Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Prerequisites

You are expected to be prepared to study graduate-level computer science classes. While we accept students from a range of educational backgrounds, you must hold a bachelor's degree, ideally in computer science, computer engineering or a related field. We do not generally offer leveling (undergraduate) courses to learn background material. If you are applying to the program from a different background, you should ensure you have appropriate prior knowledge and experience.

Undergraduate preparation should include:

• Data structures and analysis of algorithms
• Operating systems, compliers and database systems
• Digital design and computer systems architecture
• Several high-level programming languages
• Mathematics including calculus, linear algebra and discrete mathematics

You will need to show the admissions committee that you understand the required prerequisites. This can be done by providing your transcript or including relevant expertise in your CV or Statement of Purpose.

Degree Plan

Requirements for the MS-CSEC degree include:

30 hours of coursework

Prescribed Core Electives

Nine hours (three courses) are required from the following list:

CSCE 704 Data Analytics for Cybersecurity
CSCE 713 Software Security
CSCE 749 Applied Cryptography
CSCE 765 Network Security

Prescribed Cybersecurity Electives

Nine hours (three courses) are required from the following list. Any course from the prescribed core electives list not used to meet those hours can be applied in this section:

Prescribed Computer Science Electives

Twelve hours (four courses) are required from the following list:

CSCE 606 Software Engineering
CSCE 611 Operating Systems
CSCE 612 Applied Networks and Distributed Processing
CSCE 614 Computer Architecture
CSCE 633 Machine Learning
CSCE 636 Deep Learning
CSCE 671 Computer-Human Interaction
CSCE 678 Distributed Systems and Cloud Computing

Other Degree Plan Information

• If you took CSCE 410 while a Texas A&M undergraduate and received an A you should not take CSCE 611. Instead, take an additional prescribed computer science elective class.
• If you took CSCE 421 while a Texas A&M undergraduate and received a B or better, you should not take CSCE 633. Instead, take an additional prescribed computer science elective class.
• If you took CSCE 431 while a Texas A&M undergraduate and received an A you should not take CSCE 606. Instead, take an additional prescribed computer science elective class.
• For stacked courses: if you have credit for an undergraduate class, you cannot get credit for the graduate class, except via Fast Track.