Why Florida International University?
The online Master of Science Computer Engineering: Network Security offered by Florida International University is aimed at professional engineers with an interest in expanding their cybersecurity prowess. Florida International University, a public research university in Miami, Florida, accepts applicants with undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related STEM Field.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Florida International University |
| Location | Miami |
| State | Florida |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science Computer Engineering: Network Security |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Engineering |
| Credits | 30 |
| Cost per credit | $833.33 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $25,000.00 |
| Test Requirements | None |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | Most students complete the program within 1 year. |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous Classes | Some |
| Required Courses | · Advanced Internet of Things
· Communications and Networking · Advanced Malware Reverse Engineering · Random Signal Principles · Social, Economic and Policy Aspects of Cybersecurity · Computer Communication Networks · Advanced Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures · Network Security · Practical Applied Security · Advanced Digital Forensics · Advanced Systems Theory |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Cohort model in which all students take the same courses, Intensive model with few breaks, 8 week terms, Finish in just 10 months, faculty with industry and government experience, The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Florida International University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Includes courses in ethical hacking, forensics, network security, and malware analysis. With your master’s degree in network security, you’ll have the advanced skills you need to protect and defend networks from attacks and take on a leadership role. You’ll also be prepared to acquire the most in-demand professional certifications, including Network+, Security+, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). |
| Program Description | This 30-credit program emphasizes engineering topics This is a generalist program with no concentrations offered. The program follows an accelerated course schedule, allowing students to graduate faster and reap the benefits of their degree. |
What will I Learn?
The cybersecurity curriculum at Florida International University is constantly changing to meet the needs of employers. Graduates acquire skills in cyber defense, ethical hacking, malware analysis, forensics, and network security. Students gain skills in leadership and communication in order to be able to manage cybersecurity programs at a range of employers and in diverse contexts. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for industry certification exams including Network+, Security+, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Required courses are as follows: Advanced Internet of Things, Communications and Networking, Advanced Malware Reverse Engineering, Random Signal Principles, Social, Economic and Policy Aspects of Cybersecurity, Computer Communication Networks, Advanced Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures, Network Security, Practical Applied Security, Advanced Digital Forensics, and Advanced Systems Theory.
The program at FIU is cohort-based meaning that students take the same courses in the same sequence as all of the other students in their cohort.
The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Florida International University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 1 year and pay $833.33 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $25,000.00 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
Students are required to attend some classes “live” online at a set time each week, and some courses offer an asynchronous model, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 10 months.
This program follows an intensive cohort model in which all students take the same courses in the same order. All classes are 8 weeks long and students take only one class at a time, allowing for greater focus on each subject.
Summary
Focusing on engineering approaches, and with a cost comparable to other similar programs, this cybersecurity master’s is offered by a respected university. Offering an accelerated curriculum, the degree allows students to finish their program more quickly and re-enter the workforce with expanded skills.
Many applicants will be attracted by FIU’s very fast time-to-degree of only 10 months. This speed is facilitated by the program’s cohort model, offering little flexibility and few breaks in between intensive 8 week courses. Students looking for greater flexibility with the opportunity to specialize and/or take elective courses will want to consider other programs instead of FIU.
