Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
Curriculum
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Curriculum Designed for Cyber Security Engineers
The 30-unit program consists of ten courses. Courses are offered year-round with three semesters every year; Spring, Summer, and Fall. Each semester lasts 14 weeks. Students take two courses per semester. Courses run for seven weeks each with a one or two week break in between semesters. This intensive format allows students to focus on one course at a time and to still complete the degree program in 20 months.
For students that do not come from a cybersecurity or computer science background they may be required to take CYBR 505, Computational Roots of Cyber Security, as a prerequisite. The course is an accelerated introduction to software systems with an emphasis on computer programming, computer architecture, and operating systems. Taking this course adds 6 additional units to the program for a total of 36 units and 24 months. The full-time program requires a minimum of 9 units of coursework per term.
On campus courses typically meet twice a week, after hours, for three-hour sessions. Additional homework, research, and study time are required. Students are advised to spend 15-18 hours per week in each course in order to be successful.
Please note that group work is a component of the program. Group work is essential in this program because real-world cyber defense demands collaboration across disciplines. Working in groups builds essential skills in communication, leadership, and systems thinking, which are critical for success in cyber security engineering roles.
NOTE: Courses and units/course subject to change until classes start. Some students may be required to take CYBR 505, Computational Roots of Cyber Security, as a prerequisite.
20
Number of months it takes to graduate from the program
15–18
Average number of hours of coursework to expect each week
3
Number of formats available. Choose our 100% online format, or 100% on-campus in either a part-time or full-time format
Priority Deadline
Applying to our master’s program by the priority deadline offers you significant advantages:
- Early Consideration: Be among the first to have your application reviewed and receive your admission decision sooner, giving you more time to prepare for your next academic journey.
- Increased Admission Chances: Secure your spot in the program while more seats are available, enhancing your chances of acceptance.
- Stress-Free Planning: Eliminate the last-minute rush by submitting your application early, allowing you to focus on the next steps.
- Showcase Your Commitment: Demonstrate your dedication and preparedness by applying early, making a strong impression on our admissions committee.
Don’t wait—take the first step toward your future today by submitting your application by the priority deadline!
Highlights of the Part-time program
- Choose your preferred format: 100% online or evening classes on-campus
- 10-11 courses total
- 30-36 units
- Estimated time to completion: 20-24 months (5-6 consecutive terms)
- Classes are taken year-round in Spring, Summer and Fall terms
- Students will take one 7-week class at a time. Students may start in Fall, Spring or Summer
Highlights of the Full-time program
The full-time on-campus program is required for all visa-seeking international students, and is also a good option for military-funded students looking to maximize their benefits.
- Offered on-campus only
- 11 courses total
- Full-time program requires a minimum of 9 units of coursework per term
- 36 units
- Complete the program in 4 semesters
- Intakes in Fall and Spring with no required coursework over the summer
- Students will take one 7-week class at a time
Student Support
USD provides support services from your initial inquiry through graduation and placement. As a nationally ranked Catholic institution, the University of San Diego is focused on an unwavering expectation: academic excellence. We want to help you become the Changemaker you want to be!
Enrollment Advising
When you first inquire about one of our graduate degree programs, you will be assigned a personal Enrollment Advisor. Your Enrollment Advisor is available to answer your questions, help you assess your eligibility for admission, and guide you through the application process. Your advisor will help you every step of the way from the moment you indicate your interest in a program through the entire application process. Our team of Advisors can even help order your undergraduate transcripts, guide you through the process of writing your admission essay, and ensure you are staying on top of deadlines.
Program Advising
A Program Advisor will be your primary point of contact for support once you are admitted and have formally registered for classes. When you first enroll, your Program Advisor will schedule a 15-minute introductory call to review technology/equipment requirements, connect you with resources for finanacial aid, GI Bill/VA funding, payment plans etc. and help you sign up for the Online Orientationl. Over the course of your program, you’ll work with your Program Advisor to add/drop classes, coordinate credit transfers, and address any technical challenges you might be experiencing. In fact, you can direct most university-related questions to your Program Advisor; if they do not have the answer, they will point you to the available resource that does.
Academic Advising
Each of our graduate degree programs has an Academic Advisor, who is responsible for evaluating applications and admitting new students, monitoring your academic progress and providing guidance as needed. Program Advisors also serve as instructors for their respective programs.
Additional Support
- Instructor Support –Instructors facilitate your studies throughout the course and will respond to your questions and coursework through the course site.
- Library Support – You will have access to Copley Library’s online digital databases and other library resources, including the library’s reference services either by phone or email.
- Technical Support – If you have any troubles with the online learning environment, you’ll find USD’s help desk technical support to be responsive and effective.
