Master in Computing — Secure Computing Track

The MS Computing Track in Secure Computing (MSSC) rigorously prepares graduate students for careers in cybersecurity research and development. It provides students with both a solid foundation of cybersecurity principles and hands-on practice of cutting-edge technologies. It offers practical experience in techniques for detection and analyses of cyberattacks, and for effective prevention, response, and recovery. The human aspects of security and privacy are addressed along with cyber operation including crime investigation and digital forensics. Students will also be exposed to business aspects of security and privacy, specifically aspects of cybersecurity risk and compliance, through a collaboration with the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah.

Close Collaboration with Industry and Real-world Security Practices

Our industry collaborators will be invited for informational sessions with students on practices in industry, industry preparedness, and for presentations on career opportunities. Cybersecurity professionals including our collaborators will provide sponsorship and mentorship of MS projects/theses, and prepare students for internships, and help them find right matches.

This program has a unique partnership with the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Students have the exclusive opportunity to obtain a thorough understanding of cyberattacks and solutions pertaining to enterprise networks.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be admitted to the MS program in Computer Science of Computing in the School of Computing at the University of Utah.

Degree Requirements

Students are required to complete at least 30 credit hours of work. A student may pursue an MS with (1) a thesis option, or (2) a project option, or (3) a course-only option. All students must take the five required courses and at least two additional elective courses from the list below.

Required Courses

CS 6956 – Software and Systems Security
CS 6490 – Network Security
CS 6967 – Security Operations 
CS 6959 – Human Aspects of Security and Privacy
CS 6968 – Business Aspects of Security and Privacy

Electives

CS 6350 – Machine Learning
CS 6150 – Advanced Algorithms
MATH 5405 – Cryptography and Codes
CS 6480 – Advanced Computer Networks
CS 6460 – Advanced Operating Systems
CS 6450 – Distributed Systems
CS 6300 – Artificial Intelligence
CS 6140 – Data Mining
CS 6340 – Natural Language Processing
CS 6110 – Software Verification