Cyber Security Engineering, MS
The field of cyber security engineering is concerned with the development of cyber-resilient systems that include the protection of physical as well as computer and network systems. It requires a holistic and proactive approach in engineering the design of systems, with cybersecurity incorporated from the beginning of system development all the way throughout the system’s life cycle.
The purpose of the MS in Cyber Security Engineering is to provide students with the currently rare combination of highly technical knowledge and skills, cyber security expertise, and a comprehensive systems engineering perspective. The program provides theory and practice on the design, planning, and management of systems and procedures for protecting critical physical and cyber infrastructure from external threats, including terrorism. Students will be equipped with deep technical foundations of cyber security in the form of software, hardware, networking, and cryptography, as well as systems engineering tools and methods to design and secure complex cyber physical systems. Topics in the program include homeland security policies, critical infrastructure policies, information assurance cybersecurity quantification, matrix vulnerability assessment, threat assessment, physical security, personnel security, operational security, contingency planning, case analyses of specific industries and systems, redundancy planning, emergency and disaster planning, security systems, and intelligence operations.
Graduates are prepared to design and implement secure complex and cyber-physical systems consisting of software, hardware, and networking components; respond to, investigate, and remediate incidents involving these systems; and develop offensive and defensive tools and techniques to attack and secure these systems.
Intakes
- Jan
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
George Mason University (GMU) offers strong potential for job opportunities for its graduates, evidenced by its career services that provide guidance on resume refinement, interview preparation, and employer connections. The university also boasts a high average employee salary compared to national averages for government and other university employees, suggesting potential for well-compensated careers upon graduation.
Career Services and Resources
Professional Guidance:
GMU's career advisors offer support to students and graduates, helping them to refine resumes, prepare for interviews, and connect with potential employers.
Employer Connections:
The university actively helps its students and graduates build networks with potential employers, enhancing their job prospects.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study.
The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs.
The university, at its discretion, may, in evaluating the meeting of this requirement, additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, any/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study.
For students with post-baccalaureate credits, a separate GPA is calculated for each institution.
For applicants whose initial post-secondary degree is an integrated master's degree or higher (no baccalaureate degree earned), the university, at its discretion, will evaluate those applicants based on that initial degree.
ACT = Not accepted
Duolingo English Test = 120
IELTS = 7.0 and 6.5 each subsection* All CEC applicants 6.5 and no minimum subsection score required
Pearson Test of Academic English = 67
TOEFL = 88 and 20 each subsection* All CEC applicants 80 and no minimum subsection score
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Masters/PG Degree
- Duration: 01 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
41124 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 80 USD
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