RIT's master's in computer security enables you to develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation in security computing, preparing you for leadership positions in the cybersecurity industry, academia, or research careers, or to pursue a more advanced degree in cybersecurity or another computing discipline.

The computer security master's degree is designed for students who have an undergraduate computing degree in an area such as computing security, computer science, information technology, networking, or software engineering, as well as those who have a strong background in a field in which computers are applied, such as computer or electrical engineering. The program is offered online and on campus.

Earn a computer security master’s degree at RIT, recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research and a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

Computer Security Courses

The computer security master's degree consists of core courses, technical electives, and a thesis, project, or capstone experience.

You may can develop a specialization in one of several security-related areas by selecting technical electives under the guidance of a faculty advisor. 

Computing Security (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
CSEC-604    Cryptography and Authentication    3
CSEC-742    Computer System Security    3
     
Research Electives
6
     
Advanced Electives
6
Second Year
CSEC-790    MS Thesis    6
     
Advanced Electives
6
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30
Computing Security (project option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
CSEC-604    Cryptography and Authentication    3
CSEC-742    Computer System Security    3
     
Research Electives
6
     
Advanced Electives
6
Second Year
CSEC-791    MS Project    3
     
Advanced Electives
9
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30
Computing Security (capstone course option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
CSEC-604    Cryptography and Authentication    3
CSEC-742    Computer System Security    3
     
Research Electives
6
     
Advanced Electives
6
Second Year
CSEC-793    Capstone for Computing Security    3
     
Advanced Electives
9
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS in computing security, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in computing security, computer science, software engineering, information technology, networking, computer engineering, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or computer engineering technology (exceptional students from other fields may be admitted on a contingent basis).
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• One letter of recommendation is required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.

Prerequisites

Applicants must satisfy prerequisite requirements in mathematics (integral calculus, discrete mathematics), statistics, natural sciences (physics, chemistry, etc.), and computing (programming, computer networking theory and practice, and systems administration theory and practice).

Tuition fee-2 years1,06,000

Total fee-2 years1,44,000