M.A. in Sociology
George Mason University, a prestigious institution located in Fairfax, Virginia, offers...
B.S. in Cyber Security Engineering
Fairfax, Virginia
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
George Mason University (GMU), located in the United States, offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cyber Security Engineering program designed to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, a field critical to protecting digital assets and information from cyber threats. The program combines principles of computer science, engineering, and security to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity concepts, techniques, and technologies.
STEM Designated: The B.S. in Cyber Security Engineering program at GMU holds STEM designation, indicating its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This designation emphasizes the program's commitment to providing students with a rigorous education in STEM fields, making them eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions for international students upon graduation.
Curriculum: The curriculum of GMU's B.S. in Cyber Security Engineering program covers a wide range of topics essential for understanding and mitigating cyber threats. Courses typically include cybersecurity fundamentals, network security, cryptography, secure software development, digital forensics, risk management, and ethical hacking. Students also have opportunities to pursue electives in specialized areas such as cloud security, IoT security, malware analysis, and cyber threat intelligence.
Research Focus: Research is a significant component of the B.S. in Cyber Security Engineering program at GMU, with faculty and students engaged in cutting-edge research projects addressing cybersecurity challenges. Research areas may include but are not limited to, intrusion detection and prevention, secure coding practices, biometric authentication, cyber-physical systems security, and privacy-preserving technologies. Students have opportunities to participate in research initiatives, working alongside faculty mentors to explore innovative solutions to real-world cybersecurity problems.
Industry Engagement: GMU's B.S. in Cyber Security Engineering program emphasizes industry engagement to ensure that students gain practical skills and industry-relevant experience. The program collaborates with industry partners, government agencies, and cybersecurity organizations to provide students with internships, co-op opportunities, and industry-sponsored projects. Through industry engagement, students gain hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools and technologies, learn about emerging threats and trends, and establish connections with potential employers in the cybersecurity field.
Global Perspective: In today's interconnected world, understanding global cybersecurity challenges and perspectives is essential for addressing cyber threats effectively. GMU's B.S. in Cyber Security Engineering program encourages students to develop a global perspective on cybersecurity issues by exploring the impact of geopolitical, cultural, and economic factors on cybersecurity practices and policies. Students may have opportunities to participate in international cybersecurity competitions, collaborate with cybersecurity researchers from around the world, or study abroad in countries with unique cybersecurity challenges. By embracing a global perspective, students learn to navigate the complexities of the global cybersecurity landscape and contribute to international efforts to enhance cybersecurity resilience and cooperation.
Location
Fairfax, Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 39170
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fees: Waiver
Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.0.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 80 is often required.
- PTE : A minimum overall score of 59 is required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 110 is required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
George Mason University recognizes the importance of making higher education accessible to a diverse range of students, including international students. As such, the university offers a variety of scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition and support the academic pursuits of international students.
Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award available to incoming international undergraduate students. It recognizes academic achievement, leadership skills, and contributions to the community. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for up to four years.
College and Departmental Scholarships: Many of George Mason University's colleges and academic departments offer scholarships to international students who excel in specific fields of study. These scholarships may require students to meet certain academic criteria and demonstrate a strong their chosen area of study.
Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students at George Mason University have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships, which provide funding for tuition and stipends for work as research or teaching assistants. These assistantships offer valuable hands-on experience while helping to offset educational costs.
International Baccalaureate Scholarships: International students who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program may be eligible for scholarships based on their IB scores and academic achievements. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Private Scholarships: George Mason University encourages international students to explore private scholarship opportunities from external organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and resources to help students find and apply for these scholarships.
Fullbright Scholarships: International students seeking advanced degrees may be eligible to apply for the prestigious Fullbright scholarship program, which provides funding for graduate study, research, and cultural exchange opportunities in the United States.
It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.
George Mason University (GMU), situated in the United States, offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cyber Security Engineering program, providing graduates with a diverse array of career opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. With a strong emphasis on practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and hands-on experience, graduates of GMU's B.S. in Cyber Security Engineering program are well-prepared to tackle the complex challenges of securing digital assets and combating cyber threats.
Cybersecurity Analyst: Many graduates pursue careers as cybersecurity analysts, responsible for monitoring networks, systems, and applications for security breaches, intrusions, and vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity analysts conduct risk assessments, develop security protocols and procedures, and respond to security incidents to protect organizations from cyber threats and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
Security Engineer/Architect: Another common career path for graduates is to work as security engineers or architects, designing and implementing security solutions to protect digital assets and infrastructure. Security engineers develop security policies, configure firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and conduct security audits and assessments to identify and mitigate security risks. Security architects design secure network architectures, encryption protocols, and access control mechanisms to safeguard sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access.
Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker: Graduates may also pursue careers as penetration testers or ethical hackers, tasked with identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities in organizations' systems and applications. Penetration testers conduct controlled attacks on networks and applications to assess their security posture and help organizations identify and address weaknesses before malicious attackers can exploit them. Ethical hackers use their knowledge of cybersecurity principles and techniques to uncover vulnerabilities and recommend security enhancements, helping organizations strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.
Incident Responder/Forensic Analyst: In the event of a security breach or cyber attack, organizations rely on incident responders and forensic analysts to investigate the incident, contain the damage, and recover from the attack. Graduates may work as incident responders, coordinating incident response efforts, analyzing attack vectors, and implementing remediation measures to restore normal operations. Forensic analysts collect and analyze digital evidence, reconstructing cyber attacks and providing crucial information for legal proceedings and regulatory compliance.
Security Consultant/Advisor: For those with strong communication and analytical skills, careers as security consultants or advisors offer opportunities to work with organizations across various industries to assess their security needs, develop customized security strategies, and implement best practices for managing cybersecurity risks. Security consultants may specialize in areas such as compliance, risk management, governance, or security awareness training, providing expert guidance and recommendations to help organizations achieve their security goals.
