Why Auburn University?

Auburn University, a public land-grant research university in Auburn, Alabama offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering. Applicants to the program should have a baccalaureate degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or an equivalent degree, or significant work experience. 

Standardized test scores are not required, and there is no required undergraduate minimum GPA to apply.

Program Snapshot

University Name	Auburn University
Location	Auburn
State	Alabama
Niche.com Grade	A
Name of Degree	Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering
School or Department Administering Program	School of Engineering
Credits	33
Cost per credit	$546.00
Tuition for Entire Program	$18,018.00
Test Requirements	none
Minimum GPA	None
Campus Visit Required?	No
Typical Time to Complete	2-3 years
When Can Students Start the Program?	Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations	None
Synchronous Classes	Some
Required Courses	·   Advanced Operating Systems ·   Secure Cloud Computing ·   Digital Forensics ·   Computer and Network Security ·   Cybersecurity Threats and Countermeasures ·   Software Reverse Engineering ·   Advanced Computer and Network Security ·   Capstone Engineering Project
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	Yes
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship?	No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	one of only sixteen universities in the nation designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research, and Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. This degree program focuses on the engineering and technical aspects of cybersecurity.
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	Outcome 1: Students have an understanding of fundamental concepts of cybersecurity. Outcome 2: Students know prevalent cybersecurity threats, threat models (such as Man-in-the-Middle), and canonical defenses. Outcome 3: Students have the ability to identify, assess, and defend against cybersecurity threats, develop defendable and resilient network and software mechanisms, and detect and investigate cybersecurity breaches. Outcome 4: Students are versed in techniques for gathering and preserving digital forensic evidence relating to a cyber event. Outcome 5: Students possess a knowledge of computer science (e.g. algorithms, operating systems, computer architectures, ethics, etc.), and have the ability to leverage this knowledge for a deeper contextualized understanding of cybersecurity. Outcome 6: Students communicate cybersecurity issues effectively. OutcStudents have the ability to apply their cybersecurity capabilities in an integrated manner to address specific cybersecurity problems.
Program Description	Requiring students to complete 33 credits, the program emphasizes engineering topics. This is a generalist program with no concentrations offered. A capstone is required. The program follows a traditional course schedule

 

What will I Learn?

Graduates from this program will have an understanding of fundamental concepts of cybersecurity, including familiarity with prevalent cybersecurity threats, threat models, and cyber defense. Graduates will also have the ability to identify, assess, and defend against cybersecurity threats, and know how to develop secure software and networks. Skilled in detecting and investigating cybersecurity breaches, graduates will also be knowledgeable about  techniques for gathering and preserving digital forensic evidence relating to a cyber event. 

Knowledgeable in all relevant areas of computer science, graduates of the Auburn program will also be skilled communicators, able to connect technical and human factors and solve complex problems collaboratively. 

Required courses are: Advanced Operating Systems, Secure Cloud Computing, Digital Forensics, Computer and Network Security, Cybersecurity Threats and Countermeasures, Software Reverse Engineering, Advanced Computer and Network Security. A Capstone Engineering Project is required of all students.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2-3 years and pay $546.00 per credit for a total of 33 credits, or $18,018.00 in total.

How does the program fit into my life?

An asynchronous schedule is available for some courses, meaning that students can complete the course material at any time during the week. For some courses, students are required to attend a live lecture online. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 2-3 years. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring or Summer semester.

Summary

The lower-cost cybersecurity master’s program at this well-regarded university emphasizes engineering topics. The program follows a traditional course schedule, offering an attractive mix of asynchronous classes designed for flexibility and synchronous classes designed for human connection. A capstone engineering project is required.

The program is distinguished as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research, and Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency.