Computing Security Master of science degree
Computing Security
Master of science degree
In this cyber security master's degree, you'll develop a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to protect and defend information systems from cyber attacks.
Overview
There is critical importance to building security and survivability into the hardware and software of computing systems as they are designed and developed, rather than trying to add it on once these systems have been designed, developed, and installed. The MS in computing security gives students an understanding of the technological and ethical roles of computing security in today's society and its importance across the breadth of computing disciplines. This cybersecurity masters enables students to develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation in secure computing, preparing them for leadership positions in the computing security industry, academia, or research careers, or to pursue a more advanced degree in a computing discipline.
The cyber security master's program is designed for students who have an undergraduate computing degree in an area such as computing security, computer science, information technology, networking, or software engineering, as well as those who have a strong background in a field in which computers are applied, such as computer or electrical engineering. The program is offered online and on campus.
The curriculum consists of three required core courses, up to six technical electives (depending on the capstone option chosen), and a thesis, project, or capstone course.
Electives
Students can develop a specialization in one of several security-related areas by selecting technical electives under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students are required to choose up to six technical electives.
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Industries
Typical Job Titles
| DevOps and Security Engineer | Technology Analyst |
| Cyberphysical Systems Engineer | Incidence Response Consultant |
| Network Systems Engineer | Security Analyst |
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Curriculum for Computing Security MS
Computing Security (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CSEC-604 | Cryptography and Authentication In this course, students will learn in depth knowledge of cryptography and authentication. Students will explore various cryptography algorithms, authentication protocols, and their design and implementation. Students will work on a project to implement a cryptographic algorithm and/or an authentication protocol. The applications of cryptography and authentications in the areas of computer networks and systems and information assurance will also be investigated. (This course is restricted to students in the COMPSEC-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CSEC-742 | Computer System Security 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. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to BS/MS students in Computing Security and students in the COMPSEC-MS program.) Lab 2, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
Research Electives |
6 | |
Advanced Electives |
6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CSEC-790 | MS Thesis This course is a capstone course in the MS in computing security program. It offers students the opportunity to investigate a selected topic and make an original contribution which extends knowledge within the computing security domain. As part of their original work students will write and submit for publication an article to a peer reviewed journal or conference. Students must submit an acceptable proposal to a thesis committee (chair, reader, and observer) before they may be registered by the department for the MS Thesis. Students must defend their work in an open thesis defense and complete a written report of their work before a pass/fail grade is awarded. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
6 |
Advanced Electives |
6 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Computing Security (project option), MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CSEC-604 | Cryptography and Authentication In this course, students will learn in depth knowledge of cryptography and authentication. Students will explore various cryptography algorithms, authentication protocols, and their design and implementation. Students will work on a project to implement a cryptographic algorithm and/or an authentication protocol. The applications of cryptography and authentications in the areas of computer networks and systems and information assurance will also be investigated. (This course is restricted to students in the COMPSEC-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CSEC-742 | Computer System Security 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. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to BS/MS students in Computing Security and students in the COMPSEC-MS program.) Lab 2, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
Research Electives |
6 | |
Advanced Electives |
6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CSEC-791 | MS Project This course is a capstone course in the MS in computing security program. It offers students the opportunity to investigate a selected topic within the computing security domain. The student may complete a project for real world application or in a laboratory environment. Students must submit an acceptable proposal to a project committee (chair, and reader) before they may be registered by the department for the MS 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. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Project (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
Advanced Electives |
9 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Computing Security (capstone course option), MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CSEC-604 | Cryptography and Authentication In this course, students will learn in depth knowledge of cryptography and authentication. Students will explore various cryptography algorithms, authentication protocols, and their design and implementation. Students will work on a project to implement a cryptographic algorithm and/or an authentication protocol. The applications of cryptography and authentications in the areas of computer networks and systems and information assurance will also be investigated. (This course is restricted to students in the COMPSEC-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CSEC-742 | Computer System Security 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. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to BS/MS students in Computing Security and students in the COMPSEC-MS program.) Lab 2, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
Research Electives |
6 | |
Advanced Electives |
6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CSEC-793 | Capstone for Computing Security Students will apply their knowledge learned through the program to solve real world problems various areas of computing security. Large size projects will be defined for students to work on throughout the semester. At the end of semester students will present their results and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in problem solving and critical thinking in a setting open to the public. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
Advanced Electives |
9 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS in computing security, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete a graduate application.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college in computing security, computer science, software engineering, information technology, networking, computer engineering, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or computer engineering technology (exceptional students from other fields may be admitted on a contingent basis).
- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
- Submit one recommendation from an individual who is well-qualified to assess the applicant’s potential for success.
- International applicants must submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A minimum TOEFL score of 88 (internet-based) is required. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.
Prerequisites
Applicants must satisfy prerequisite requirements in mathematics (integral calculus, discrete mathematics), statistics, natural sciences (physics, chemistry, etc.), and computing (programming, computer networking theory and practice, and systems administration theory and practice).
Bridge Program
Students whose undergraduate preparation or employment experience does not satisfy the prerequisites required for the program may make up deficiencies through additional study. Bridge course work, designed to close gaps in a student's preparation, can be completed either before or after enrolling in the program as advised by the graduate program director. Generally, formal acceptance into the program is deferred until the applicant has made significant progress through this additional preparation.
If completed through academic study, bridge courses must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better. Courses with lower grades must be repeated. Bridge courses are not counted toward the 30 credit hours required for the master's degree. However, grades earned from bridge courses taken at RIT are included in a student's graduate grade point average.
A bridge program can be designed in different ways. Courses may be substituted based upon availability, and courses at other colleges may be applied. All bridge course work must be approved in advance by the graduate program director. For more information on the bridge program, please consult the Computer Security MS Handbook.
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Research
Computing security faculty are actively engaged in consulting and research in various areas of secure computing and information assurance, such as cryptography, databases, networking, secure software development, and critical infrastructure security. There are opportunities for students to participate in research activities towards capstone completion or as independent study work.
In addition, the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences is home to some of the world’s leading researchers in cybersecurity. Researchers explore attacking and defending, and developing next generation solutions for industry and individuals. Learn more about ongoing research at the college’s Global Cybersecurity Institute.
Latest News
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January 14, 2021
![four students sitting at round table with laptops.]()
Virtual Pen-Testing Competition Tasks College Students With Running a Red Team Operation
Dark Reading talks to Justin Pelletier, director of the GCI Cyber Range and Training Center, and computing security student Sunggwan Choi about RIT’s Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition.
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January 11, 2021
![Six college students smiling.]()
RIT takes top spot over Stanford, Cal Poly in Collegiate Pentesting Competition
A team of RIT students took first place at the Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition (CPTC) international finals Jan. 7-10. This is RIT’s first time winning the competition, which challenges the world’s brightest cybersecurity college students to put their hacking skills to the test.
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December 16, 2020
![student using a desktop computer.]()
World’s best cybersecurity colleges face-off in offensive-based competition Jan. 7-10
The world’s best white hat cybersecurity students will be crowned at the Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition (CPTC) global finals Jan. 7–10. The event is the culmination of the world’s largest offensive-based collegiate cybersecurity competition and will be run virtually through RIT.
