With the vast amount of sensitive data now stored in the digital universe — everything from social security numbers to financial records and matters of national security — it’s critical that we secure and protect it from malicious interests. For vital computer networks and electronic infrastructures, cybersecurity experts stand as the last and most effective line of defense against such attacks.
At the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, our master's in Cybersecurity program curriculum is rooted in the belief that theory and research must translate into real-world solutions. To this end, we have created the NYU Center for Cybersecurity, and the Offensive Security, Incident Response, and Internet Security Lab (OSIRIS) dedicated to training the current and future generations of cybersecurity professionals.
NYU Tandon has a distinguished history of research and education in the field of cybersecurity, and our classes are taught by internationally known experts. We have been designated an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, a Center of Academic Excellence in Research, a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations, and a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
The cybersecurity field is expected to generate many new jobs over the next decade as industry and government continue to emphasize safe data and information systems. As a graduate of the program, you’ll be ready for a career as a developer of security products, security application programmer, security analyst, and penetration tester. You can also pursue work as a security researcher, vulnerability analyst, or security architect, or continue your studies toward a doctorate.
Other depth electives may be chosen with the Academic Adviser's approval.
2
Or ECE-GY 9453 ST: Comp Elec Devices & System (Hardware Security)
3
Or ECE-GY 9163 Sel Topcs in Signal Processing (Machine Learning Security)
4
Other breadth electives may be chosen with the Academic Adviser's approval.
Capstone Requirement
All Cybersecurity students are required to complete a capstone project that showcases a culmination of skills and knowledge learned throughout the program. There are two options to meet this requirement:
Capstone Option 1: Students may take CS-GY 9963 Advanced Project in Computer Science (depth elective) and complete a project under the direction of faculty.
Capstone Option 2: If students do not complete an Advanced Project, then their capstone project will be either from CS-GY 6803 Information Systems Security Engineering and Management (depth elective) or CS-GY 9163 Application Security (core), whichever course is taken last.1
It is recommended that students take their capstone course in their final semester.
1
Students admitted between Fall 2021 and Spring 2023 have the option of counting CS-GY 6903 Applied Cryptography as the capstone course, since this course was a capstone option prior to Fall 2023.
National Centers of Academic Excellence (NCAE-C) in Cybersecurity Designation Tracks
The Cybersecurity MS degree allows students the opportunity to plan their course selection, within the curriculum requirements, following either the Cyber Defense or Cyber Operations tracks outlined below.
The specific courses that a student takes during the program will vary according to the student’s interests and background, course offerings and whether the student studies full-time or part-time. The following are examples of courses a typical student might take. These are just samples meant to help in planning the courses for the degree. Individual study plans may differ depending on when courses are offered.
Information Systems Security Engineering and Management (capstone + depth elective)
3
Credits
3
Total Credits
30
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
Obtain a strong background in cybersecurity fundamentals for advanced development or research activity.
Master important practical skills in cybersecurity labs.
Assess systems with project work.
Obtain knowledge in core computer science courses.
Policies
Program Policies
GPA Requirement
All courses must be completed with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.In addition, a core GPA of 3.0 or higher is required in the core courses.A grade of B or higher is required in the capstone course.