Cyber Security, Master of Science

The goal of the Master of Science in Cyber Security program is to provide the graduate with a solid foundation in the technology and practice of cyber security to be well prepared for careers in high demand areas of cyber security. It provides practical experience in strategies of prevention and detection of cyber threats and vulnerabilities, as well as responding to and recovering from cyber-attacks. The psychology of hacking and the human elements in cyber security are addressed along with the basics of cybercrime investigation and digital forensics.

Students with an accredited undergraduate degree in computer science, information systems, or other related field, may be deemed to have acquired competency in the core areas. All the courses must have been passed with a grade of C or better.

Students with an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field are required to demonstrate competency in the IT core areas. Competency can be demonstrated by completing necessary coursework prior to beginning graduate studies at Stratford University, by completing the appropriate bridge courses, or equivalent course as determined through academic advisement (when prerequisites may be waived). Courses are to be completed through the Stratford University on-campus or online program, or through Prior Learning Assessment. Example equivalent courses for advisement are as follows: CIS1 44 or CIS 201 or CIS 253 for CIS 390, CIS 256 or CIS 258 for CIS 391, and CIS 146 or CIS 225 for CIS 392.

Competency Requirements

CIS 390 Basic Computer Technology, Applications, and Security Bridge

CIS 391 Server/OS, Relational Databases, and Software Security Bridge

CIS 392 Networking Bridge

At the end of the program, students are able to:

  • Identify, analyze, and mitigate threats to information technology systems and networks.
  • Collect, process, preserve, analyze, and present digital-related evidence to support network vulnerability mitigation and/or civil, workplace, counterintelligence, or law enforcement (e.g., criminal, fraud) investigations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities to identify threats or incidents, to respond to and remediate an incident, as well as restore functionality to the system or infrastructure.

This program typically takes 28 months to complete for part-time enrollment and 14 months to complete for students enrolled full-time.

Required courses for MS in Cyber Security (12 core) = 12 courses or 54 credit hours

Core Requirements (12 courses or 54 credits)

CIS 595Cyber Security Capstone

4.5

CIS 596Current Topics in Cyber Security I

4.5

CIS 600Ethical Hacking

4.5

CIS 610Global Issues in Cyber Security

4.5

CIS 615Cyber Security Prevention and Protection

4.5

CIS 630Security Analytics

4.5

CIS 631Cyber Law & Compliance

4.5

CIS 655Strategies in Cyber Conflict

4.5

CIS 660Culture of Security

4.5

CIS 665Physical Security

4.5

CIS 694Auditing and Incident Reporting

4.5

SOF 685Digital Forensics

4.5