The Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering degree focuses on the fundamentals of developing, engineering, and operating secure information systems. Our curriculum fosters an understanding on how to develop a security policy and how policy drives technology decisions. Students will be well versed in the challenges and problems of secure operating systems, secure applications, secure networking, use of cryptography, and key management.
The specialized degree is intended for graduate students who desire to obtain jobs in which computer network operations knowledge and skills are required, or to continue an education path toward a doctorate degree with a focus on information security. It is also for individuals who are in degree programs or job fields that have some responsibility with information security and desire enhanced knowledge and skills.
International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
Please Note: Requirements for graduation, course offerings, course availability, track offerings, and any other degree requirements are subject to change. Students should consult with an academic advisor prior to registering for any classes.- The Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering requires a total of 28 units mimimum to graduate
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of ClassesAPPLICATION DEADLINES| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
|---|
| Fall 2021 (scholarship consideration) | December 15, 2020 |
| Fall 2021 (FINAL) | January 15, 2021 |
Visit our Application Deadlines page for more information.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTSBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related disciplines including but not limited to: Computer Science, Information Security, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and IT.
The following materials are required to be included with your online application:
- Transcripts: Upload Electronic Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A mailed hard copy or official e-transcript is not required for admission to our programs.
- Submit an electronic copy of official transcripts (.pdf recommended) and other degree related documents through the online graduate application (International applicants, visit USC Graduate Admission’s Country Requirements page for details on required documents)
- Unofficial transcripts from university student portals are not acceptable
- If the transcript includes a separate grading scale, make sure it is also uploaded
- For upload purposes, all transcript related documents for a single school must be submitted as one document
- If you are admitted, you will be given specific instructions on submitting your hard copy transcripts
- GRE General Test: Satisfactory and valid test scores. Valid GRE scores must be dated within five years of the start of the intended application semester. The fall semester starts in August, and the spring semester starts in January. Official scores must be reported from ETS directly to USC using ETS school code 4852. A department code is not required.
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement: The personal statement should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.
- Letters of Recommendation (Optional): Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTSEnglish Language Proficiency: In addition to application requirements above, international students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. There is no minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required for admission to the Viterbi School. For possible exemption from additional language requirements, you must achieve an Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90, with no less than 20 on each section or an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6 on each band score. Please review USC Graduate Admission – Proficiency in English.
USC GRADUATE APPLICATION
The following is an overview of the tuition & fees for graduate engineering students. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition.
TUITION
| Academic Year | Per Unit Rate | 3-unit Course | 4-unit Course |
|---|
| Fall 2020 - Summer 2021 | $2,148 | $6,444 | $8,592 |
| Fall 2019 - Summer 2020 | $2,075 | $6,225 | $8,300 |
TUITION & SAMPLE COURSE PLAN FOR 28 UNIT PROGRAM
STUDENT FEES
| Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
|---|
| Mandatory Fees (approximate) | Fall 2019: $475
Spring 2020: $420 | | |
| Health Insurance | Fall 2019: $730
Spring 2020: $1,311 | | |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $8/semester | | |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (On-Campus students) | $75/semester |
| |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $35/semester | |
|
| Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | | |
Detailed Information on Tuition & Fees
This program is also available online to professional engineers through DEN@Viterbi. Because the DEN@Viterbi program provides a fully equivalent academic experience, the degree a USC engineering student earns is the same whether they are on-campus or online.
If you are interested in beginning classes as a DEN@Viterbi student next semester, explore the requirements and steps to enrolling as a Limited Status Student.
Learn More About DEN@Viterbi
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of Classes
DEN@VITERBI ONLINE COURSE OFFERINGS
The following courses and program requirements serve as program planning for DEN@Viterbi students. Course offerings and availability are subject to change. Please consult with advisor if you have any questions.
Required Courses
|
| All Courses Required – 16 units total. |
| CSCI 530 | Security Systems (4 units) |
| DSCI 519 | Foundations and Policy for Information Security (4 units) |
| DSCI 523 | Computer Systems Assurance (4 units) |
| DSCI 529 | Security and Privacy in Informatics (4 units) |
| At Least Two Courses of the Following |
| 2 Courses Required – 8 Units total. |
| CSCI 531 | Applied Cryptography (4 units) |
| DSCI 525 | Trusted System Design, Analysis, and Development (4 units) |
| DSCI 526 | Secure Systems Administration (4 units) |
| DSCI 528 | Computer Forensics (4 units) |
| Electives |
| Plus an additional 4-5 units that may be composed of items from the above list or PTE 519 or other advisor approved courses. |
Please complete the following form for more information.
