Why Georgia Institute of Technology?
The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity offered by Georgia Institute of Technology provides an engineering-focused online education in the technical and management aspects of cybersecurity. Georgia Institute of Technology, a public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, expects applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited Institution in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
Applicants should have a good understanding of computer science fundamentals such as data structures and algorithms, processor architectures, operating systems, and networking protocols. They should have strong programming skills and coding experience, as well as at least one college-level course in discrete mathematics or equivalent experience.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Location | Atlanta |
| State | Georgia |
| Niche.com Grade | A+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Computer Science; School of Engineering; School of Public Policy |
| Credits | 32 |
| Cost per credit | $310.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $9,920.00 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2-3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations |
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| Synchronous Classes | Optional |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Designed for working professionals; students required to take one course from another track; substantial choice of courses across departments; Capstone independent study placing students in a commercial, industrial, academic or government setting where they must solve real-world security problems. |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Understand the nature of risks and pathways of threats to cyber and cyber-physical systems; Develop an awareness of vulnerabilities to software, networks, and computer systems; Comprehend methods and strategies for protecting data on networks, in software, as well as other cyber and cyber-physical systems; Examine the constraints and costs of cybercrime and espionage to privacy, communication, and use of technology; Investigate the role that government, corporate, and coalition policies can have towards slowing and stopping cybercrime and surveillance |
| Program Description | This 32-credit program is aimed at engineers or computer scientists with substantial preparation in the technical aspects of cybersecurity. Offering more flexibility and a great variety of elective choices, the program offers 3 concentrations. A capstone independent study places students in academic, government or industry setting. |
What will I Learn?
Throughout the program, students learn to understand the nature of cyber and cyber-physical system dangers, as well as the paths of potential threats. They develop an understanding of software, network, and computer system vulnerabilities and learn data protection methods and strategies for networks, software, and other cyber and cyber-physical systems. Furthermore, they examine the privacy, communication, and technology-related limits and costs of cybercrime and espionage. Finally, students examine the role of government, business, and coalition policies in reducing and eliminating cybercrime and spying.
Three concentrations or “tracks” are offered: Information Security, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Policy.
All students take three core courses: Introduction to Information Security, Information Security Policies and Strategies. All students must also complete the Cyber Security Practicum. Students then take six courses, or eighteen credits, of coursework for their track specialization. They must also take one elective outside of their track to expand their knowledge and perspective.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 2-3 years and pay $310.00 per credit for a total of 32 credits, or $9,920.00 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
The program takes 2-3 years to complete. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring, or Summer. Georgia Tech also offers the program in-person, and students in the online program attend lectures synchronously, at the same time as in-person class sessions, or watch these same sessions via a recording on their own schedule.
Students should be prepared to complete a practicum which will place them with a partner industry, academia or government. No on-campus visits are required.
Summary
Designed for working professionals, the Georgia Tech cybersecurity master’s degree is a surprisingly low-cost option from a highly respected top-tier institution. The program is not for everyone, but for applicants with strong computer science and engineering backgrounds, it is definitely worth a look. A collaboration between the School of Computer Science, the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the School of Public Policy, the program is interdisciplinary and flexible. The required practicum provides valuable real-world experience.
