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 2019 (scholarship consideration) | December 15, 2018 |
| Fall 2019 (FINAL) | January 15, 2019 |
APPLICATION CRITERIA- Satisfactory cumulative undergraduate GPA (grade point average)
- Satisfactory GRE test scores. All scores must be officially reported to the university directly by ETS
The typical admitted student will also have the following qualifications:
- an undergraduate degree in computer science, electrical engineering or information security
- programming capability;
- understanding of the Theory of Computation and operating systems;
- desire to learn information security techniques and tools that are directly applicable to current information security challenges; and
- above average mathematical foundation
USC GRADUATE APPLICATION
APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR ALL APPLICANTSTranscripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
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 (Required)
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.
Personal Statement (Required): The personal statement should succinctly describe 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.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTSEnglish Language Proficiency: In addition to the general admission criteria listed above, international students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS examination to be considered a candidate for admission. 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. For more details on English Proficiency Criteria for the University of Southern California, please visit USC Graduate Admission – Proficiency in English.
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 2019 - Summer 2020 | $2,075 | $6,225 | $8,300 |
| Fall 2018 - Summer 2019 | $2,005 | $6,015 | $8,020 |
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) |
| INF 519 | Foundations of Information Security (4 units) |
| INF 523 | Assurance in Cyberspace and Applied to Information Security (4 units) |
| INF 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) |
| INF 525 | Trusted System Design, Analysis, and Development (4 units) |
| INF 526 | Secure Systems Administration (4 units) |
| INF 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.
