Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The program is under the Networks and Communication Department (NC), College of Computer Science and Information Technology (CCSIT).  Providing high-quality cybersecurity education and scientific research to inspire discovery, lifelong learning and professional services with community engagements. The program includes 6 core courses and 10 elective courses in addition to the thesis.

College

College of Computer Science and Information Technology

Campus

Dammam

Track

Science and Management

Level

Postgraduate

Degree

MSc

Gender

Female, Male

Years of study

2

Graduates of the program will be

• Highly qualified, industry-ready specialists and professionals applying highest standards for solving problems and designing appropriate solutions in the area of Cybersecurity. 
• Critical thinkers and problem solvers with the knowledge and skills to cope with emerging technologies and research in the area of Cybersecurity.
• Life-long learners demonstrating an ability to pursue a successful cybersecurity professional and career growth
• Entrepreneurs, responsible, and ethically driven members of the cybersecurity professional society.

The master’s program is divided into two tracks:

• Thesis track (33 credit hours) 
• Project track (42 credit hours). 

Career opportunities

• Information security analyst
• Cyber Security Specialist
• Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Specialist
• Digital Forensics and Incident Response Engineer
• Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
• Operational Technology (OT) Security Specialist
• Information Security Researcher
• Security Auditor
• Security architect
• Cyber Operations Analyst
• Principal Consultant Cybersecurity
• Penetration and Vulnerability Tester
• Cyber security manager/administrator

• The applicant must be Saudi, or otherwise, if applicant is non-Saudi, then s/he should have an official residency (Iqama). For other cases including international students, satisfactorily meeting any additional university admission requirements.
•  The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems or any other related field with a grade of "Very Good" or above from a recognized institution by the IAU. A minimum of 120 credit hours in 4 years degree program at undergraduate level.
• The applicant should have at least a grade of "Very Good" in the BSc level. However, applicant with "High Good" may be accepted if the applicant's grade in the major courses at the BSc level is at least "Very Good".
• The proficiency in the English language will be through one of the following criteria:

a.The applicant has obtained a minimum score of (5) in the English language test (IELTS) or a score of 61 or higher in the TOEFL-IBT test, or its equivalent in other tests.
b. Passing the language program at the Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University Academy - Baker Institute for Professional Development.
c.Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a program that depends on the English language in teaching.

• The mandatory courses requirements for MSCYS program at CCSIT is that candidates must have studied the following courses at BSc level. If any of the mandatory courses are missing in the BS program, students should be asked to take deficiency courses to compensate for the missing courses.

a) Data Structures.
b) IT Systems Components.
c) Statistics/Probability.
d) Basic Scripting and Programming (Java, Python, C++) e) Database Systems f) Operating Systems.
g) Networks.
h) Algorithm analysis and design

• The college will interview applicants and make recommendations to the student affairs office.
• The candidate should pass or provide any other requirements that might be determined by the college at any stage.
• Satisfactorily meeting any additional departmental or university admission requirements.
• No Student shall be allowed enrolment in two graduate programs at the same time.
• The applicant must be of good conduct, and medically fit
• Pay the application fee (non-refundable)
• Payment of tuition fees
• The minimum period of study in the program: two years (four semesters) and the program is available for male and female students.
• The applicant will receive an official letter confirming that s/he is accepted in the masters' program.

Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program as final admission is subject to evaluation by the Admissions Committee.

Required Documents:

1. Official transcripts and degree certificates are required for final admission.
2. The national identity card for Saudis, and the passport or residence for non-Saudis.
3. Two scientific recommendations.
4. Undergraduate capacity certificate. Aptitude Certificate for Undergraduates.

*Attached files should be in PDF, JPG, JPEG, BMB, TIF, GIF, WMF, OR PNG format The size of one file must not exceed 2 MB