Computer Science (Cybersecurity), MCS
Computer, Cybersecurity, Hardware, Information, Information Assurance, Security, Software, enggradcs
Take the first step toward a rewarding career that not only pays well but also contributes to a safer digital world. Level up your expertise in cybersecurity and help safeguard critical systems and information.
Students in the online Master of Computer Science program with a concentration in cybersecurity receive hands-on training in securing information systems as they prepare for technical leadership. This concentration within the MCS program equips students with applied expertise to defend modern computing environments.
The program emphasizes practical skills and covers areas such as applied cryptography, network and system security, computer forensics, information assurance and secure software engineering. Students learn to analyze risks, design resilient systems and create innovative methods to protect critical infrastructure. They become skilled in analyzing key theories, algorithms and software modules used in the field of computer science.
The information assurance courseware at Arizona State University is certified to satisfy the standards for Information Systems Security Professionals (NSTISSI 4011) and Senior Systems Managers (CNSSI 4012).
- College/school:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Location: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
30 credit hours - Course-based Master's Option
Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Electives (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Coursework selected as part of the area core may not be used as elective coursework on the same plan of study. Students should check with their academic advisor to ensure that the total credit hours of their plan of study equal 30. The concentration coursework cannot be used as part of the area core on the same plan of study. Students must complete concentration course requirements as listed and complete different coursework for each of the core areas in applications, foundations and systems. The interactive plan of study must have a minimum of 30 credit hours of approved graduate-level work. At least 24 of these hours must be CSE 500-level credits at ASU. Up to six credit hours of 400-level courses may be applied to the plan of study. All 30 credit hours must be from formal coursework (including CSE 591). CSE 590 is not allowed as part of the MCS program plan of study.
applications (3)
foundations (3)
systems (3)
CSE 543 Information Assurance and Security (3)
Students choose two:
CSE 539 Applied Cryptography (3)
CSE 545 Software Security (3)
CSE 548 Advanced Computer Network Security (3)
This is a course-based program; students should see the academic unit for the list of courses approved for each core area in applications, foundations and systems.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related area from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose or curriculum vitae
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language with a TOEFL iBT® score of 4.5, or 90 (taken at a testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026; 7 on the IELTS; or 115 on the Duolingo English test, regardless of current residency.
Before applying to the program, students must have completed two semesters or six credit hours of calculus, equivalent to Calculus I and II, with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher. It is also recommended that students complete a discrete math course before admission.
Students who are assigned additional admission requirements courses upon admission must complete them with a grade of "C" or higher (scale is 4.00 = "A") within two semesters of admission. Additional admission requirements courses include:
CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSE 330 Operating Systems
CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority |
| Session A/C | Online | 07/21 | Priority |
| Session B | Online | 09/17 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority |
| Session A/C | Online | 12/12 | Priority |
| Session B | Online | 01/31 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 04/18 | Priority |
Graduates are prepared for research and development careers in industry and government, and to pursue doctoral study. They have a competitive advantage in securing employment.
Career examples include:
- computer network architect
- computer system security analyst
- computer systems engineer
- data scientist or engineer
- machine learning, artificial intelligence or computer vision engineer
- software developer
- software engineer
Computer Science and Engineering Program
|
PICHO 245
On Campus: SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
ASU Online: mcsonline@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
