Cybersecurity, M.S.
With the vast amount of sensitive data now stored in the digital universe — everything from social security numbers to financial records and matters of national security — it’s critical that we secure and protect it from malicious interests. For vital computer networks and electronic infrastructures, cybersecurity experts stand as the last and most effective line of defense against such attacks.
At the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, our master's in Cybersecurity program curriculum is rooted in the belief that theory and research must translate into real-world solutions. To this end, we have created the NYU Center for Cybersecurity, and the Offensive Security, Incident Response, and Internet Security Lab (OSIRIS) dedicated to training the current and future generations of cybersecurity professionals.
NYU Tandon has a distinguished history of research and education in the field of cybersecurity, and our classes are taught by internationally known experts. We’ve been designated an NSA Center of Excellence in Information Assurance, a Center of Excellence in Research, and a Center of Excellence in Cyber Operations.
The cybersecurity field is expected to generate many new jobs over the next decade as industry and government continue to emphasize safe data and information systems. As a graduate of the program, you’ll be ready for a career as a developer of security products, security application programmer, security analyst, and penetration tester. You can also pursue work as a security researcher, vulnerability analyst, or security architect, or continue your studies toward a doctorate.
Admissions
You need a superior undergraduate record from an accredited institution in order to be considered for entrance into the program. Preferably, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, mathematics, science, or engineering. However, applicants with degrees in other fields are considered individually for admission.
- Find out more about Cybersecurity Admission Requirements.
- Find out more about General Admission Requirements.
Curriculum
In order to fulfill the Cybersecurity, MS degree requirements, you must complete 30 credits, as listed below, and have an overall B grade average. In addition, you must have a B average across core courses.
Research Project (Optional)
One goal of the MS program in Cybersecurity is to introduce students to the exciting research in the area of cybersecurity, and lure some of them into pursuing a PhD degree. To this end, we offer a semester-long advanced project (CS-GY 9963) in the area of cybersecurity as an electve. If you choose this option you will work under the guidance of a research professor and gain invaluable research experience.
Master's Thesis (Optional)
In addition to the above semester-long research experience, the program also offers research-oriented MS students to take up the master's thesis option. If you select this option, you will need to take 6 credits of CS-GY 9973 working with a faculty advisor on some research problem in cybersecurity in lieu of 2 out of the 3 required electives.
The research need not be original, but should adequately demonstrate your proficiency in the subject material. An oral defense of the master's thesis with at least 3 professors in attendance is required. The 6 credits of master's thesis must span over a period of exactly 2 consecutive semesters. Whenever relevant, 3.00 credits of CS-GY 9963 may be used as 3.00 credits of CS-GY 9973, subject to the approval of your faculty adviser(s).
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Designation Tracks
NYU Tandon School of Engineering is one of the select institutions recognized by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). The following courses taken within the Cybersecurity Master's Degree online program qualify for the following two designations.
Students also may elect to specialize by taking specific courses in an area of concentration. Two tracks are available:
- Cyber Defense
- Cyber Operations
