Software Engineering (Cybersecurity), MS
Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Software Developer, Software Engineer, Software Engineering, approved for STEM-OPT extension
Elevate your expertise at the intersection of software engineering and cybersecurity. Develop the skills to build secure, resilient software systems that protect critical data, defend against evolving cyber threats, and inspire digital trust in an increasingly connected world.
The Master of Science program in software engineering with a concentration in cybersecurity equips you with advanced knowledge and skills in designing and developing secure and resilient software systems. This concentration integrates cybersecurity principles with software engineering methodologies, enabling you to build robust applications that defend against cyber threats and ensure data integrity.
The program emphasizes the engineering discipline of secure software development, covering key areas such as secure coding practices, risk assessment, encryption techniques, network security, and threat modeling. You gain hands-on experience through engaging projects and real-world case studies, preparing you to develop and maintain software that meets modern security challenges.
Additionally, the program fosters professional growth and research opportunities, enabling you to explore innovative solutions to the problems bisecting software engineering and cybersecurity. You are well-prepared for careers in secure software development, cybersecurity engineering, penetration testing, cloud security, and cyber defense architecture across industries that demand advanced security solutions.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Location: Polytechnic
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SER 517)
Required core (9 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Students select two courses: Restricted Electives (6 credit hours) Electives (0 or 3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students in the capstone option take three credit hours of electives, while students in the thesis option do not take elective coursework.
SER 501 Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms (3)
SER 502 Emerging Languages and Programming Paradigms (3)
SER 515 Foundations of Software Engineering (3)
CSE 543 Information Assurance and Security (3)
CSE 539 Applied Cryptography (3)
CSE 545 Software Security (3)
CSE 548 Advanced Computer Network Security (3)
CSE 545 Software Security (3)
CSE 546 Cloud Computing (3)
CSE 563 Software Requirements and Specification (3)
CSE 565 Software Verification, Validation and Testing (3)
SER 516 Software Agility (3)
SER 574 Advanced Software Design (3)
SER 517 Software Factory Capstone (3)
SER 599 Thesis (6)
For restricted electives coursework, students select two of the courses on the list. Courses should be selected in consultation with the program advisor.
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 engineering, data science engineering, industrial engineering, software engineering or a related field 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 are required to submit:
- graduate admissions application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- professional resume or CV (optional)
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)®, or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test.
Before applying to the MS program, students are required to have completed two semesters or six credit hours of calculus, equivalent to Calculus I and II, with a grade of ''C'' (scale is 4.0 = ''A'') or higher. Completion of discrete math is also recommended prior to admission. Students from noncomputing backgrounds may also be eligible with the required math listed and at least six credit hours of computer programming or at least one year of software industry experience.
Students assigned any additional coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of ''C'' (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') or higher within two semesters of admission to the program. Courses include:
SER 222 Design and Analysis of Data Structures and Algorithms or CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
SER 334 Operating Systems and System Programming or CSE 330 Operating Systems
The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and software engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 06/01 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 09/15 | Priority |
Graduates of the MS program in software engineering with a concentration in cybersecurity have a wide range of career opportunities across industries. With the increasing demand for cybersecurity expertise, graduates can find roles in technology firms, financial services, health care, government agencies, critical infrastructure, cloud computing and more.
Career examples include:
- application security engineer
- cloud security engineer
- cyber defense analyst
- cybersecurity engineer
- DevSecOps engineer
- secure software developer
- network security engineer
- penetration tester (ethical hacker)
- security architect
Software Engineering
|
PICHO 245
scai.grad.admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Admission deadlines
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
