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.
Cybersecurity engineers are among the highest paid in the growing cyber industry. Earning a Master's degree in Cybersecurity can help you advance your career. This program is one of six listed in this Fortune/Education article.
International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
- This program requires completion of 28 units of coursework
- Thesis option not available. Directed Research (research without thesis) may be requested after completing first semester
- USC Catalogue
- USC Schedule of Classes
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Fall | December 15 |
Visit our Ready to Apply page for more information.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Bachelor'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.
Applications are reviewed holistically; simply taking these courses does not guarantee admission.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The following materials are required to be included with your online application:
- Transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Optional)
NOTE: The GRE is not required for 2026 applications.
The following link will take you to an overview of the tuition & fees for graduate engineering students, including payment information. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition
TUITION AND FEES OVERVIEW
Use the link below to download the Cost of Attendance to see a summary of tuition and fees by semester. The document is a typical example and the number of courses, and time to complete the program, will vary by student.
Estimated Cost of Attendance - 28 Unit Program
DIMPLE GAJRA
Tell us a little bit about yourself — where are you from, where did you do your undergraduate studies, how did you find your academic interests, etc.?
I am Dimple Gajra, and I am from Jamnagar, India. I pursued my undergraduate studies at G H Patel College of Engineering, studying Information Technology where I was able to study various computer programming languages. However, I first started getting interested in learning about cybersecurity while watching one my favorite television series, Mr. Robot. I started taking classes related to security, and I decided to further explore the study by pursuing my masters in cybersecurity at USC.
What attracted you to choose USC for your graduate studies?
USC is a prestigious school and was always in my top list.The Cybersecurity curriculum is very well known in the industry and has one of the strongest Alumni Network. Additionally, having the opportunity to study under USC Professor Newman was exciting because I studied his work during my undergrad. Another reason that attracted me to choose USC was the location- living in proximity to Hollywood has always been a dream of mine.
Tell us about your interests outside the classroom.
I love to hike and explore new places. During my time at USC, I visited the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Canyon, and many beautiful waterfalls. I have also picked on an interesting skill of lock picking - some of these locks include Master Lock Luggage 3-Dial Combination Padlock, Pin 1 to Pin 6 locks, and the kwikset old lock.
Tell us about some exciting and unforgettable incidents from your years at USC.
A few of my favorite memories are working at the USC Bookstore and getting to be part of ‘CYBORG,’ a USC student run cybersecurity club. Through CYBORG, I learned about what is going on in the industry and what companies were looking specifically for in the cybersecurity division.
Overall, how is the two-year journey at USC?
My journey at USC was a roller coaster ride. From celebrating my victories to hunting internships and jobs and facing all those rejections, there were a lot of ups and downs through the two years. However USC prepared me in learning more about working for cybersecurity. Additionally, the two years at USC have not only made me academically educated but also have made me an avid traveler- I got to experience a vast cultural exposure. And I’m definitely going to miss being on campus and finding nice hideout study places on campus such as VPD and USC Marshall building.
What are your future plans after completing your degree?
I am currently working at IBM as s cybersecurity analyst, but I am open to working in any Security Operations Center where I can catch the bad actors in computer programs. I also hope to travel to a different place each year.
Is there something that may surprise people about you?
I have developed an ability to pick Numeric TSA locks by just listening to the rotational sound of the numbers. Additionally, while I was interning at Activism, I was featured in a ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,” highlighted under the Central Technology credits.
What innovations/discoveries do you hope to see (or be a part of!) in the next ten years?
I’m excited to see the development of Elon Musk’s Neuralink company and how it comes to play in the future. It will be phenomenal to see if there can be a technology that deals with implanting a brain machine that can store our memories. I’m also interested in AI technology, especially with driver less cars, and how in the future people can multitask while driving.
2022 First Destinations Survey - Outcomes*
Alumni Employment - 2022*
(Companies & Job Titles)
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles - Information Security Analyst II
- DarkTrace - Cyber Technologist
- EY - Cybersecurity Consulting Intern
- John Deere - Security Engineer Cyber Security Operations Global IT Security
- PwC - Cybersecurity Associate
- Raytheon Technologies - Principal Systems Engineer
.
Internships (Summer 2023)**
PwC, R4 Solutions Inc.
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* Information is based on a voluntary survey and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive view of the 2022 graduating class.
** Internship data is from CPT internships done by our international student population.
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 |
| The remaining elective units necessary to earn the degree are completed by selecting additional 500-level CSCI/DSCI courses. |
Please complete the following form for more information.
