Cybersecurity Other BS-MS Resources

The Cybersecurity (CSEC) advising team at RIT is committed to guiding students through every step of their academic journey in cybersecurity. Each student in the undergraduate program is assigned a professional advisor, who provides personalized support to navigate the curriculum, program requirements, course sequences, and university policies. Advisors also help interpret institutional policies, refer students to additional resources on campus, and discuss academic progress and concerns. All incoming students will have a mandatory meeting with their assigned advisor before registering for their second-term courses.

Our advisors are dedicated to fostering students' educational and career goals, empowering them to take ownership of their academic paths. Advisors are accessible through in-person and remote appointments, offering a safe and supportive environment where students can freely ask questions and receive tailored guidance. We emphasize resilience and well-being, understanding that success in cybersecurity requires balancing academic and personal health, and encourage students to utilize campus resources proactively to manage challenges.

Aligned with FERPA regulations, CSEC Advisors respect student privacy and empower students to handle their academic affairs independently. With a student-centered philosophy, our advisors build strong relationships, encouraging active participation in planning and decision-making. We are here to support students' personal and professional growth, preparing them for diverse, global careers in cybersecurity with a holistic approach to their development.

Academic advising appointments can be made between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, email works best for brief questions. For students with requiring more in-depth information can schedule appointments with an academic advisor. 

Your current undergraduate academic advisor will remain your primary advisor until you graduate. They are your first point of contact to discuss any personal or academic concerns and your overall BS-MS graduation plan. You have also been assigned a graduate academic advisor, Jill Persson (jmpics@rit.edu), and faculty advisor, Dr. Sumita Mishra (sumita.mishra@rit.edu), Graduate Program Director of Cybersecurity.  They are available to assist you and your undergraduate academic advisor with matters relating to planning your graduate coursework (i.e., elective options, capstone strategies, etc.)

Jill Persson

Academic Advisor

Advising

Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences

jill.persson@rit.edu

585-475-2700

View Jill's calendar and book an appointment here.

This information is applicable for undergraduate students who wish to earn both a BS in Computer Science or Software Engineering and an MS in Cybersecurity. Software Engineering students accepted into this program will be able to take up to two graduate courses (6 semester credit hours) in Cybersecurity and apply them to both the BS and MS degree requirements. Computer Science students accepted into the program will be able to take up to three graduate courses (9 semester credit hours) in Cybersecurity and apply them both to the BS and MS degree requirements. These courses would take the place of advanced courses in their respective undergraduate degree and will be considered electives in their graduate degree. This two/three-course overlap will allow students the opportunity to complete both degrees in six years, given careful planning and execution.

Admissions Requirements:

1. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.
2. Students must be at least third-year standing.
3. Students must complete 20 semester credits of computing coursework before applying.
4. For students whose BS curriculum requires a co-op, a minimum of 1 co-op must be completed before applying.
5. Personal statement outlining interest in the BS-MS program and what area of focus they think they are interested in pursuing.
6. One letter of recommendation from a GCCIS professor explaining their potential for the BS-MS program.
7. Students must submit their application materials to csecadvising@rit.edu by May 1st. Applications are only accepted and reviewed after the spring semester for fall admission.

*It is important to note that we cannot guarantee acceptance into the BS-MS program even if the entrance criteria are met, as it will depend on the demand and on the space available in our program from term to term.

**All students who turn in an official Change of Program Application Form will be evaluated at the end of the term once grades for the current term post. It should be noted that a student will not receive their Bachelor’s degree until the requirements for both the BS and MS degrees have both been completed.