Master of Science in Information and Cybersecurity: Overview

Advance your career with in-demand cybersecurity expertise

Cyberattacks, data breaches and information compromises constantly threaten businesses, industries and governments. Personnel with cybersecurity expertise are in great demand and short supply.

Purdue University's Master of Science in Information and Cybersecurity addresses this demand with a program designed for early and mid-career information technology professionals. Different than a typical computer science master's due to its specialized focus, the online program is suitable for individuals with work experience in programming and computer systems, or with a computer science minor as an undergraduate. The program also is a natural progression for recent Bachelor of Science graduates in a computing-related major.

Learn practical application of cybersecurity techniques to secure systems

Students in the program gain competencies and skills in building, evaluating and maintaining secure systems. Lab assignments and projects feature cutting-edge security techniques and software and real-world examples. They require learners to respond to simulated security challenges and to develop secure systems with appropriate defenses.

The curriculum includes training in cryptography, network security, software security, security analytics, social, economic and legal aspects of cybersecurity, and data security and privacy. Individuals can tailor their degree to include elective courses in topics such as database systems, data mining, and algorithm design, analysis and implementation.

Students completing the online Master of Science in Information and Cybersecurity will be able to:

• Analyze information systems to identify threats, vulnerabilities and attack vectors.
• Develop and deploy solutions for defending information systems from attacks.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of data privacy concepts, challenges, and protection techniques.
• Communicate with diverse stakeholder audiences to help guide decision-making.