Master of Science in Cybersecurity
UT's Master of Science in Cybersecurity prepares students for careers in the dynamic cybersecurity industry. Rapid technology changes and the evolving threats that face modern organizations require educated and equipped cybersecurity professionals. This 32 credit hour program develops students' depth and breadth of information security knowledge so they can successfully protect information assets for organizations regardless of industry and business. Topics include cloud system security, risk assessment, data analytics, contingency planning, incident response management, digital forensics, penetration testing, secure software design, project management, technology governance, compliance and security leadership. Several of our courses are designed to cover the top professional certifications in the industry (e.g., Certified Information System Security Professional).
The M.S. in Cybersecurity also offers a thesis track. Students considering this option take a course sequence that includes a research seminar and a thesis writing course. This 34 credit hour alternative prepares students who wish to pursue a research-oriented career as an academic, consultant or practitioner.
Other cybersecurity graduate programs are available, including a graduate certificate in cybersecurity and an MBA concentration in cybersecurity.
Degree Requirements
Business Essentials courses: (12 hours)
| ACC 500 | Essentials of Accounting | 2 |
| ECO 500 | Foundational Economics for Managers | 4 |
| QMB 500 | Statistics for Decision Makers | 4 |
| FIN 500 | Foundations of Finance | 2 |
All Business Essentials requirements must be met prior to taking the MS-CYB core. See the Business Essentials section for more details.
Required Information Technology Qualification Courses (minimum 3 credit hours in each of four topics, undergraduate or graduate)
- Programming Fundamentals
- Network or Data Communications
- Information Security Principles
- Database or Systems Development
Note: Must earn a B grade or better in these qualification courses. Certain certifications or experience may substitute for these courses.
Non-Thesis Track
Required MS-CYB courses (12 credit hours)
| CYB 610 | Cloud Systems Security | 4 |
| CYB 620 | Risk Assessment & Contingency Planning | 4 |
| CYB 630 | Incident Response Management | 4 |
Elective courses: (20 hours)
Note: a maximum of three electives may be ITM courses.
| CYB 640 | Secure Software Design | 4 |
| CYB 650 | Security Governance & Leadership | 4 |
| CYB 660 | Penetration Testing | 4 |
| CYB 670 | Cybersecurity Research Seminar | 4 |
| CYB 695 | Special Topics in Cybersecurity | 4 |
| CYB 699 | Independent Study in Cybersecurity | 1-8 |
| ITM 614 | Effective Project Management | 4 |
| ITM 615 | Business Analytics | 4 |
| ITM 619 | Enterprise Systems | 4 |
| ITM 630 | Managing the IT Organization | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 32-44 plus Qualification Course Requirements
Thesis Track
Required MS-CYB courses (12 credit hours)
| CYB 610 | Cloud Systems Security | 4 |
| CYB 620 | Risk Assessment & Contingency Planning | 4 |
| CYB 630 | Incident Response Management | 4 |
| CYB 670 | Cybersecurity Research Seminar | 4 |
| CYB 675 | Cybersecurity Graduate Thesis | 6 |
Elective Courses (12 credit hours) Note: a maximum of two electives may be ITM courses.
| CYB 640 | Secure Software Design | 4 |
| CYB 650 | Security Governance & Leadership | 4 |
| CYB 660 | Penetration Testing | 4 |
| CYB 695 | Special Topics in Cybersecurity | 4 |
| CYB 699 | Independent Study in Cybersecurity | 1-8 |
| ITM 608 | Information Systems and Operations Management | 4 |
| ITM 614 | Effective Project Management | 4 |
| ITM 615 | Business Analytics | 4 |
| ITM 619 | Enterprise Systems | 4 |
| ITM 630 | Managing the IT Organization | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 34-44 plus Qualification Course Requirements