| 253.535.7400 | www.plu.edu/master-of-science-cybersecurity/ | gradadmission@plu.edu |
| Laurie Murphy, M.S., Chair |
Admission
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity prepares students by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex challenges of protecting information systems and data. Graduates are prepared for various roles in the cybersecurity field, with a focus on the technical aspects of the discipline as well as some aspects of management and law.
Admission to the M.S. in Cybersecurity is based on a holistic review of the applicant’s academic preparation, work and volunteer experiences, and potential contributions to the classroom experience, the profession of cybersecurity, and society. Review of applications and acceptance into the program is determined by faculty evaluation. Review is based on the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA
- Knowledge of computer networking, computer programming, and mathematics. This can be demonstrated by the following:
- Computer programming
- Education: an introduction to programming course(s) in Java, C#, C++, C, or Python, including data structures
- Professional experience in programming
- Networking
- Education: an introductory computer networking course
- Professional experience and/or certification in an applicable credential such as CompTIA Network+, CCNA, etc.
- Mathematics
- Education: courses in discrete structures and introductory statistics
- Computer programming
Application Materials:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- A personal essay describing your reasons for pursuing this degree
- Programming, networking, and mathematics: please describe where you acquired your knowledge of computer networking, programming, and mathematics.
- A current resume or vita
Guaranteed Graduation Admission – M.S. in Cybersecurity
PLU’s Guaranteed Graduate Admission process provides qualified students with an expedited pathway to the Master of Science in Cybersecurity.
Eligibility:
Current PLU students majoring in Computer Science (BS or BA) or Data Science (BS) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who have completed CSCI 386 and PLU Computer Science or Data Science minors who have completed CSCI 270 and CSCI 386 and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher qualify for guaranteed admission.
Master of Science - Cybersecurity (M.S.)
36 semester hours
- CSCI 501: Cybersecurity Fundamentals (4)
- CSCI 510: Ethics, Risk Management, and Cyber Law (4)
- CSCI 520: Secure Software Development (4)
- CSCI 525: Network Security (4)
- CSCI 530: Ethical Hacking (4)
- CSCI 540: Security Operations, Incident Response, and Forensics (4)
- CSCI 545: Cybersecurity Lab (4)
- CSCI 550: AI and Cybersecurity (4)
- CSCI 599: Cybersecurity Capstone (4)
Master of Science - Cybersecurity (M.S.) - Graduate Courses
CSCI 501 : Cybersecurity Fundamentals
A survey of the fundamental concepts, principles, and practices of cybersecurity. Designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field. Includes topics such as: basic cryptography, secure development lifecycle; common threats, vulnerabilities, and exploits; confidentiality, integrity, and availability; information lifecycle; privacy considerations; legal and regulatory issues. (4)
CSCI 510 : Ethics, Risk Management, and Cyber Law
This course explores risk management and incident response, ethics, policy, and law from a cybersecurity perspective. Includes topics such as: ethics frameworks; professional ethical obligations; ethical decision making; local and federal policy; privacy; legal and regulatory issues; risk management; risk assessment and analysis; cybercrime. (4)
CSCI 520 : Secure Software Development
This course provides an exploration of secure software development practices, emphasizing the integration of security throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Students will learn to identify vulnerabilities, apply secure coding techniques, and implement security measures in software design and architecture. (4)
CSCI 525 : Network Security
This course explores the concepts, technologies, and methodologies used to secure networks. It covers a range of topics from fundamental principles to advanced security techniques, preparing students to design, implement, and manage secure network infrastructures. Prerequisite: CSCI 501. (4)
CSCI 530 : Ethical Hacking
Explores the techniques and tools used by ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities and assess and enhance the security posture of systems and networks. Students will explore the ethical and legal implications of hacking, distinguishing between malicious hacking and ethical practices aimed at improving security. Topics include penetration testing methodologies, vulnerability assessment, and the use of various hacking tools and techniques. (4)
CSCI 540 : Security Operations, Incident Response, and Forensics
Students will explore the critical functions of a Security Operations Center (SOC); including, threat detection, incident response, and continuous monitoring. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of establishing robust security frameworks and protocols to protect sensitive information and maintain compliance with industry regulations. Topics include: the use of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and the implementation of threat intelligence to enhance situational awareness. The topic of digital forensics is covered, where students will gain hands-on experience with forensic tools and methodologies to investigate cyber incidents. Topics such as network forensics, malware analysis, and mobile device forensics will be explored, equipping students with the skills to analyze and interpret digital evidence. Additionally, the course will cover incident response strategies; including, preparation, detection, analysis, containment, eradication, and recovery. Students will learn how to develop and implement incident response plans, conduct post-incident reviews, and communicate effectively with stakeholders during and after security events. (4)
CSCI 545 : Cybersecurity Lab
This lab course provides students with practical experience in various aspects of cybersecurity; including, network security, penetration testing, incident response, and secure coding practices. Students will engage in hands-on exercises, simulations, and projects that reinforce their understanding of cybersecurity concepts and tools. Prerequisites: CSCI 525, 530, and 540. (4)
CSCI 550 : AI and Cybersecurity
This course explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, focusing on how AI technologies can enhance security measures and how they can also introduce new vulnerabilities. Students will gain understanding of AI applications in threat detection, incident response, and risk management as well as the ethical implications and challenges associated with these technologies. (4)
CSCI 599 : Cybersecurity Capstone
This can take one of two forms: internship or project. With the internship option, students secure and complete a cybersecurity-related internship, working with a faculty sponsor to set and assess learning goals. The project option involves the completion and presentation of an independent study project that makes use of the knowledge obtained form the program's curriculum to form connections between academic concepts and the application of those concepts in a real-world setting. Students present their work at the end of the program and produce a comprehensive report. (4)