M.S. in Cyber Security and Privacy

M.S. in Cybersecurity and Privacy

In today’s hyper-connected society, there is strong demand for cybersecurity professionals prepared to build and defend our networked infrastructure. With frequent data breaches exposing customer data for malicious intent, all sectors of industry and government are carefully examining their systems for vulnerabilities, and experts in this field are in demand as never before.

 

** NOTE: F1 visa students are not currently eligible to enroll at our Jersey City location.

M.S. Programs

Apply Now | Request Info

M.S. in Cybersecurity and Privacy (30 Credits)

Info Sheet

The M.S. in Cybersecurity and Privacy covers the construction and maintenance of secure software systems and tools to ensure the integrity of data and network communication. This spans topics from theoretical cryptographic protocols to government and corporate policy on data privacy. To be admitted to the program, we require a basic background in Mathematics (calculus, linear algebra), Statistics (probability and basic stats) and Software Development (programming, data structures and algorithms). A GRE score is not required. This part-time degree program involves 10 courses of 3 credits each, taught over 5 semesters of 15 weeks each (including summer). Courses consist of formal lectures as well as hands-on programming, network administration, and counter-hacking projects.

The curriculum focuses on various techniques for mitigating the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to networked devices and systems. Participants will learn how to identify security vulnerabilities in local, networked, and cloud software systems, and develop rigorous data management and software development workflows. The program consists of 10 courses of 3 credits each, taught over 5 semesters of 15 weeks each. Instruction includes formal lectures as well as hands-on projects securely storing, transmitting, and extracting data.

The program curriculum covers tools and technologies such as OpenSSL, Wireshark, Rainbow tables, Blockchains, and Certificate Transparency. Students work on homework assignments and projects covering both theory and applications on real data with guidance from the professor and teaching assistants.

Recommended part-time credit schedule: Two courses (6 credits) per semester over five consecutive semesters, including Summer. Start is possible in Fall, Spring or Summer semesters.

Required Courses

CS 608 Cryptography and Privacy
CS 645 Security and Privacy in Computer Systems
CS 646 Network Protocols Security
CS 647 Counter Hacking Techniques
CS 656 Internet and Higher Layer Protocols

 

 

 

 

CS 610 Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 630 Operating Systems Design
CS 631 Data Management System Design
CS 634 Data Mining
CS 643 Cloud Computing
CS 673 Software Design and Production Methodology
CS 680 Linux Kernel Programming
CS 696 Network Management & Security
IS 680 Information Systems Auditing
IS 681 Computer Security Auditing
IS 682 Forensic Auditing for Computer Security
IT 620 Wireless Networks Security and Administration
IT 640 Network Services Administration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be eligible for admission, a student must have a B.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and have the following background (typically obtained through a BS in a STEM field):

  • Calculus: Derivatives, integrals, applications
  • Linear Algebra: Vector spaces, dot products, matrices, linear systems
  • Probability and Statistics: Random variables, probability distributions, basic statistics
  • Programming: Basic programming constructs, writing and debugging programs, iteration, recursion, arrays, lists
  • Data Structures and Algorithms: Basic data structures, search and sort, algorithm analysis

 

Applicants lacking this background may enroll in the Certificate in Foundations of Cybersecurity to acquire it and then continue to the MS program while transferring all credit.

A GRE score is not required.

  • Design and build secure infrastructure for managing data and communication both in the cloud and on local servers.
  • Provide expert insight on security standards and protocols in large-scale software development or data analytics projects.
  • Play a key role in performing ad-hoc analyses of data stored in corporate or government databases and propose solutions to potential vulnerabilities.
  • Serve as a network administrator, using penetration testing and other ethical hacking techniques to harden the system against attack.

Jersey City Cohort Students (non-F1 visa): Tuition, University Fee, and GSA Fee per consecutive semester, regardless of residency, assuming two Jersey City courses (6 credits) at 2024-2025 rates

  • Fall 2024: $7,470
  • Spring 2025: $7,470
  • Summer 2025: $6,121

M.S. Degrees: Total Tuition, University Fee, and GSA Fee Costs, assuming two Jersey City courses (6 credits) over five consecutive semesters at 2024-2025 rates

  • Fall Start: $36,001
  • Spring Start: $34,652
  • Summer Start: $34,652

Certifications from the National Security Agency and Cybersecurity
Infrastructure Security Agency as a designated National Center of Excellence

 

Program Contact:

Ying Wu College of Computing
Quinn Hardrick
Student Outreach Manager
973-642-7037
quinn.hardrick@njit.edu

University Admissions
Yaslie Pared
Enrollment Services Manager
973-596-6292
yaslie.pared@njit.edu

NJIT@JerseyCity Location
Julio Oyola
Associate Director of Operations for NJIT@JerseyCity
973-596-6323
julio.oyola@njit.edu