Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Engineering Science - Cybersecurity
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Engineering Science (Cybersecurity) at UB is a 30-credit hour program. It is typically completed in three semesters (about 1.5 years) but can be completed in one calendar year depending on course availability and the completion of the culminating experience. The program is designed to provide students with essential concepts in cybersecurity, covering foundational principles and imparting practical skills. It is highly interdisciplinary, attracting students with backgrounds in engineering, computer science, information technology, mathematics, and even those with an undergraduate minor in computer science or security.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Engineering Science (Cybersecurity) program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated. This is a crucial advantage for international students, as it allows for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of 24 months beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's rigorous scientific, technical, and engineering curriculum.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Engineering Science (Cybersecurity) is structured around core, focus area, and elective courses. It typically includes 15 credits of core courses that provide a broad overview of cybersecurity. Students then choose 9 credits from focus area courses, which could delve into technical aspects like cryptography and computer security, or managerial aspects like cybersecurity, privacy, and ethics, and IS auditing for IT managers. The remaining 6 credits come from electives, with one elective course typically requiring a major project as a culminating experience. This blend ensures both theoretical understanding and hands-on application of security solutions and tools.
Research Focus: While the M.S. in Engineering Science (Cybersecurity) is designed as a professional, applied degree, it is deeply informed by the robust research environment at UB, particularly within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Center of Academic Excellence in Information Systems Assurance Research and Education (CEISARE). The program's curriculum underscores educational and research goals related to cybersecurity workforce development. Students gain hands-on experience applying security solutions and utilizing tools to safeguard cyber infrastructures, emphasizing real-world applications in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation systems. Research topics may include network security, applied cryptography, software and system security, threat modeling, anomaly detection, wireless security, and human-centered security.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Engineering Science (Cybersecurity) program at UB is highly driven by workforce needs and aims to equip students with the skills for various roles in industries or government sectors. The program emphasizes real-world applications in critical systems, enabling students to effectively protect them from cyber threats. It prepares students for various industry certifications. The program actively fosters industry engagement through guest lectures, workshops, networking events, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Student organizations, such as the University at Buffalo Student Excellence in Cybersecurity (UBSEC), also provide valuable networking and practical experiences, including participation in ethical hacking workshops and Capture The Flag competitions.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Engineering Science (Cybersecurity) at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing the universal nature of cyber threats and the need for global collaboration in cybersecurity defense. The program's focus on protecting critical cyber infrastructures across diverse sectors (healthcare, manufacturing, transportation) highlights the interconnectedness of global systems. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the classroom environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to addressing complex cybersecurity challenges from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to work effectively in multinational teams and contribute to global cybersecurity resilience.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.S. in Engineering Science (Cybersecurity) from UB are highly equipped for a variety of roles in the in-demand and rapidly expanding field of cybersecurity across both the public and private sectors.
Cybersecurity Analyst: Monitor systems for security breaches, investigate incidents, and implement security measures to protect organizations' data and networks.
Cybersecurity Engineer: Design, build, and maintain secure systems, networks, and applications, often involving the implementation of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.
Security Architect: Design and oversee the implementation of complex security systems and frameworks to ensure the overall security posture of an organization.
Information Security Manager: Lead teams, develop security policies, and manage security operations within an organization, balancing technical controls with business needs.
Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker: Simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications before malicious actors can exploit them.
Incident Response Specialist: Respond to cybersecurity incidents, containing breaches, mitigating damage, and restoring affected systems.
Security Consultant: Advise organizations on cybersecurity strategies, risk management, compliance, and the implementation of security solutions.
Digital Forensics Analyst: Investigate cybercrimes and data breaches to identify the root cause, collect evidence, and assist in legal proceedings.
Compliance Analyst (Cybersecurity): Ensure that organizations adhere to relevant cybersecurity laws, regulations, and industry standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, NIST).
Cloud Security Engineer: Focus on securing cloud environments, applications, and data, addressing unique security challenges associated with cloud computing.
