Cybersecurity, M.S.

New Jersey City University (NJCU) offers a hybrid Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity program, combining face-to-face and online learning, to equip students for careers in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity.

With the dramatic increase in high-profile cybersecurity incidents reported in the media, the demand for highly skilled security professionals is growing significantly as businesses and government agencies across the globe seek to protect their networks and data. The M.S. in Cybersecurity program will provide a range of skills required for an increasingly connected world, where security of information is critical. This degree prepares students with mathematical, technical and business tools to secure an organization's information system. The MS in Cybersecurity is designed to provide a strong foundation and detailed technical knowledge in information security, computer security, network security, and software security as well as an appreciation of the social, policy, ethical and legal aspects of security and privacy.

Duration & Structure: 12-month program, 10 courses, totaling 30 credits

Information Security Pathway

  • Core Courses (12 credits): Covers essential cybersecurity concepts.
  • Fundamental Electives (6 credits): Builds foundational knowledge.
  • Specialized Courses in Information Security (6 credits): Focuses on advanced security strategies.
  • Capstone/Fieldwork or Thesis (6 credits): Practical application or research-based study.

The curriculum for the M.S. in Cybersecurity program blends contemporary knowledge with advanced research concepts to deliver a cutting-edge program, and it is mapped with the NSA/DHS guidelines and knowledge units. Students are exposed to state-of-the-art tools and techniques for identifying threats to networking infrastructure, computer systems, as well as data and information systems.

The goal of the M.S. in Cybersecurity program is to provide students with the advanced knowledge in theory and practice to understand current cybersecurity threats, but more importantly to be able to understand, adapt, and develop new techniques to confront emerging threats. The program focuses on a critical understanding of information governance and assurance, combined with technology risk management practices. The elective research component (embodied in the culminating thesis) requires students to expand their resourcefulness by exploring new and creative approaches to address emerging threats.

Pre-Requisites: 9 Credits (All undergraduate majors are welcomed. Professional knowledge or experience equivalent to the following three courses is required:
CS 252Programming for All in Python and Computer Science Principles3
MATH 140Statistics I3
CS 401Introduction to Algorithms3
Major Core Courses: 12 Credits
SECU 610Cyber Security3
SECU 611Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems3
SECU 612Computer Network & Network Security3
SECU 6XX - ETHICS AND INFORMATION SECURITY3
Fundamental courses(Electives): 6 Credits
SECU 613Operating System Security3
SECU 665Information Security Strategy and Policy Development3
SECU 6XX - BIG DATA ANALYSIS AND SECURITY3
SECU 6XX - MALWARE AND SOFTWARE SECURITY3
For Information Security Path: Information Security/Specialized Courses: 6 credits
SECU 660Security, Privacy of Information and Information Systems3
SECU 665Information Security Strategy and Policy Development3
Capstone and Internship/Fieldwork: 6 credits
SECU 680Specialized Field Project6
SECU 670Thesis I6
SECU 675Thesis II3
For Technology Path: Technology Specialized Courses: 9 credits
Capstone and Internship/Fieldwork: 3 credits

The primary program objectives are to confer degrees to students exhibiting the ability to:

  1. Demonstrate complex and specialized knowledge and skills in the field of Cybersecurity. (PO1)
  2. Appreciate innovations, advances and major issues at the frontiers of Cybersecurity and their implications. (PO2)
  3. Deal with complex issues both creatively and systematically, and show originality in tackling and solving problems. (PO3)
  4. Perform information security risk assessments, identify potential threats, and develop threat mitigation strategies. (PO4)
  5. Use and evaluate a variety of software, tools and techniques relevant to Cybersecurity practices. (PO5)
  6. Implement security defense technologies. (PO6)
  7. Identify malicious activities and attacks and then evaluate and recommend appropriate response capabilities (PO7)
  8. Execute incident response activities and help solve cyber-crime investigations. (PO8)