Computer Science (Cybersecurity), MS
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.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
In the Master of Science program in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity, you receive rigorous, research-oriented training in secure systems, and prepare for advanced study or research and development careers in cybersecurity.
The cybersecurity concentration offers you a thorough education in the science and engineering of cybersecurity. You may pursue a thesis or nonthesis portfolio option, gaining both advanced knowledge and research experience.
The program covers core areas including applied cryptography, network and system security, computer forensics, information assurance and secure software engineering. You learn to analyze risks, design resilient systems and create innovative methods to protect critical infrastructure. You are able to analyze and apply key theories, algorithms and software modules used in computer science, and advance them within the field.
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).
If you are a domestic student enrolled in the cybersecurity concentration, you are eligible for federal fellowship, such as the National Science Foundation CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours - course-based master's, or
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (CSE 593)
COURSE-BASED OPTION Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Electives (12 credit hours) OPTIONS WITH CULMINATING EXPERIENCE Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Electives (6 or 9 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students should see the academic unit for the list of courses approved for each core area (applications, foundations and systems). Courses that are used to satisfy the concentration requirement on the plan of study cannot be used to satisfy the core requirement. Additionally, courses selected as part of the core or concentration may not be used as other elective coursework on the same plan of study. Students may complete a thesis or applied project as an optional culminating experience. Regardless of the culminating experience chosen, all students must complete six credit hours from the approved list of electives. Students completing the course-based option take 12 credit hours of electives. Students who enjoy solving real-world problems and applying practical skills in professional settings may be drawn to the applied project option. Students in the applied project experience must also take nine credit hours of electives. Students who select the applied project as their culminating experience must complete their project under the direction of an approved computer science faculty member and complete the project course with a grade of "B" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher. Students with a strong interest in research and a desire to contribute original knowledge to their field may be well-suited for the thesis option. Students should see the academic unit for more information. Students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours for the program; at least 24 of these must be 500-level CSE courses at ASU. Up to six credit hours of 400-level courses may be applied to the 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)
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)
CSE 593 Applied Project (3) or
CSE 599 Thesis (6)
The program offers a course-based option.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants are eligible to apply for 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 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information 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 requirements courses upon admission must complete them with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher within two semesters of admission. Additional requirements courses include: CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
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.
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSE 330 Operating Systems
CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your 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:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
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 systems analyst
- computer systems security engineer
- data scientist or engineer
- machine learning, artificial intelligence or computer vision engineer
- software developer
- software engineer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Computer Science and Engineering Program
|
CTRPT 105
SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
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.
