Computing Security MS

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Computing Security: Online
Master of science degree

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Online Admissions Contact

Karen Palmer, Associate Director Combined Accelerated Programs
585-475-5656,

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A degree driven by real-time employer demand

Cybersecurity jobs will grow 29% by 2030, outpacing the overall labor market growth. Search our curriculum and you’ll find the expertise and skills posted by employers in this growing field.

The computing security job market

96+

Average Annual Salary

29%

Employment Growth

34%

Postings in IT for Information Security

173k+

Job Postings in Last Year

Program Highlights

RIT is a designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Education and Research by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. In this master’s degree, you’ll learn from the same distinguished faculty as the on-campus program, and benefit from RIT’s leadership in this field. 

This innovative program is designed to enable students to gain a foundation of computing security knowledge and apply that learning, joining  a team of professionals to solve the challenges of ensuring secure computing environments. Students will prepare to become leaders within their organizations in the implementation of computing security and information assurance policies and practices.

You will begin this program by taking RIT's Cybersecurity MicroMasters® program on edX. Students who successfully complete the MicroMasters program and are admitted to RIT may be awarded credit for their MicroMasters program certificate toward the Computing Security MS degree at RIT. Learn more about this pathway to a degree and see specific requirements. 

 

Curriculum packed with high-demand skills

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Functions

Information security skills are found in over ⅓ of job postings, and projected to grow 22%.

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Programming

Python skills are projected to grow 61% by 2023.

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Process

DevOps skills are projected to grow 108% by 2023.

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Solutions

NIST Cybersecurity Framework skills are projected to grow 111%.

What you will learn

  • An understanding of technological and ethical roles  computing security plays in nearly all facets of today's society
  • A strong theoretical and practical foundation in secure computing
  • How to build security and survivability into the hardware and software of computing systems as they are designed and developed

Curriculum

 
RITx MicroMasters Program
Credits 9
CSEC-603
Enterprise Security
Credits 3
This course is designed to provide students with the advanced concepts needed to establish network security strategies to ensure adequate protection for the corporate environment and yet provide accessibility for the corporate community.
CSEC-604
Cryptography and Authentication
Credits 3
In this course, students will gain in depth knowledge of cryptography and authentication. Students will explore various cryptographic algorithms and authentication protocols, focusing on their design and implementation. Students will also work on a research or implementation project, based on cryptographic algorithms and/or authentication protocols. The applications of cryptography and authentication in the areas of computer networks and systems will also be investigated.
CSEC-731
Web Server and Application Security Audits
Credits 3
This course discusses the processes and procedures to perform a technical security audit of web servers and web based applications. Students will not only explore Web Servers and Applications/Services threats, but also apply the latest auditing techniques to identify vulnerabilities existing in or stemming from web servers and applications. Students will write and present their findings and recommendations in audit reports on web servers and application vulnerabilities. To be successful in this course students should be knowledgeable in a scripting language and comfortable with the administration of both Linux and Windows platforms.
CSEC-742
Computer System Security
Credits 3
The importance of effective security policies and procedures coupled with experience and practice is emphasized and reinforced through research and practical assignments. Organization and management of security discipline and response to threats is studied. Case studies of effective and failed security planning and implementation will be examined and analyzed. The issues influencing proper and appropriate planning for security and response to attacks will be studied. To be successful in this course students should be knowledgeable in networking, systems, and security technologies.
CSEC-743
Computer Viruses and Malicious Software
Credits 3
Computer malware is a computer program with malicious intent. In this course, students will study the history of computer malware, categorizations of malware such as computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, etc. Other topics include, but are not limited to, basic structures and functions of malware, malware delivery mechanism, propagation models, anti-malware software, its methods and applications, reverse engineering techniques. Students will conduct research to understand the current state of the computer malware defense and offense.
CSEC-759
Graduate Seminar in Computing Security
Credits 3
This course explores current topics in Computing Security. It is intended as a place holder course for faculty to experiment new course offerings in Computing Security undergraduate program. Course specific details change with respect to each specific focal area proposed by faculty.

Choose one of the following:

CSEC-791
MS Project
Credits 1 - 3
This course is one of the capstone options in the MS in Computing Security program. It offers students the opportunity to investigate a selected topic within the computing security domain. A project involves some type of practical development with a deliverable. This may include development with computer equipment, software packages, and programming/scripting languages. Alternately, it may be the development and demonstration of an innovative process that addresses a current computing security issue or problem. Students must submit an acceptable proposal to a project committee (chair, and reader) before they may be registered by the department for the MS in CSEC Project. Students must defend their work in an open project defense and complete a written report of their work before a letter grade is awarded. A well-written professional report is required that details current thinking on the topic in the professional literature, the design and implementation of development that was done, and a critical evaluation of the results.
CSEC-793
Capstone for Computing Security
Credits 1 - 3
This course is one of the capstone options in the MS in Computing Security program. Students will apply their knowledge to solve real world problems in the areas of computing security. Students will work on a semester-long project involving some type of practical development with a deliverable. This may include development with computer equipment, software packages, and programming or scripting languages. Alternately, it may be the development and demonstration of an innovative process that addresses a current computing security issue or problem. A well-written professional report is required that details current thinking on the topic in the professional literature, the design and implementation of development that was done, and a critical evaluation of the results. The students will also present their findings in an open forum. Students are expected to submit a short proposal before they can be enrolled in the class.

Earn a credential as-you-go

Earn the advanced certificate in cybersecurity and advance your career, all while working toward your master of science in computing security. Four courses of the MS degree program may be fully applied toward a graduate advanced certificate.

Admission Requirements

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
  • Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) (for borderline cases, professional experience will be taken into account)
  • Have a background in computer programming (two courses)
  • Have satisfactory background in discrete mathematics and one course in statistics. Calculus recommended but not required 
  • Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
  • Submit a current resume and personal statement.
  • Submit one letter of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
  • GRE scores are not required for domestic applicants.
  • International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

Cost

The online MS in Computing Security requires 30 credits and costs $1,237 per credit hour (Academic Year 2021 – 2022). This tuition reflects the RIT Online discount of 43% off the MS in Computing Security campus-based program cost.

Keep in mind that there are many options available that may help you lower your costs. Learn more about resources available including:

  • Military tuition benefits
  • Support from employers
  • Private scholarships 
  • Financing 
  • Payment plans

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