Graduate Placement
Career Services at the University of San Diego (USD) serves as a centralized resource for USD students, alumni and employers. Career Services can provide you with online career tools and other resources to help you with your job search.
PROGRAM COURSE CURRICULUM
The courses offered in the Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering include:
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
An introduction to the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including the notion of policy as the definition of “security” for a system and th… |
3 |
|
This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts of computer network security and defense, including planning, architecture, system de… |
3 |
|
This course focuses on securing modern cloud and virtualized environments using industry-standard architectures and frameworks. Topics inclu… |
3 |
|
This course is an introduction to core principles of modern cryptography and applied cryptographic methods and systems. It includes descript… |
3 |
|
This course introduces the security risks and defenses associated with artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. Students examin… |
3 |
|
This course provides hands-on experience in offensive security and adversarial operations. Topics include reconnaissance, vulnerability disc… |
3 |
|
This course presents various methodologies for performing security testing to ensure a system correctly enforces the security policy. Topics… |
3 |
|
In this course techniques for assuring the continued operation of secure systems in contested environments will be explored. The course thro… |
3 |
|
In Research 1, students will be introduced to a multi domain international company that requires cybersecurity support to update and formali… |
3 |
|
In Research II, students will continue the implementation of the capstone case study introduced in Research I a multi domain international c… |
3 |
Courses and units/course subject to change until classes start.
For students that do not come from a cybersecurity or computer science background they may be required to take CYBR 505, Computational Roots of Cyber Security, as a prerequisite. The course is an accelerated introduction to software systems with an emphasis on computer programming, computer architecture, and operating systems. Taking this course adds 6 additional units to the program for a total of 36 units.
MS-CSE Degree plan
Students are admitted throughout the year for admission into one of three semesters (Spring, Summer, and Fall). Each semester two courses are offered, with students focusing intensively on one course at a time – a total of 7 weeks for each course. Degree plans for our Online and On Campus programs are available below.
Admission application packets are accepted on a rolling basis. A decision will be recommended by the Review Committee within 1 week from submission.
Download a PDF of your degree plan that corresponds with your start term.
Important dates for your starting term will be found in the degree plan. Important dates for subsequent terms can be found in your student success center after acceptance.
outcomes
The curriculum is designed to achieve the following learning outcomes, in addition to the graduate learning outcomes shared across all of USD’s Master’s level programs. The Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering program provides knowledge and skill in architecting, developing, and fielding secure network solutions against cybersecurity threats. Throughout their studies, students will:
- Employ the foundational concepts of cybersecurity and systems engineering principles to architect, build, and field secure systems throughout the entire secure systems development life cycle.
- Analyze a system to determine the cybersecurity objectives, policies, and threats, and select appropriate and cost-effective security controls to mitigate risk.
- Perform system security assessments by applying skills in security testing, forensics, incident response, and continuity planning in order to identify potential vulnerabilities and solutions.
- Demonstrate the ability to write programs to automate cyber system tasks.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in cybersecurity practice based on legal and ethical principles.
Test Out Simulation Lab
TestOut is an online service for students working on certifications. It consists of courses taught through “lab sim (simulation)” with text, videos, labs, and assessments. Each course runs approx. $129-$179.
USD students in the CSE program will be required to utilize TestOut as part of the curriculum. Instead of purchasing TestOut for the proper courses outside of Canvas, the TestOut online service will be embedded in the Canvas classroom. As soon as they log into their course, they will have access. The “lab fee” will go towards the student’s tuition. The students will only be required to purchase each course once. So, if Security Pro for TestOut is used in 3 classes, the student only has to pay that lab fee once.
While a student will use portions of the TestOut courses, they will not be required to complete the full course, just the professor prescribed exercises. If they do choose to complete the TestOut course in its entirety on their own time, they will be qualified to sit for different certifications (highlighted below). Once a student accesses a TestOut course, they will have access to it for 24 months.
CYBR 501
Security Pro Test Out Course = $129
Prepares students for:
TestOut Security Pro CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501).
CYBR 502
Ethical Hacker Pro Test Out Course = $179
Prepares students for:
TestOut Ethical Hacker Pro EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker
CYBR 503
Security Pro and Ethical Hacking Pro = $0 (since already charged in CYBR 501/502)
Cyber Defense Pro = $109
Prepares students for:
TesOut CyberDefense Pro Certification
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) Certification
CYBR 504
Security Pro and Ethical Hacking Pro = $0 (since already charged in CYBR 501/502)
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Success stories
The support structure with the school itself, with the professors, was excellent. They were always available to answer questions and, more than that, their feedback on assignments was really invaluable.
The support structure with the school itself, with the professors, was excellent. They were always available to answer questions and, more than that, their feedback on assignments was really invaluable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Building in Security from the Start: Why Cyber Security Engineers Will Soon be in High Demand
