit hours) or completing a Master's Research Project (up to 8 credit hours) to fulfill their Capstone requirement. If a student chooses to complete a Master's Research project for 8 credit hours, 4 credit hours of CSC 695 replace one major or open elective course in the M.S. in Cybersecurity program. A student who completes a Master's Research project also has the option of completing a Master's Thesis.

Information Security Governance course
  • CSEC 587
Computer Information and Network Security Capstone course
  • CSEC 594
Master's Research

Students interested in a more-in-depth study of a particular area can choose to work with a faculty member (not necessarily their academic advisor) on an independent study or research project. The student will register for up to 8 credit hours of CSC 695. If a student chooses to complete a Master's Research Project for 8 credit hours, 4 credit hours of CSC 695 replace one more or open elective course in the MS in Cybersecurity program.    

Master's Thesis

A student who has made an original contribution to the area (typically, through work done by CSC 695) may choose to complete a Master's Thesis. The student and the student's research advisor should form a Master's Thesis Committee of 3 faculty. The student will need to submit to the committee a thesis detailing the results of the research project. After a public defense, the committee will decide whether to accept the thesis. In that case, the student will be allowed to register for the 0 credit course CSC 698 and the transcript will show the thesis title as the course topic.
    







Degree Requirements

Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours in addition to any required introductory courses of the designated degree program.
  • Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
  • Earn a grade of C- or better in all courses of the designated degree program.
  • Achieve a GPA of 3.0 or better among the five foundation courses.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Students pursuing a second (or more) graduate degree may not double count or retake any course that applied toward the completion of a prior graduate degree. If a required course in the second degree was already completed and applied toward a previous degree, the student must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a new course to be completed and substituted in the new degree. This rule also applies to cross-listed courses, which are considered to be the same course but offered under different subjects.
  • Students pursuing a second master's degree must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours beyond their first designated degree program in addition to any required introductory courses in their second designated degree program.

Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher will graduate with distinction.

For DePaul's policy on repeat graduate courses and a complete list of academic policies see the DePaul Graduate Handbook in the Course Catalog.