Master of Science in Cybersecurity
About This Programme
The MS in Cybersecurity builds a strong theoretical and practical foundation in secure computing, covering network defence, cryptography, digital forensics and ethical hacking, and the technological and ethical roles of cybersecurity in society. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in the cybersecurity industry, academia or research, or for a more advanced degree in a computing discipline. RIT Dubai links its courses to opportunities in both sectors: web and application security, audits and forensics for banks, cyber-social applications and private investigation firms, and network security, forensics and cryptography for law enforcement and healthcare. The 30-credit degree has a thesis option and a capstone option.
Course Highlights
- 30 credit hours: two core courses, research and advanced electives, and either a 6-credit thesis or the capstone option
- Thesis option: two research electives and four advanced electives plus the thesis. Capstone option: three research electives and five advanced electives
- Research electives include blockchains and smart contracts, Internet of Things security, covert communications, advanced malware forensics and wireless security
- Students must keep a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and all graduate work must be completed within seven years
- Programme labs: Computer Networking Lab, Computing Security Lab and TDRA-ICTFund Digital Transformation Lab
- Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
What You'll Study
The MS totals 30 credit hours. Every student takes the two core courses; thesis students add two research electives, four advanced electives and a 6-credit thesis, while capstone students take three research electives and five advanced electives.
Core courses
Both core courses are required.
- CSEC-604 Cryptography and Authentication3 credits
- CSEC-742 Computer System Security3 credits
Research electives
Choose two research electives for the thesis option or three for the capstone option
- CSEC-659 Graduate Seminar on Blockchains and Smart Contracts3 credits
- CSEC-741 Internet of Things Security3 credits
- CSEC-750 Covert Communications3 credits
- CSEC-759 Graduate Seminar on Advanced Malware Forensics3 credits
- CSEC-769 Emerging Topics in Wireless Security3 credits
Advanced electives (focus areas)
Choose four advanced electives for the thesis option or five for the capstone option
- CSEC-603 Enterprise Security3 credits
- CSEC-620 Cyber Analytics and Machine Learning3 credits
- CSEC-730 Advanced Computer Forensics3 credits
- CSEC-731 Web Server and Application Security Audits3 credits
- CSEC-743 Computer Viruses Malicious Software3 credits
- CSEC-744 Network Security3 credits
- CSEC-751 Information Security Policy and Law3 credits
Thesis or capstone
- CSEC-790 MS Thesis6 credits
- MS Capstone Option
Programme rules
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be maintained, and a GPA below 3.0 leads to probation. The minimum passing grade for graduate courses is C. All graduate work must be completed within seven years. The thesis can be done over two semesters, and students can enrol in it only after at least two research electives are passed and a research proposal is approved by a committee of at least three members. Students may take a third or fourth research elective in place of an advanced elective.
What You'll Learn
Programme learning outcomes
- Develop evidence-based solutions to cybersecurity problems with advanced knowledge and critical thinking
- Build advanced knowledge and skills in a chosen area of cybersecurity
- Communicate effectively about cybersecurity in societal, economic and global contexts
- Analyse cybersecurity issues through interdisciplinary lenses such as law, business, international relations and public policy
- Review and use emerging technologies, theories and methods in cybersecurity
Programme educational objectives
- Specialised education in a focused area of cybersecurity, with communication, legal and ethical skills for technology's global and societal impact
- Independent thinking and creativity that prepare graduates to develop original methods, ideas and research, sufficient to pursue a doctorate
Entry Requirements
Applicants submit a CV showing professional work experience in the area of study, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement of about 500 words. Final admission decisions are made by RIT's Graduate Department in Rochester, New York. Applicants who do not meet the prerequisites may be prescribed bridging courses, which must be completed within the first two semesters.
Careers
Typical job titles: Associate Detection and Response Engineer, Backend Developer, Cyber Defense Solutions Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Consultant, GRC Consultant, Incident Response Analyst, Information Technology Analyst, Security Engineer, Systems Engineer.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and listed as Active on the Commission for Academic Accreditation's register. The degree is issued by RIT's main campus in Rochester, New York.
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science (MS)
Start Date
August (Fall) and January (Spring)
Typical Offer
Computing-related bachelor's degree with about a 3.0 GPA
Qualification
MS
Subject Area
Computer Science
Campus
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Tuition Fee
AED 117,000 total
RIT Dubai accepts applications for Spring (January) and Fall (August) intakes. Spring: early admission until 31 October, regular admission until 31 December, deadline 8 January. Fall: early admission until 15 January, regular admission until 31 May, deadline 22 August. RIT Dubai offers scholarships of up to 50% based on academic and non-academic achievements.