MS in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Concentration

Fitchburg State’s Cybersecurity concentration blends high-level computer science theory with hands-on defense tactics. Strengthen your technical foundation through core courses in advanced mathematics, computer programming, and algorithm design. These classes ensure you have the problem-solving tools needed to handle complex data structures and modern operating systems.

Then, dive into specialized cybersecurity training. Learn how to think like a hacker in our ethical hacking course to better defend against real-world attacks. Gain expertise in digital forensics, recovering lost data and finding digital footprints left by intruders. 

By the end of the program, you’ll know how to build secure networks and use encryption to keep private information safe.

Course rotation coming soon

• Understand the fundamentals of the cyber-security domain and related issues
• Identify and define key knowledge areas of cybersecurity
• Identify cyber threats, assess risks, design and implement security solutions
• Explain concepts related to applied cryptography, including plain text, cipher-text, symmetric cryptography, asymmetric cryptography, digital signature, message authentication code, hash functions, and modes of encryption operations
• Describe some classical encryption/decryption techniques
• Understand the basic principles and distinct uses of public-key cryptosystems
• Implement some modern encryption/ decryption algorithms such as DES, AES, RSA, and etc.
• Explain the concepts of malicious code, including viruses, Trojan horses, and worms
• Describe threats to networks, including sniffing and spoofing, and explain techniques for ensuring network security, including encryption, authentication, firewalls, and intrusion detection
• Analyze data to detect attacks, communicate security concerns effectively
• Understand cybercrimes and the tools used to recover and/ or repair stolen or damaged data files
• Understand the concept of Windows, Linux, Macintosh File Systems, forensics tools, the identification, preservation, collection, examination, analysis, and presentation of evidence
• Learn to explore the vulnerabilities in various systems and operate the industry-leading tools and framework to perform penetration testing on different target systems
• Stay updated on emerging cyber threats, all while applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to protect sensitive information and systems within an organization

For admission to the Master of Science in Computer Science, Cybersecurity program, applicants must provide:

• An official transcript of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • While no specific academic background is required for admission, preference is given to applicants with undergraduate majors in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a related field of study.
• Professional resume
• Official transcripts of graduate-level coursework from a regionally accredited institution (if applicable)
• Graduate application and fee

International applicants must adhere to special deadlines and may be required to submit additional items, which can be found on the International Admissions page.

International applicants may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency and complete a transcript credential evaluation. For the most up-to-date information on applying and deadlines, please visit International Admissions.

Fitchburg State is committed to affordable education, and graduate costs are structured to keep your degree within reach.

Graduate Tuition and Fees