Khoury College of Computer Sciences

Cybersecurity

Master's: Portland
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Certificate : Boston
Master's : Boston
Master's : Online
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The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is offered online and explores key issues in information security and how technology can help resolve them. You’ll acquire hands-on tools for cybersecurity plus relevant knowledge in law, the social sciences, criminology, and management.

Portland
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
2-3 years
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms
No
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
Overview

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity explores key issues in information security and how technology can help resolve them. You’ll acquire hands-on tools for cybersecurity plus relevant knowledge in law, the social sciences, criminology, and management.

Northeastern’s Khoury College has been designated by National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in fields including information assurance research and cyber operations.

All Roux Institute programs provide content relevant to the urgent and emerging needs of industry in Maine and the rapidly evolving regional, national, and global economy. Opportunities for experiential learning will be concentrated in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast region. Students are encouraged to pursue co-ops and special virtual Experiential Network projects with the institute’s founding corporate partners, a group of leading employers in Maine.

More Details

Unique Features

  • Northeastern University has been designated by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense, in IA Research, and in Cyber Operations
  • Earn real-world experience through the capstone project, or through numerous co-op opportunities
  • Join an alumni network who work at leading institutions such as Cigital, Akamai, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, MITRE, and Partners Healthcare

Program Objectives

  • Build core knowledge surrounding computer system security and network practices
  • Plan and implement security strategies to reduce risk and enhance protection of information assets and systems
  • Understand legal and ethical issues associated with information security, privacy, and digital rights
  • Enhance communication skills for effective interaction with corporate management on IA-related issues

Career Outlook

Ever-increasing cyberattacks against companies and governments are creating unprecedented risks and tremendous need for trained cybersecurity professionals. In fact, according to Burning Glass, a labor market analytics firm, cybersecurity positions rose 73 percent in the five-year period ending in 2012—3.5 times faster than postings for computer jobs as a whole. As a result of mounting risks, knowledge and experience requirements, and demand exceeding available talent, cybersecurity specialists command premium salaries. For example, the median pay for a cybersecurity analyst—ranked #17 in CNN/Money’s “Best Jobs in America”—is $95,700. Our MS Cybersecurity graduates have found career success at a range of companies and government organizations, including:

  • Cigital
  • EMC Corporation
  • IBM
  • Microsoft
  • MITRE Corporation
  • Raytheon
  • U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • U.S. National Security Agency

Testimonials

"The program taught me that cybersecurity isn't a problem with a singular answer—there's no such thing as a completely secure system. There's something new to learn every day."

Vijay Sivasekar, MS in Cybersecurity, 2021

Looking for something different?

View more Computing and IT programs
Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-50 university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$50.2K *
Tuition

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Online application and fee
  • Unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts; you can submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended at the time of admission
  • Statement of purpose that should include career goals and expected outcomes and benefits from the program
  • Recent professional resumé listing detailed position responsibilities
  • Three confidential letters of recommendation
  • 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • 8.0 on a 10.0 scale
  • 80 on a 100 scale
  • GRE is optional
  • Duolingo language test also accepted

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Global Engagement Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty, and industry partners.

Admissions Dates

Applicants must submit the online application and all required admission materials no later than the stated deadlines to be considered for admission. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Spring 2024
Fall 2023
International Students: October 15
Domestic students: December 1
International Students: April 15
Domestic students: August 1
Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning

Learning integrated with professional experience is a hallmark of Northeastern and the Roux Institute. Students gain a clear understanding of real-world industry needs in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast—and valued workplace skills like communication and teamwork—through assignments at companies and nonprofit organizations. Students can complete a six-week virtual project relevant to their studies through the university’s Experiential Network (XN) of employers, or even for their own company. Or they can apply for four- and six-month, full-time co-op positions. All opportunities enable students to build their resumés, expand their professional networks, and chart a path to in-demand careers.

Faculty

Our Faculty

Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 14 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 2,900+ employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Cybersecurity alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

 

  • Where They Work

    • Raytheon
    • Wayfair
    • Fidelity
    • Amazon
    • Google
    • Akamai
    • PWC
    • Microsoft
    • National Security Agency
    • Department of Defense
    • Dell

  • What They Do

    • Forensic Manager
    • Security Analyst
    • Malware Engineer
    • Systems Analyst
    • CISO
    • Systems Engineer
    • Cybersecurity Analyst

  • What They're Skilled At

    • Java
    • SQL
    • Software Development
    • JavaScript
    • HTML

 

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.

Request Info

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