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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

    Additional Required Application Step

    Complete Identity Verification: Applicants must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity as part of the required application process. This step helps confirm the applicant’s identity before the application can be completed.

    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

    Olivia Lane Headshot

    Olivia Lane

    Engineering

    Online Education Coordinator

    olane@bagley.msstate.edu

    662-325-3786

    T.J. Jankun-Kelly headshot

    Dr. T.J. Jankun-Kelly

    Computer Science and Engineering

    Graduate Coordinator

    tjk@cse.msstate.edu

    662-325-7504

    Updated Filler card

    Department of Computer Science and Engineering

    See department page

    Frequently Asked Questions

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