MS Computer Science (Cybersecurity) at Arizona State University

Programme overview

In the Master of Science program in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity, you receive rigorous, research-oriented training in secure systems, and prepare for advanced study or research and development careers in cybersecurity. The cybersecurity concentration offers you a thorough education in the science and engineering of cybersecurity. You may pursue a thesis or nonthesis portfolio option, gaining both advanced knowledge and research experience.

What you will study

30 credit hours - course-based master's, or 30 credit hours and a thesis, or 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (CSE 593) COURSE-BASED OPTION Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) applications (3) foundations (3) systems (3) Concentration (9 credit hours) CSE 543 Information Assurance and Security (3) Students choose two: CSE 539 Applied Cryptography (3) CSE 545 Software Security (3) CSE 548 Advanced Computer Network Security (3) Electives (12 credit hours) OPTIONS WITH CULMINATING EXPERIENCE Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) applications (3) foundations (3) systems (3) Concentration (9 credit hours) CSE 543 Information Assurance and Security (3) Students choose two: CSE 539 Applied Cryptography (3) CSE 545 Software Security (3) CSE 548 Advanced Computer Network Security (3) Electives (6 or 9 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) CSE 593 Applied Project (3) or CSE 599 Thesis (6) Additional Curriculum Information The program offers a course-based option.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared for research and development careers in industry and government, and to pursue doctoral study. They have a competitive advantage in securing employment. Career examples: 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.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry 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 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 statement of purpose proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language with a TOEFL iBT® score of 4.5, or 90 (taken at a testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026; 7 on the IELTS; or 115 on the Duolingo English test, regardless of current residency.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search; the application opens almost a year before the start term. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S. Apply with ASU's graduate application (Law applicants use the law college's site); GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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