MS in Cybersecurity

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

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The graduate program in cybersecurity from Drexel Engineering prepares professionals for applying deepened technical skillsets required for a career in the rapidly evolving digital security space. Students with backgrounds in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and related areas, receive deep technical training and the ability to understand, adapt and develop new techniques for confronting 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.  

By earning a master's in cybersecurity, you will become empowered to solves complex issues, and gain an understanding of the forces that threaten digital spaces, the governance in industry, and a global perspective. Drexel emphasizes 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.

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Delivery

  • On-campus
  • 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.

Curriculum and Requirements

  • The master’s in cybersecurity requires a total of 45 credits; 9 credits in core courses (INFO, SE); 27 credits of track electives can be taken 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.
  • Specific to the MS in Cybersecurity program, students can participate in an optional research rotation in two labs, for three research credits, providing exposure into sub-disciplines of the field. Inspired by medical clinical rotations, the experience cuts across conventional departmental barriers and research groups. Read more about your options for graduate student-initiated courses and discuss with your graduate advisor.

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

Graduate Co-op

This program is eligible for Graduate Co-op — a unique, optional three or six-month work full-time professional experience that alternates with study, available for domestic and international full-time master’s students. 

As an MS Cybersecurity graduate student at Drexel Engineering, Maya completed three co-ops: in identity and access management at GSK, as a Cybersecurity Governance Analyst at Bristol Myers Squibb and as a Risk and Security Engineer at Vanguard.

Mya Milagros Fuentes, Cybersecurity Champion

As an MS Cybersecurity graduate student at Drexel Engineering, Maya completed three co-ops: in identity and access management at GSK, as a Cybersecurity Governance Analyst at Bristol Myers Squibb and as a Risk and Security Engineer at Vanguard.

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About Drexel Engineering

Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security Logo

The  Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) delivers this comprehensive program. 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.

The cybersecurity master's is by the Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity institution community.

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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.

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.

Research

All students in the master’s in chemical engineering program are welcome to engage in research as part of their degree or as extra-curricular activity. Full-time master’s degree candidates are encouraged to base their master’s thesis on an aspect of faculty research.

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.

  • 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.

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