Cybersecurity

Program Description

The MS in cybersecurity prepares individuals for demanding positions in public and private sectors overseeing, operating, or protecting critical computer systems, information, networks, infrastructures and communications networks.

Students will be well-versed to apply their knowledge and critical thinking related to domestic and international legal systems, private and public policies, and ethics, as they apply cybersecurity to information protection, terrorism, fraud, theft, intelligence/counterintelligence, digital forensics, pre-emptive and strategic force operation application situations.

Learning Outcomes

• Graduates will be capable of explaining important principles, and theories used throughout the field of cybersecurity.
• Graduates will be capable of applying knowledge in the field of cybersecurity to analyze real world problems.
• Graduates will be capable of effectively integrating knowledge in the field of cybersecurity to propose solutions to real world problems.

Program Curriculum

The 39 credit hours required for the MS degree in cybersecurity must include the required core courses.

Core Courses (24 hours)

• CSSS 5000 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 hours)
• CSSS 5110 Cybersecurity Communications (3 hours)
• CSSS 5120 Cybersecurity Infrastructures (3 hours)
• CSSS 5130 Cybersecurity Intelligence/Counter Intelligence (3 hours)
• CSSS 5140 Cybersecurity Strategic Operations (3 hours)
• CSSS 5160 Encryption Methods and Techniques (3 hours)
• CSSS 6001 Practical Research in Cybersecurity (3 hours)*
• CSSS 6002 Practical Research in Cybersecurity (3 hours)*

*CSSS 6001 and 6002 must be taken sequentially over two terms; CSSS 6001 is a Prerequisite for CSSS 6002

3 elective courses chosen from the following:

• CSSS 5210 Cybersecurity Law and Policy (3 hours)
• CSSS 5220 Cybersecurity Threat Detection (3 hours)
• CSSS 5230 Cybersecurity Forensics (3 hours)
• CSSS 5240 Pre-emptive Deterrence (3 hours)
• CSSS 5250 Use and Protection of Space Assets (3 hours)
• CSSS 5990 Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity (3 hours)**
• CSSS 6500 Cybersecurity Internship (3 hours)

**A maximum of two CSSS 5990 Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity courses may be counted toward the 39 required credit hours.

The student must also select 2 additional electives from CSSS or other Webster elective credit courses that may be offered at the location where the student is completing their MS requirements.

All students in this curriculum must complete the CSSS 6001 (3) and CSSS 6002 (3) Practical Research in Cybersecurity capstone courses over two sequential terms as a practical research paper, an internship, or an individual or team project for a total of 6 credit hours and 72 contact hours.

The 42 credit hours required for the master of business administration (MBA) with an emphasis in cybersecurity must include the following courses:

• CSSS 5000 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 hours)
• CSSS 5120 Cybersecurity Infrastructures (3 hours)
• CSSS 5210 Cybersecurity Law and Policy (3 hours)
• CSSS 5220 Cybersecurity Threat Detection (3 hours)

Webster reserves the right to restrict access to some courses that may require specific clearances to address specific classified topics related to advanced course content in cybersecurity. Professors must advise the Site Director, Faculty Advisor or Site Manager of the potential of including any classified content in the course and clearly identify the need for security clearances, the level, agency issued by, and methods employed for the protection of information with applicable security policies and procedures at the location where the course is to be taught. Counselors must understand specific clearance requirements of these courses and the specific clearances of students attempting to enroll in these courses. This restriction will only apply to those programs offered at National Laboratories; Intelligence Agencies or specified Military sites which request this level of security.

Application Requirements

• Signed Application Form
• Proof of English Proficiency:
  – TOEFL: PBT 550 | iBT 80
  – IELTS: 6.5
  – Pearson: 53
• Undergraduate Transcripts
• Essay: 300-500 word essay on a topic of your choice OR Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• One Letter of Recommendation
• Certificate of Finance showing $Tuition plus $16,000
• Copy of Passport ID Page
• Official University/College Transcripts (for Transfer Students)
• Some programs have additional entry requirements. Please contact your advisor for more information.