Cyber and Information Security, Master of Science (M.S.)

St. John’s 30-credit master’s degree in cyber and information security accelerates your career and transforms your world view through an immersive learning experience that connects you with the brightest minds in the field and state-of-the-art learning resources. 

Why Cyber and Information Security?

• Cybersecurity is a field that is accelerating rapidly. As more cybersecurity attacks occur, the demand for professionals adept in preventing and protecting against these attacks rises.
• With a Master of Science degree in Cyber and Information Security, you enter a thriving career field with the proper skills and theoretical knowledge to set you apart. Our expansive curriculum was designed to elevate any person with an interest in computer science, data science, or information technology.

Admission Requirements

• All applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or the international equivalent before enrollment at the graduate level. 

In addition to the application form and non-refundable application fee, candidates should submit the following:  

• Statement of professional goals and resume, which can be uploaded as part of the application for admission.  
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools attended. 
• One letter of recommendation obtained from a professional or academic reference.  
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English.  
• Students with international credits must submit a course-by-course foreign credit evaluation with GPA calculation from a NACES member.

Core Courses: 12 Credits

• CYB 611 Foundations in Cybersecurity (3 credits)
• CYB 615 Protection of Digital Infrastructure (Network Security) (3 credits)
• CYB 621 Cybersecurity Laws, Regulations and Best Practices (3 credits)
• CYB 625 Principles of Secure Scripting and Cryptography (3 credits)

Specialization: 9 Credits

• 9 credits from one of the following: Cyber Security, Data and Analytics, and IT 

Enterprise

• Cyber Security
• CYB 711 Intrusion Detection and analysis (3 credits)
• CYB 715 Penetration testing and ethical hacking (3 credits)
• DFR 711 Cyber-Forensic and Malware Analysis (3 credits)

Data and Analytics 

• CUS 510 Database Management Systems (3 credits)
• CUS 680 Distributed Big Data Analytics (3 credits)
• CUS 610 Data Mining and Predictive Modeling I (3 credits)

IT Enterprise

• IT 711 Enterprise Architecture and IT Governance (3 credits)
• IT 715 System Analysis and Process Re-engineering (3 credits)
• IT 721 IT Project Management and Agile Methodologies (3 credits)

Capstone or Master's Thesis

• Capstone Option: CYB 790 Master’s Capstone Project (3 credits) and one additional elective course (3 credits)
• Master’s Thesis Option: a) CYB 795 Thesis I (3 credits) plus CYB 796 Thesis II (3 credits)

Elective Courses

• The extensive elective disciplines are expanding and currently Includee graduate coursework in Homeland Security, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, and Digital Forensics.

Homeland Security

• HLS 102 Intelligence for Homeland Security: Organizational & Policy Challenges
• HLS 103 Critical Infrastructure: Vulnerability Analysis and Protection
• HLS 108 (becoming HLS 505) Enterprise Risk Management
• HLS 301 Police and Homeland Security Leadership
• HLS 302 U.S. Constitution and Homeland Protection
• HLS 303 Issues in Global Security
• HLS 305 Seminar in Global Terrorism
• HLS 306 Policy Formation and Analysis.
• HLS 307 Leadership Issues in Critical Incident Management
• HLS 312 Court Administration and Leadership
• 3 credits chosen from HLS 100 series electives or HLS 300 series electives
• Other HLS Electives offered per the Program Director's approval

Computer Science and Data Science

• CUS 510 Database System Design and Data Warehousing
• CUS 610 Data mining and Predictive Modeling
• CUS 680 Distributed Big Data Analytics
• CUS 752 Machine Learning
• CUS 620 Introduction to Programming for Analytics
• (Prerequisite option) NET 510 Networks: Forms & Functions

Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology

• CYB 798 Cyber Security Internship
• CYB 711 Intrusion Detection and Analysis
• CYB 715 Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
• DFR 711 Cyber-Forensic and Malware Analysis
• IT 711 Enterprise Architecture and IT Governance
• IT 715 System Analysis and Process Re-engineering
• IT 721 IT Project Management and Agile Methodologies

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates of the M.S. Cyber and Information Security program should, within a few years of graduation: 

• Build sound Cyber Security processes, research skills, and tools into and across the digital acquisition lifecycle.
• Practice Cyber Security professionally and with specific team technical leadership and stakeholder interdisciplinary communications skills while considering ethical and societal responsibilities.
• Attain technical roles or advanced graduate research in securing complex system.

Student Outcomes (Program-Level Learning Outcomes)
Graduates of the program will have the ability to:

• Analyze a complex problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to elaborate solutions to it.
• Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Function effectively as a member and leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.