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.
Requirements | Hours | |
---|---|---|
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
Requirements | Hours | |
---|---|---|
Core courses | ||
CS 534 | Networking | 3 |
CS 623 | Network Security | 3 |
CS 636 | Computer Security | 3 |
CS 689 | Cyber Risk Management | 3 |
CJ 502 | Computer Forensics | 3 |
Total Hours | 15 |
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
Requirements | Hours | |
---|---|---|
CS 645 | Modern Cryptography | 3 |
CS 646 | Blockchain and Cryptocurrency | 3 |
CS 643 | Cloud Security | 3 |
Total Hours | 9 |
2. Cybercrime Investigations Track
Requirements | Hours | |
---|---|---|
CS/CJ 519 | Investigating Online Crimes | 3 |
CS/CJ 537 | Digital Media Forensics | 3 |
CJ 675 | Law Evidence and Procedure | 3 |
Total Hours | 9 |
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 |