Cyber Security

Program Contact Information

Email: csgradprogram@uab.edu

Program Information

The Master of Science in Cyber Security (formerly known as Computer Forensics and Security Management) (MSSec) is an interdisciplinary program that prepares graduates for a professional career in the field of cyber security by developing in them the necessary skills crucial for success. The program also provides current practitioners the opportunity to obtain advanced-level training to facilitate career advancement. The program includes a set of core, required courses and the opportunity to select from a default option or two tracks of specialization.

Admission Requirements

Students accepted into the program will have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or recognized university from abroad. Most of these students will have earned a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take either the TOEFL or the IELTS and score 80 or higher on the TOEFL or 6.5 or higher on the IELTS. The GRE is NOT required.

Students seeking admission to the program who lack a background in computer science but meet the remaining minimum requirements for admission may be admitted contingent on them completing a set of prerequisite courses (or their equivalents) that may include the following (the program directors may waive/require some courses in addition to the ones listed below depending upon the students’ specific background). Among these CS 532 can be taken after admitted and count towards the MS degree.


RequirementsHours
CS 103
103L
Introduction to Computer Science in Python
and Introduction to Computer Science in Python Lab
4
CS 203
203L
Object-Oriented Programming in Java
and Object-Oriented Programming Lab
4
CS 532
532L
Systems Programming
and Systems Programming Lab
3

Similarly, students seeking admission to the program (especially to the Cyber-Crime Investigations track) who lack a background in criminal justice but meet the remaining minimum requirements for admission are encouraged to complete CJ 230 (The Judicial Process in America: An Overview). 

Master of Science in Cyber Security

A total of 30 semester hours are required for the degree, organized into: (a) 15 hours of required core courses, (b) 6 hours of electives from an approved list of relevant Computer Science courses, and (c) 9 hours of coursework in one of the following two tracks: Cyber Security track or Cybercrime Investigations track.

a. Core coursework

RequirementsHours
Core courses
CS 534Networking3
CS 623Network Security 3
CS 636Computer Security3
CS 689Cyber Risk Management3
CJ 502Computer Forensics 3
Total Hours15

b. Electives

In addition to the core courses, students must take two CS electives for a total of six hours. The electives must be from 500+ level or 600+ level. No more than 3 chrs of CS 598 or CS 697 can count towards the degree. 

c. Tracks

In addition to the five core courses and two electives listed above, students must choose either of the following two tracks (Cyber Security Track or Cybercrime Investigations track, both worth 15 credit hours) to fulfill the requirements of the Master's degree.

1. Cyber Security Track

RequirementsHours
CS 645Modern Cryptography3
CS 646Blockchain and Cryptocurrency3
CS 643Cloud Security3
Total Hours9

2. Cybercrime Investigations Track

RequirementsHours
CS/CJ 519Investigating Online Crimes3
CS/CJ 537Digital Media Forensics3
CJ 675Law Evidence and Procedure3
Total Hours9

Faculty

Gardner, Elizabeth A., Professor and Director of Master of Science in Forensic Science, 2007, B.S. (Penn State), Ph.D. (Michigan State), Drug Chemistry, Legal Highs, Gun Powder Residue, Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, Pharmaceutical Spam
Linville, Jason G., Teaching Associate Professor, 2004, B.S. (Ohio), M.S., Ph.D. (UAB), Forensic Biology, Entomology, Forensic Science Education
Mwenesongole, Ellen M, Associate Professor, 2015, B.S. Hons (Univ. of Kwa-Zulu Natal), M.S. Forensic Science (Univ. of Strathclyde), M.S. Chemistry (Univ. of Pretoria), Ph.D. Forensic Science & Chemistry (Anglia Ruskin Univ), Illicit Drugs, Wastewater, Hair & Fibers, Counterfeit Products