Cyber security professionals hold essential roles in protecting organizations’ assets in industries including finance, insurance, manufacturing, public policy, and defense. WPI’s Master’s in Cyber Security trains students to be highly technical cyber security professionals who apply their knowledge within the contexts of business and human behavior.
Unlike other master’s in cyber security programs, WPI’s Master’s in Cyber Security program teaches security subjects and skills within a societal context. Students learn rigorous technical material and its application within business, policy, and other fields. Students in WPI’s Master’s in Cyber Security graduate program choose courses that match their interests and specific career goals. A path of study may include applying security techniques, researching new techniques, or combining research with its application in policy and industry. The program uses real-world experiential learning and research opportunities to ensure students are prepared for an evolving threat landscape.
The Master’s in Cyber Security draws from WPI’s deep expertise across the computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and mathematical sciences departments and the Business School.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology indicates there is a global shortage of three million cyber security professionals. The job market for master’s and cyber security jobs is rapidly growing and lucrative. These positions play an important role in finance, insurance, manufacturing, public policy, and defense. Without well trained security professionals, organizations are vulnerable to security breaches, which cost the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars annually.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate sufficient background in computing for graduate-level work. Background in developing or using software tools is required. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, information technology, or other related fields should be adequate preparation. Students from other backgrounds may apply if they can demonstrate their readiness through other means, such as GRE exams, professional certifications, or relevant technical work experience.
Curriculum
WPI’s Master’s in Cyber Security program has both a standard and an advanced academic track to accommodate students with significant prior preparation as well as those seeking to become professionals in the field.
Students on either WPI Master’s in Cyber Security degree program track complete 30 credits and earn the same credential (the tracks are for course selection only and are not officially recorded). On each track, students focus on either a software-centric or hardware-centric collection of courses.
Students on the standard track may complete
- 3 bridge courses
- CS 5007 Introduction to Programming Concepts, Data Structures, and Algorithms
- CS 5008 Introduction to Systems and Network Programming
- CS 509 Design of Software Systems
- 3 core courses
- One technically-focused course from:
- CS 557 Software Security Design and Analysis
- CS 558 Computer Network Security
- DS/ECE 577 Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
- ECE 579S Computer Security
- ECE 579C Applied Cryptography and Physical Attacks
- One human behavior-focused course from:
- CS 571 Case Studies in Computer Security
- CS 525 Digital Forensics
- CS 525 Computer Crime Law
- ECE 579B Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
- MIS 582 Information Security Management
- One technically-focused course from:
- 3 depth courses
- ECE 573/CS 578 Cryptography & Data Security
- ECE 673 Advanced Cryptography
- CS 564 Advanced Topics in Computer Security
- OIE 542 Risk Management & Decision Making
- Any core course from above that has not been used to satisfy the core requirement.
- capstone experience
Students on the advanced track may complete
- 3 core courses
- One technically-focused course from:
- CS 557 Software Security Design and Analysis
- CS 558 Computer Network Security
- DS/ECE 577 Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
- ECE 579S Computer Security
- ECE 579C Applied Cryptography and Physical Attacks
- One human behavior-focused course from:
- CS 571 Case Studies in Computer Security
- CS 525 Digital Forensics
- CS 525 Computer Crime Law
- ECE 579B Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
- MIS 582 Information Security Management
- One technically-focused course from:
- 3 depth courses
- ECE 573/CS 578 Cryptography & Data Security
- ECE 673 Advanced Cryptography
- CS 564 Advanced Topics in Computer Security
- OIE 542 Risk Management & Decision Making
- Any core course from above that has not been used to satisfy the core requirement.
- 3 elective courses
- capstone experience
For students pursuing a thesis, the capstone and two elective courses may be swapped for a 9-credit MS thesis.
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