Professional Science Masters (P.S.M) Cyber Defense

NJIT offers a prestigious Professional Science Master's (P.S.M) program in Cyber Defense, which is affiliated with the Professional Science Master's National Office. This program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of cybersecurity, addressing the critical need for professionals who can safeguard organizations and individuals from cyber threats. With a focus on both technical expertise and professional communications, the MS CSP – Cyber Defense Option is a 36-credit degree program, including an additional 6 credits in the area of Professional and Technical Communications (PTC).

The program's affiliation with the Professional Science Master's National Office ensures its adherence to high academic standards, relevance to industry needs, and commitment to producing highly skilled cybersecurity professionals capable of tackling the ever-evolving cyber landscape.

Curriculum:

1. Network Security: Students explore network security principles and best practices to protect critical information infrastructures.

2. Cyber Threat Intelligence: This course covers cyber threat analysis, monitoring, and intelligence gathering.

3. Cyber Incident Response and Recovery: Students learn strategies to respond to cyber incidents and recover from cybersecurity breaches.

4. Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing: This course focuses on ethical hacking techniques and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in systems.

5. Information Assurance and Risk Management: Students study information assurance frameworks and risk management strategies.

6. Digital Forensics: This course delves into digital forensics techniques to investigate cybercrimes.

7. Cryptography and Data Protection: Students gain insights into cryptographic algorithms and data protection mechanisms.

8. Cybersecurity Policy and Governance: This course examines cybersecurity policies and governance frameworks.

9. Secure Software Development: Students learn secure software development practices to build robust and resilient applications.

10. Professional and Technical Communications: The additional PTC courses enhance students' communication skills to effectively present and articulate cybersecurity concepts to diverse audiences.

International students applying for postgraduate programs at NJIT must have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The applicant's academic qualifications are an essential factor in the admissions process.

Minimum GPA Requirement: NJIT typically requires international postgraduate applicants to have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent. This corresponds to a percentage of 65 or above.

English Language Proficiency: Accepted English language proficiency tests and minimum score requirements include:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.
   
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based test): Overall score of 79.
   
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 120.

Standardized Test : GRE 305

Accepts 3 years bachelor's degree with WES evaluation

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) recognizes the importance of supporting international students in pursuing their academic goals. To attract and assist talented students from around the world, NJIT offers several scholarships and financial aid options specifically designed for international students. 

1. Global Highlander Scholarship: The Global Highlander Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship offered to incoming international undergraduate students. It is awarded based on academic achievements, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains the required GPA.

2. International Presidential Scholarship: The International Presidential Scholarship is another prestigious merit-based award available to exceptional incoming international undergraduate students. Recipients of this scholarship receive a substantial amount of financial aid to support their education at NJIT.

3. International Transfer Scholarship: International students transferring to NJIT from other universities or colleges may be eligible for the International Transfer Scholarship. This merit-based award aims to recognize academic excellence and provide financial support to deserving transfer students.

4. Graduate Assistantships: NJIT offers graduate assistantship positions to international students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. Graduate assistantships typically involve working part-time in research or teaching roles, providing students with valuable experience and financial support.

5. Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Grant: The Educational Opportunity Fund Grant is available to New Jersey residents, including eligible international students. This grant provides financial assistance to students with demonstrated financial need.

6. Albert Dorman Honors College Scholarship: The Albert Dorman Honors College at NJIT offers scholarships to students accepted into the Honors College program. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide enhanced educational opportunities and support.

7. Private and External Scholarships: In addition to NJIT-specific scholarships, international students may be eligible to apply for private or external scholarships that are not directly offered by the university. These scholarships may be provided by government agencies, organizations, foundations, or other institutions.

How to Apply for Scholarships: To be considered for scholarships at NJIT, international students typically need to complete the university's admission application. In some cases, there may be separate scholarship applications or additional requirements

Graduates of NJIT's P.S.M in Cyber Defense are well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. With a strong foundation in technical knowledge and professional communications, graduates can take on various roles in public and private sectors. 

1. Cybersecurity Analyst: Graduates can work as cybersecurity analysts, monitoring and analyzing security incidents.

2. Information Security Specialist: Graduates can become information security specialists, implementing security measures to protect data and systems.

3. Cyber Threat Analyst: Graduates can work as cyber threat analysts, identifying and responding to emerging cyber threats.

4. Network Security Engineer: Graduates can specialize in network security, designing and implementing secure network infrastructures.

5. Penetration Tester: Graduates can become penetration testers, assessing system vulnerabilities and recommending remediation measures.

6. Cybersecurity Consultant: Graduates can work as cybersecurity consultants, providing expert advice to organizations on cybersecurity strategies.

7. Digital Forensics Investigator: Graduates can pursue careers as digital forensics investigators, analyzing digital evidence in cybercrime investigations.

8. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: Graduates can work in SOC environments, monitoring and responding to security incidents.

9. Cybersecurity Policy Analyst: Graduates can focus on cybersecurity policy development and analysis.

10. Information Security Manager: Graduates with experience can progress to managerial roles, overseeing information security programs within organizations.

NJIT's Professional Science Master's (P.S.M) in Cyber Defense offers a comprehensive and industry-relevant curriculum that combines technical expertise with effective communication skills. The program's affiliation with the Professional Science Master's National Office ensures its quality and alignment with industry demands. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to embark on successful careers in the cybersecurity field, safeguarding organizations from cyber threats and contributing to the advancement of cybersecurity practices.