MS in Cybersecurity

MS in Cybersecurity

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The graduate program in cybersecurity from Drexel Engineering prepares professionals for applying deepened technical skillsets that will further their career.

What is an MS degree in Cybersecurity?

A cybersecurity master of science degree educates professionals to take on the rapid changes in the field of computer and digital security that are critical to the functions of modern society. Those with backgrounds in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering and related areas of expertise receive deep technical training that delivers the ability to understand, adapt and develop new techniques in order to confront emerging threats in information technology security, cybersecurity, hardware security and related areas of concern. As a student, you will gain knowledge of theoretical foundations in computer networking and security and find a focus to become a specialist in your chosen technical area.  

A graduate program in cybersecurity should provide an understanding of the forces governing industry, a global viewpoint, and the entrepreneurial, teambuilding and managerial abilities needed to advance careers in industry and research or as preparation for entry into a PhD program in computer engineering or related fields.

Delivery

  • On-campus or online
  • Full-time or part-time
  • The cybersecurity program will take approximately two years to complete on a full-time basis or can be completed on a part time basis in 3-4 years.

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Areas of Specialization

The MS in Cybersecurity offers flexibility to customize your plan of study, or students can elect to concentrate in these areas by following the study tracks:

Why choose Drexel for your MS in Cybersecurity?

The master’s degree program in cybersecurity utilizes computer science and engineering interdisciplinary coursework to deepen knowledge of the fundamentals through rigorous analysis and exploration. You will pinpoint security vulnerabilities, identify attacks and design methods for protecting data and computer systems. As a graduate you will be prepared to take on the demands of this continuously changing industry or go on to study in a doctoral program.

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The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) delivers this comprehensive program collaboratively with Drexel’s College of Computing and Informatics. You will emerge as a well-rounded technical professional that understands that solutions are individual to the project or threat at-hand. At Drexel you are encouraged to be innovative and imaginative in identifying the problem, analyzing and then embarking on the quest for a solution. The focus of our programs is to equip you with the tools for finding sustainable and achievable outcomes to solve for society’s biggest challenges while making them relevant to your career goals.

Philadelphia

The city of Philadelphia is our campus – a diverse urban environment with a variety of social, cultural and learning opportunities that will enrich your educational experience. Philadelphia is also a draw for talented instructors and researchers, meaning you will engage with some of the best minds in engineering and other disciplines. Learn more.

Graduate Co-op

Graduate co-op is an optional three or six-month work experience woven into academic studies for full-time master’s students. Drexel University co-op provides the opportunity to apply theory learned in class to a work experience before graduating. The insights help to direct the vision you have for your career and provide context for the remainder of your learning. You will take advantage of resources from the Steinbright Career Development Center, including programming that enhances your professionalism and resume writing and provides resources for your job search.

For more information, visit the Steinbright Career Development Center.

Curriculum and Requirements

Information Security (INFO) 6 credits
Security Engineering (SE) 3 credits
Cybersecurity Track Electives 27 credits
Non-Tech elective courses 9 credits
  • The master’s in cybersecurity requires a total of 45 credits; 9 credits in core courses (INFO, SE); 27 credits of track electives in the departments of Computer Science, Computing and Security Technology, and Electrical and Computer Engineering; and the remaining 9 credits in electives from these departments and/or the Department of Mathematics.
  • Although not required, students interested in research are encouraged to complete a master’s thesis as part of their study. Graduate advisors are available to guide your course selection and scheduling of core and elective courses.
  • Dual graduate degrees are possible. Popular programs to combine with the MS in Cybersecurity is the MS in Electrical Engineering, MS in Computer Engineering, MS in Machine Learning Engineering or MS in Engineering Management.

Visit the Drexel Catalog for more information and sample study plans for areas of specialization or learn more about our admissions requirements.

Research

While not a requirement, all students in the master’s in cybersecurity program are welcome to engage in research as part of their degree or as extra-curricular participation. Full-time master’s degree candidates or those interested in pursuing a PhD are encouraged to pursue a master’s thesis and based on some aspect of faculty research.

Specific to the MS in Cybersecurity program, students have the option to take part in research rotations that provides insight into sub-disciplines before making a selection for a project or thesis topic. Inspired by medical clinical rotations, the experience cuts across conventional departmental barriers and research groups. Students participate in the research activities from two labs for three credits of research credits. Read more about your options for graduate student-initiated courses and discuss with your  graduate advisor if interested.

Current research in the ECE Department is conducted by our world-renowned faculty, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, Transportation, Health and Human Services, Commerce and Homeland Security as well as with many notable industry partners.

Cybersecurity research covers areas such as:

  • Adaptive signal processing
  • Alternative energy
  • Biomedical imaging
  • Circuit design
  • Computer architecture
  • Controls and robotics
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital signals processing
  • Electro optics
  • Entertainment engineering
  • Financial engineering
  • Flexible electronics
  • Image processing
  • Information theory
  • Machine learning
  • Magnet sensors
  • Mathematical modeling of networks
  • Microwave systems
  • Nanoelectronics
  • Networking
  • Nuclear engineering
  • Power engineering and smart grid technology
  • RF and antenna design
  • Telecommunications
  • VLSI
  • Web science
  • Wireless communications

Visit research areas for more about other research activity at the College of Engineering.

Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity graduate programs prepare you for a career path that could include continuing your education in a PhD program or pursuing advanced technical, research or management positions in industries such as defense, telecommunications, finance, information technology, utilities, systems design, automation or robotics and many others.

Overall, employees with graduate degrees can earn up to 28 percent more than bachelor’s degree holders over the course of their career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for information security jobs is growing at a rate of 31%, which is significantly higher than average for all occupations. Workers in this field are also among the highest earners of all engineering disciplines. They further report a wage premium of 18 percent for workers with a master’s degree in this field.

Faculty

Drexel places a high value on industry connections and experience at every level. Teaching faculty in your program are experts with industry experience or are at the forefront of research and teaching.

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