M.S. in Criminal Justice
The M.S. in Criminal Justice at UTC is structured to provide students with advanced kno...
M.S. in Computer Science: Cyber Security
Chattanooga, Tennessee
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Computer Science: Cybersecurity concentration at UTC provides an in-depth exploration of cybersecurity principles, methodologies, and technologies. The program aims to develop highly competent professionals capable of analyzing system vulnerabilities, designing secure architectures, implementing robust security measures, and responding effectively to cyber incidents. Students typically have the option to complete a minimum of 33 semester hours with a thesis or 36 semester hours with a project, allowing for focused research or applied development. This flexibility caters to students interested in both academic research and direct industry roles. The curriculum is designed to accommodate students with a strong foundational background in computer science, though some foundational coursework may be required for those with different undergraduate degrees.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Computer Science, including the Cybersecurity concentration at UTC, is a STEM-designated program. This classification is particularly beneficial for international students, as it makes them eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This extension allows international graduates to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months after graduation, providing significantly more time to gain practical experience and potentially seek long-term employment. The STEM designation underscores the program's rigorous technical and scientific curriculum, recognizing its importance in national technological and security landscapes.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Computer Science: Cybersecurity is comprehensive, blending core computer science knowledge with specialized cybersecurity topics. Students complete 15 semester hours of required computer science core courses, which typically include advanced topics in areas like programming languages, algorithms, and networks. Additionally, the program mandates 6 semester hours of required cybersecurity core courses, which often cover subjects such as Advanced Database and Database Security, Advanced Biometrics and Cryptography, Advanced Information Security Management, and System Vulnerability Analysis and Auditing. Students then choose additional cybersecurity elective coursework and potentially other computer science electives, allowing for specialization in areas like computer forensics, network security, or cloud security. The strong emphasis on both theoretical understanding and practical application of security tools and techniques is a hallmark of the curriculum.
Research Focus: The UTC M.S. in Computer Science: Cybersecurity places a strong emphasis on research and applied problem-solving in the realm of information security. Students choosing the thesis option engage in original research, contributing to the academic understanding and practical solutions in cybersecurity. Faculty members in the Computer Science and Engineering department have active research interests that directly support the cybersecurity concentration, including areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in cybersecurity, cloud and edge computing security, and formal methods for secure systems. This allows students to work on cutting-edge topics, develop innovative solutions to real-world security challenges, and gain hands-on experience with advanced security tools and methodologies.
Industry Engagement: The program is highly focused on preparing students for successful careers in the cybersecurity industry. It maintains strong connections with industry partners, providing students with opportunities for internships and co-op experiences. The curriculum is designed to reflect current industry trends and demands, ensuring graduates possess the most relevant and sought-after skills. Guest speakers from the cybersecurity field, participation in industry events, and potential collaborations on applied projects further bridge the gap between academia and professional practice. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in various sectors, including technology, finance, government, and defense, all of which have critical cybersecurity needs.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Computer Science: Cybersecurity inherently fosters a global perspective due to the inherently global nature of cyber threats. Cyberattacks transcend national borders, and cybersecurity professionals must understand international standards, regulations, and threat landscapes. The program's rigorous technical training, combined with an understanding of complex systems and vulnerabilities, prepares graduates to work in multinational corporations, engage in international cybersecurity collaborations, and contribute to global efforts in combating cybercrime. The diverse backgrounds of the faculty and student body also enrich discussions on varied international cybersecurity challenges and solutions, providing a broader understanding of the field's global dimensions.
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26852
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community, helping to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UTC provides merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for, typically based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition and are renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are available exclusively for international students, helping offset tuition fees and living expenses. These awards may vary annually and are competitive, encouraging students to demonstrate strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTC offer scholarships targeted at students within specific fields of study. International students enrolled in areas such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Arts and Sciences can explore scholarship options through their respective colleges or departments.
Graduates with an M.S. in Computer Science with a Cybersecurity concentration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) are exceptionally well-equipped for a critical and in-demand field. Their specialized knowledge in securing digital assets, combined with a strong computer science foundation, makes them highly valuable to organizations globally. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is soaring, with millions of unfilled positions worldwide, making this a strategic and rewarding career path.
Cybersecurity Engineer: A direct and highly sought-after role, cybersecurity engineers design, implement, and maintain robust security systems and networks. They focus on preventing breaches, creating secure architectures, and ensuring the integrity of an organization's digital infrastructure.
Information Security Analyst: These professionals monitor networks and systems for potential security breaches, investigate security incidents, and implement protective measures like firewalls and encryption. They conduct vulnerability assessments to minimize risks and keep systems secure.
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Graduates in this role simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems, applications, and networks. They evaluate the effectiveness of existing security measures and provide recommendations for improvement, essentially thinking like an attacker to strengthen defenses.
Security Architect: A more senior position, security architects design and build the overarching security frameworks for an organization's IT infrastructure. They develop comprehensive security strategies, ensuring that systems are secure from the ground up and align with business objectives.
Incident Response Analyst/Manager: When a security breach occurs, these professionals are on the front lines. They identify, analyze, and resolve security incidents, minimizing damage, conducting forensic investigations, and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences.
Cloud Security Specialist: With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, specialists are needed to secure cloud-based systems, applications, and data. They ensure compliance with regulations and address vulnerabilities specific to cloud environments, which is a rapidly growing area of cybersecurity.
Digital Forensics Analyst: These experts investigate cybercrimes by collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, and networks. They play a crucial role in understanding how attacks happened, identifying perpetrators, and supporting legal proceedings.
Malware Analyst: Graduates in this specialized role analyze malicious software (malware) to understand its behavior, capabilities, and how to detect and mitigate its threats. They help organizations develop defenses against constantly evolving malware.
Security Consultant: Graduates can work for consulting firms or as independent consultants, advising various organizations on cybersecurity best practices, risk management, compliance, and the implementation of security solutions. This role often involves working with multiple clients across different industries.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Track: While typically requiring significant experience, an M.S. in Cybersecurity from UTC provides an excellent foundation for aspiring CISOs. This executive role involves overseeing an organization's entire cybersecurity strategy, aligning security initiatives with business goals, and managing security teams and resources.
