M.S. Cybersecurity (M.S.C.Y.S.) at University of South Florida

Programme overview

The M.S. in Cybersecurity trains students in the design, development and operation of technologies and processes that protect computing systems, networks and infrastructures from malicious cyberattacks. Graduates pursue technical careers in network security design and operation, software security, secure software development, hardware security, cyberphysical systems security, IoT security and related areas.

Faculty: Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing | Department: Department of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing | Duration: 30 credit hours minimum (45 credit hours minimum for students without a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a related field) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tampa, FL, United States

What you will study

Core in Privacy-Preserving and Trustworthy Cyber-Infrastructures and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, plus Data Network, Systems, and Security, and electives such as Penetration Testing for IT, Cryptography and Data Security, Foundations of Software Security and Cloud Computing. Thesis option (9 thesis hours) or non-thesis option with a comprehensive exam.

Career pathways

Technical careers in network security design and operation, software security, secure software development, hardware security design, cyberphysical systems security and IoT security.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University graduate admission and English proficiency requirements apply. GRE is required except for US domestic applicants with an undergraduate degree from an ABET-accredited programme or a Carnegie R1 university, or applicants who completed the USF Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate. Three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores. Applicants are expected to have a solid foundation in mathematics and core computer science, electrical or computer engineering areas; applicants without it complete the 15-credit-hour Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate (minimum 3.00 GPA) first.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Master's and Educational Specialist admission is offered for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

Final university deadlines for master's and Educational Specialist programmes: June 1 for Fall, October 15 for Spring, February 15 for Summer. Programme-specific priority deadlines apply for funding and consideration; priority applications receive maximum consideration and later applications are considered on a space-available basis.

The nonrefundable graduate degree-seeking application fee is $30, paid through the Online Graduate Application site; international applicants may pay by electronic fund transfer from international banks. Test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc.) are required only if the programme requires them.

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