M.S. in Kinesiology - Sport Administration concentration
The M.S. in Kinesiology with a Sport Administration concentration at Montclair State Un...
M.S. in Cybersecurity
Montclair, New Jersey
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity at Montclair State University is a cutting-edge graduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to protect digital assets and infrastructure in an increasingly interconnected world. This interdisciplinary program, offered through the School of Computing, addresses the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in various sectors, including government, finance, healthcare, and technology. The curriculum combines technical expertise with an understanding of legal, ethical, and policy aspects of cybersecurity.
STEM Designated: The M.S. in Cybersecurity program at Montclair State University is officially a STEM-designated degree program. This classification is particularly beneficial for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the United States after graduation. The STEM designation also underscores the program's strong focus on scientific and technical rigor.
Curriculum (M.S. in Cybersecurity): The curriculum for the M.S. in Cybersecurity is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices. It covers topics such as network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, digital forensics, risk management, and security governance. Students develop skills in identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating threats, and responding to cyberattacks. The program also explores the legal and ethical implications of cybersecurity, preparing graduates to navigate the complex landscape of cyber law and policy.
Research Focus: Montclair State's M.S. in Cybersecurity program fosters an active research environment, encouraging students to engage with faculty on cutting-edge projects. Faculty research interests within the School of Computing include areas such as network security, cryptography, digital forensics, and cybersecurity policy. The university houses dedicated research labs, providing students with opportunities to contribute to advancements in these fields.
Industry Engagement: Montclair State University's advantageous location, just 12 miles from New York City, provides significant opportunities for industry engagement for Cybersecurity students. The School of Computing actively prepares students for professional work in various sectors, emphasizing skills sought by leading tech companies and government agencies. This includes internships, co-ops, and full-time employment opportunities with a wide range of organizations. The curriculum is industry-aligned, incorporating practical applications and fostering communication and teamwork skills essential for success in the workforce.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Cybersecurity program inherently integrates a global perspective by preparing students for a globalized digital landscape. The principles and practices of cybersecurity are universal, and graduates are equipped to work in diverse international teams and address global cybersecurity challenges. The program also explores international cybersecurity laws and policies, preparing students to navigate the complex legal landscape of cybersecurity in a global context.
Location
Montclair, New Jersey
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19916
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 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Montclair State University offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Presidential Scholarships: The university’s prestigious Presidential Scholarships are awarded to top-performing international students demonstrating exceptional academic records and leadership skills. These scholarships provide substantial financial support and are highly competitive.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate international students have access to departmental scholarships and graduate assistantships. Assistantships may include tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities, offering both financial aid and valuable professional experience.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity at Montclair State University is a robust 30-credit, STEM-designated graduate program that provides students with advanced knowledge and practical skills to protect digital assets and infrastructure. This interdisciplinary program, offered through the School of Computing, combines technical expertise in areas like network security, cryptography, and digital forensics with an understanding of the legal, ethical, and policy aspects of cybersecurity.
Information Security Analyst: These professionals are at the forefront of defense, identifying and mitigating threats, implementing security measures, and monitoring systems for breaches. They analyze security incidents and develop solutions to protect an organization's data and networks.
Cybersecurity Engineer: Responsible for designing, building, and maintaining secure computer systems and networks, cybersecurity engineers develop and implement security protocols, configure firewalls, and test systems for vulnerabilities to ensure robust digital defenses.
Security Architect: A high-level role, security architects design and implement comprehensive security systems and frameworks for organizations. They create blueprints for security infrastructure, ensuring that all components work together to protect against cyber threats.
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): These specialists legally hack into systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities before malicious attackers can exploit them. They design and execute tests, providing valuable insights into an organization's security posture.
Digital Forensics Analyst/Investigator: When a cyber incident occurs, digital forensics analysts investigate the breach, gather digital evidence, and retrieve compromised data. They often work with law enforcement or internal corporate security teams to determine the cause and extent of an attack.
Incident Response Specialist: These professionals are on the front lines during a cyberattack. They manage and resolve security incidents, responding to breaches, containing damage, and leading recovery efforts to minimize disruption and data loss.
Cybersecurity Consultant: Working for consulting firms or independently, these experts provide advice to organizations on how to manage their cyber risks. They assess current security measures, recommend solutions, and assist with implementing best practices and compliance frameworks.
Risk Management and Compliance Analyst: These roles focus on identifying potential security risks, assessing their impact, and developing strategies to mitigate them. They also ensure that organizations comply with relevant cybersecurity laws, regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA), and industry standards.
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: SOC analysts monitor security systems, analyze security alerts, and detect potential threats in real-time. They are crucial for maintaining continuous surveillance and responding to security incidents as they unfold.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) / Information Security Manager: With experience, MS in Cybersecurity graduates can advance to leadership roles. CISOs and Information Security Managers are responsible for developing and overseeing an organization's entire cybersecurity strategy, policies, and operations, leading teams and ensuring the overall security posture.
