Core Electives and Requirements
To satisfy the requirements for the Cybersecurity MS program, the student must complete 30 credits, as listed below, with an overall average of B. In addition, a B average is required across all the required core courses, as indicated below.
Computer Science Core Courses
Security Core Courses
Most of the required Security Core courses have a project component.
Electives (3 courses)
Students may choose security-related courses from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering or from other schools of New York University, including courses in the psychology, law and sociology departments. Selected courses must be approved by the Program Committee. All of the following courses are preapproved; others must be approved by the Program Committee.
Footnotes
* Any required Computer Science core courses may be replaced if the student has taken a similar class.
Research Project (Optional)
One goal of the MS in Cybersecurity is to introduce students to exciting research in cybersecurity and to attract some of them to pursue a PhD degree. To this end, NYU Tandon Online offers a semester-long Advanced Project in Computer Science (CS-GY 9963) in cybersecurity (as listed above), as an elective. Students selecting this option are guided by a research professor and gain invaluable research experience.
Preparatory Courses
We offer 3 preparatory bridge courses for students who do not have a working knowledge of a high level, general-purpose programming language or a background in sets, functions, relations, asymptotic notation, proof techniques, induction, combinatorics, discrete probability, recurrences, graphs, trees, mathematical models of computation and undecidability.
Master’s Thesis (optional)
In addition to the above semester-long, research experience for students, the program also offers research-oriented MS students the master’s thesis option. With this option, a student takes 6 credits of CS-GY 997X MS Thesis in Computer Science working with a faculty adviser on a research problem in cybersecurity, in lieu of two out of the three required electives.
The research need not be original, but should demonstrate adequately the student’s proficiency in the subject. An oral defense of the master’s thesis before at least three professors is required. The 6 credits of master’s thesis must span two consecutive semesters. Whenever relevant, 3 credits of CS-GY 9963 may be used as 3 credits of CS-GY 997X , subject to faculty-adviser approval.
Cyber Ops Specialization
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations Program:
NYU Tandon School of Engineering is one of about 20 graduate schools in the country to have the designation of National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Operations. The CAE-Cyber Operations program is intended to be a deeply technical, interdisciplinary, higher education program firmly grounded in the computer science (CS), computer engineering (CE), and/or electrical engineering (EE) disciplines, with extensive opportunities for hands-on applications via labs/exercises.
National Centers of Academic Excellence - Cyber Operations
Courses:
Students who wish to receive an acknowledgment that they have completed the NSA Cyber Operation Program must successfully complete the following courses:
3 Credits Design and Analysis of Algorithms I CS-GY6033
3 Credits Introduction to Operating Systems CS-GY6233
3 Credits Penetration Testing and Vulnerability AnalysisCS-GY6573
3 Credits Information Systems Security Engineering and Management CS-GY6803
3 Credits Information, Security and Privacy CS-GY6813
3 Credits Network Security CS-GY6823
3 Credits Computer Networking CS-GY6843
3 Credits Applied Cryptography CS-GY6903
3 Credits Application Security CS-GY9163
The CAE in Cyber Operations Summer Program (CAE-Cyber Ops SP) is the National Security Agency’s (NSA) premier outreach program for students enrolled in the Cyber Operations specialization at NSA-designated universities. Selectees will be invited to participate in a 12-week summer program to gain knowledge of specific cyber-related topics and apply educational knowledge to address various real-world mission-related technical challenges. Participants in the program will work on a broad range of problems involving applications of computer science and engineering.
CAE in Cyber Operations Summer Intern Program
Preparatory Course
Bridge to NYU Tandon:
The Bridge to NYU Tandon Program is a prerequisite course recommended to those interested in applying for the Cybersecurity Master’s Degree who are lacking a background in science or engineering.
If you have a degree in liberal arts or similar, our one-course online program will provide you the tools needed to upgrade your math, science or engineering knowledge for consideration to a qualifying master’s degree at the School of Engineering. Should you complete this intensive bridge course with a grade of B+ or better, you are eligible to be admitted without any course deficiencies, should you meet all other School of Engineering admission requirements.
Learn More: Cybersecurity Bridge Program
