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The Master of Science in Cyber Security & Operations degree program is designed for students who wish to help meet the challenges posed by increasing cyber-threats. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the program is designed to provide students with a focused education within a broad analytical framework for evaluating, understanding, and solving cyber security problems. This program offers thesis or non-thesis options.

Program highlights:

  • Fixed on defeating the full spectrum of cyber-attacks, Mississippi State’s NSF CyberCorps program is the 3rd largest in the country.
  • Recognized nationally for its leadership in cyber security, MSU is one of only nine schools in the U.S. to hold all three of the National Security Agency’s centers of academic excellence credentials: CAE-Cyber Defense Education, CAE-Cyber Defense Research, and CAE-Cyber Operations.
  • Via its nationally ranked cybersecurity program, MSU’s M.S. in Cyber Security and Operations was selected by the US Navy as a model curriculum.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $602.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

This degree focuses on those aspects of cyber security that are needed to operate in the cyber domain. Material will prepare the student for advanced operations in the cyber domain such as penetration testing, after action analysis, and malware analysis. This degree is designed to satisfy the requirements for the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations program of the Department of Defense.

Program Structure

The program of study of a Master of Science in Cyber Security and Operations (MS CYSO) degree includes advanced courses in computer security that are selected according to the goals of the student. The program of study includes a thesis option, a professional project option, or courses-only option.

Master of Science in Cyber Security and Operations - Thesis

Major Required Courses
CSE 8011 Graduate Seminar 1
CSE 6243 Information and Computer Security 3
CSE 6173 Cryptography 3
CSE 6253 Secure Software Engineering 3
CSE 6363 Software Reverse Engineering 3
CSE 6383 Network Security 3
CSE 8713 Advanced Cyber Operations 3
CSE 8763/ECE 8823 Wireless Networks 3
  Electives 3
CSE 9000 Research in Computer Science and Engineering 6
Total Hours   31

Master of Science in Cyber Security and Operations – Non-Thesis

Major Required Courses
CSE 8011 Graduate Seminar 1
CSE 6243 Information and Computer Security 3
CSE 6173 Cryptography 3
CSE 6253 Secure Software Engineering 3
CSE 6363 Software Reverse Engineering 3
CSE 6383 Network Security 3
CSE 8713 Advanced Cyber Operations 3
CSE 8763/ECE 8823 Wireless Networks 3
  Electives 3
  Non-Thesis Option: 6 hours of CSE or ECE electives 6
Total Hours   31

Admissions Requirements

Students seeking full admission into this program should apply as a classified student. Non-degree seeking students wishing to take classes offered through the Online program should apply as an Unclassified student.

Applications for the degree programs are reviewed two times a year. The application deadlines for those semesters are as follows:

  • Spring Enrollments need applications by November 1
  • Fall Enrollments need applications by June 1

An applicant for admission to graduate study must hold a bachelor's degree from a fully recognized four-year educational institution that has unconditional accreditation with appropriate regional accrediting agencies. They must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the Cyber Security and Operations program.

Regular admission to graduate study in the program requires a minimum grade point average (last four semesters of undergraduate work) of 3.00/4.00. When a student is deficient in one of the criteria cited, the student's application, nevertheless, may be considered for admission based on the strength of other materials contained in the student's application.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores are NOT required for entry into this program.

Bagley College of Engineering programs may accept transfer work previously completed by the student. Transcript reviews to determine transfer or prerequisite work will be evaluated AFTER students are granted full admission. Once admitted an academic coordinator can review those transcripts for more information.

To meet admission requirements, submit a separate official final transcript from each college or university attended; faxed transcripts will not be accepted. An applicant may not ignore previous college attendance and must list all colleges attended on the application for admission. You must be in good standing at the last college or university attended.


 

Admission Options

 

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

  1. Submit online application. You will choose Cyber Security and Operations as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  4. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  5. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper transcripts should be mailed to: Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      Office of the Graduate School
      255 Lee Blvd
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  6. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
    Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  7. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor
YOUR NEXT STEP

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REQUIRED APPLICATION STEP

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Complete Stripe Identity verification to confirm your identity before your application can be completed.


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Attention International Students

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit an approved English language proficiency test score. Mississippi State University accepts scores from the TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET). Prospective students should consult the appropriate testing organization for information about test registration and administration.

The Graduate School maintains a list of countries exempt from English language requirements. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for specific English language test score requirements and additional information regarding English language proficiency.

Accessing Online Courses

Accessing Course Videos

Videos recorded during our on campus class sessions are uploaded for online students to view within our online course repository.  Online students will have access to course videos within 24 hours of the on campus course completion. Students should visit Engage to access the course videos. Instructions for viewing the recordings and downloading the recordings are offered below.


View and Download Videos

Instructions for viewing classes live or downloading videos, use our video download instructions.


If you experience technical difficulties or have any questions regarding the recording or format of our lecture capture, please contact:



IT Support & Staff

Bagley College of Engineering

Mississippi State University

dist-support@engr.msstate.edu

662.325.7794


Contact Information

Tyranni Outlaw Portrait

Tyranni Outlaw

Online Enrollment Services Coordinator

General Program Questions

Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements

to283@msstate.edu

662-325-8545

Anusha

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

Current Student Inquires

Academic & Support Services Assistance

a.rijal@msstate.edu

662-325-8876

T.J. Jankun-Kelly headshot

Dr. T.J. Jankun-Kelly

Computer Science and Engineering

Graduate Coordinator

tjk@cse.msstate.edu

662-325-7504

Olivia Lane Headshot

Olivia Lane

Engineering

Online Education Coordinator

olane@bagley.msstate.edu

662-325-3786

Updated Filler card

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

See department page

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mississippi State Online accredited?

Mississippi State Online programs are offered by Mississippi State University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Individual programs may also hold specialized accreditation. Learn more on the Mississippi State University accreditation page.

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No. When you earn a degree through Mississippi State Online, your diploma identifies Mississippi State University and does not indicate that you studied online. Online programs meet the same university standards for academic quality and rigor as on-campus programs.

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Can I transfer previous college credits to a Mississippi State Online program?

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