Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS)

June 6, 2023 2023-09-28 8:46

College Of Engineering & IT
graduate

Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS)

Fall & Spring

Intake

Full & Part time

Study Mode

30 hours

Total Credit Hours

2 years

Duration

English

Language

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Overview

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCS) program is designed to strengthen the knowledge of students in the field of Cybersecurity. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required for further advancement in the public and private sectors. In this program, graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of Cybersecurity risks, learn the application of modern tools to handle cyber threats, and build security capabilities in the cyber space. Hence, graduates will be equipped with extremely valuable knowledge that can be leveraged for both industry and academia. The MSCS degree is awarded upon the successful completion of 30 credit hours. This degree comprises eight courses of 3 credit hours each, in addition to a Master’s Thesis of 6 credit hours

Admission Requirement

Regular Admission	Conditional Admission
Accredited bachelor’s degree in IT or an equivalent degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0	Accredited bachelor’s degree in IT or an equivalent degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50 – 2.99
EmSAT 1400 I Academic IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL (PBT 550 or IBT 79 or CBT 213)	EmSAT 1250 or Academic IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL (PBT 530 or IBT 71 or CBT 197)

Who is the program for?

The Master of Science in Cyber Security program is typically designed for individuals who have a background in computer science, information technology, or a related field and wish to specialize in the field of cybersecurity. The program is aimed at both recent graduates and professionals who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. The program is suitable for:

Graduates: Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field and want to pursue advanced studies in cybersecurity.
IT Professionals: Those already working in the field of IT, such as network administrators, system administrators, or IT managers, who want to specialize in cybersecurity to advance their careers.
Security Analysts: Professionals working in the cybersecurity domain, such as security analysts or incident responders, who want to deepen their knowledge and gain a broader understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and technologies.
Government and Law Enforcement Personnel: Individuals working in government agencies, law enforcement, or intelligence organizations responsible for protecting critical infrastructure or combating cybercrime.
Cybersecurity Consultants: Those interested in working as consultants or advisors in cybersecurity, providing expertise and guidance to organizations to improve their security posture.
Ethical Hackers and Penetration Testers: Individuals involved in ethical hacking, penetration testing, or offensive security roles, who want to acquire a deeper understanding of cybersecurity principles and techniques.

It’s important to note that admission requirements and prerequisites for the Master of Science in Cyber Security program may vary among universities and institutions offering the program. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of the program you are interested in to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Career Opportunities

A Master of Science in Cyber Security opens up a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, organizations across industries are actively seeking skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect their systems, data, and infrastructure. Here are some of the potential career paths and job opportunities for individuals with a Master’s degree in Cyber Security:

Cybersecurity Analyst: Analyzing and assessing security risks, monitoring systems for potential vulnerabilities, and implementing security measures to protect against cyber threats.
Security Consultant: Providing expert advice and guidance to organizations on developing and implementing effective cybersecurity strategies, conducting risk assessments, and recommending security solutions.
Security Architect: Designing and implementing secure network and system architectures, ensuring that security measures are integrated into all aspects of an organization’s infrastructure.
Incident Responder: Investigating and responding to cybersecurity incidents, managing and mitigating the impact of security breaches, and developing incident response plans.
Cryptographer: Developing and implementing cryptographic algorithms and protocols to secure data transmission and storage, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of information.
Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker: Conducting authorized hacking attempts on systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities, testing the effectiveness of security measures, and providing recommendations for improvement.
Cybersecurity Manager: Leading and managing cybersecurity teams, overseeing security operations, and developing and implementing organizational security policies and procedures.
Forensic Analyst: Investigating cybercrimes, collecting and analyzing digital evidence, and assisting in legal proceedings related to cybersecurity incidents.
Security Auditor: Assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of an organization’s security controls, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Researcher/Academic: Conducting research in the field of cybersecurity, contributing to advancements in the understanding of cyber threats and developing innovative security solutions. Teaching at the university level is also an option.

These are just a few examples of the career opportunities available to individuals with a Master of Science in Cyber Security. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue growing as organizations recognize the importance of protecting their digital assets from evolving threats.

Estimated salary range

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the salary range for professionals with a Master of Science in Cyber Security can vary depending on factors such as job title, level of experience, industry, and the specific location within the UAE. Salaries in the UAE tend to be competitive, particularly in industries such as finance, technology, and government where cybersecurity is a critical concern. Here are some estimated salary ranges for different roles in the field of cyber security in the UAE:

Cybersecurity Analyst: AED 120,000 – AED 300,000 per year
Security Consultant: AED 150,000 – AED 400,000 per year
Security Architect: AED 180,000 – AED 450,000 per year
Incident Responder: AED 140,000 – AED 350,000 per year
Cryptographer: AED 150,000 – AED 400,000 per year
Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker: AED 140,000 – AED 350,000 per year
Cybersecurity Manager: AED 200,000 – AED 500,000 per year
Forensic Analyst: AED 140,000 – AED 350,000 per year
Security Auditor: AED 150,000 – AED 400,000 per year
Researcher/Academic: Salaries can vary widely depending on the institution and research funding.

These salary ranges are estimates and can vary based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, certifications, and negotiation skills. Additionally, salaries in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi may be higher compared to other locations within the UAE due to the higher cost of living and increased demand for cybersecurity professionals in those areas. It’s important to note that these figures are general estimates, and actual salaries may vary based on market conditions, demand for specific skills, and the specific employer. It is recommended to research and consult with industry sources and job listings in the UAE for the most accurate and up-to-date salary information.

Study Plan

Full-Time Student (2 years of 4 semesters)

Semester	Courses Code	Courses Title	Semester	Courses Code	Courses Title
1	CS 501	Privacy and Network Security	2	CS 504	Machine Learning
	CS 502	Cryptography		CS 505	Cyber Physical Systems Security
	CS 503	Secure Software Engineering		CS 506	Research Methods
Semester	Courses Code	Courses Title	Semester	Courses Code	Courses Title
3	CS 507	Thesis	4	CS 507	Thesis (Cont.)
	CS 51X	Elective 1
	CS 51X	Elective 2

Part-Time Student (4 years of 8 semesters)

Semester	Courses Code	Courses Title	Semester	Courses Code	Courses Title
1	CS 501	Privacy and Network Security	2	CS 503	Secure Software Engineering
	CS 502	Cryptography		CS 504	Machine Learning
Semester	Courses Code	Courses Title	Semester	Courses Code	Courses Title
3	CS 505	Cyber Physical Systems Security	4	CS 51X	Elective 1
	CS 506	Research Methods		CS 51X	Elective 2
Semester	Courses Code	Courses Title
5-8	CS 507	Thesis