How to navigate the cyber security educational landscape

The need for individuals with cyber security skills is rising. In the US alone, there are approximately 700,000 unfilled cyber security jobs. Likewise, 59 percent of cyber security leaders have reported that their teams are understaffed.

In order to fill this skills gap, the new generation of cyber security professionals need to be armed with the knowledge and skills essential to protecting networks in this digital age. One way those looking to enter the cyber security sector can do this is by completing a course designed to help them navigate the ever-changing cyber security landscape.

Here, Cyber Security Hub provides a guide to cyber security courses at some of the top universities across the world. 

Contents

1. Courses in the United States 
2. Courses in Europe 
3. Courses in the Asia-Pacific region 

Courses in the United States  

Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) at Carnegie Mellon University, USA 

This course offers a technical focus on security and computer systems, which is further enriched by opportunities for research. Additionally, Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) is part of the Information Networking Institute within the College of Engineering.  

The MSIS program meets the criteria for the NSF-funded CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service Program, making U.S. citizens and permanent residents eligible for a full scholarship and academic stipend.  

Course Details  

Course Name: Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS)  

Main Web Page: Carnegie Mellon University MSIS Program  

Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA  

This Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity is offered through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s MIT xPRO platform. The program is conducted completely online and is designed to accelerate student’s careers in cyber security within 24 weeks.  

The curriculum includes both defensive and offensive aspects of cyber security technology. Students will get the opportunity to learn through personalized feedback, insights from guest speakers, career coaching, mentorship and the opportunity to create a capstone project on network development for a job portfolio.  

The program is suitable for those who are early in their career as IT professionals, network engineers, system administrators, as well as those looking at making their start in their cyber security career.  

Course Details  

Course Name: Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity  

Main Web Page: MIT xPRO Cybersecurity Program

Duration: 24 weeks, online  

Program Fee: US$7,650 (discounts available with referrals)  

Cyber Policy and Security Specialization at Stanford University, USA

Students at Stanford University can specialize in Cyber Policy and Security as part of the Ford Dorsey master’s in international policy. This specialization is guided by the university’s Cyber Policy Center and Center for International Security and Cooperation.  

In order to be eligible for the course, students must complete two required courses (INTLPOL 268: Hack Lab and INTLPOL 321: Fundamentals of Cyber Policy and Security), as well as at least three electives from a pre-approved list.  

Course Details  

Course Name: Cyber Policy and Security Specialization  

Main Web Page: Stanford University Cyber Policy and Security  

Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Georgia Institute of Technology, USA

This Master’s of Science in Cybersecurity is available both online and on campus. OMS Cybersecurity, the online program, is tailored for working professionals and is designed to be completed in two to three years. The course provides instruction in energy systems, information security, and public policy.  

The interdisciplinary on-campus program examines issues surrounding the impact of information security on various aspects of life, including privacy concerns, security risks to business and government, and the impact of laws and public policy.  

Course Details  

Course Name: Master of Science in Cybersecurity  

Main Web Page: Georgia Tech Cybersecurity Program

Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity at University of Maryland, USA  

This program has been designed with the aim of supplying engineers with the skills and knowledge to prepare them to work in both industry and government. Offered in collaboration with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Computer Science, and the Maryland Cybersecurity Center, the course merges engineering applications with computer science principles.  

With the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 28 percent growth in U.S. employment for cyber security consultants from 2016 to 2026, there is predicted to be a high demand for professionals in this field.  

Course Details  

Course Name: Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity  

Main Web Page: University of Maryland Cybersecurity Program

Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy at University of Texas at Austin, USA  

This interdisciplinary Master’s of Science in Information Security and Privacy (MSISP) program is a collaboration between the Center for Identity and the University of Texas School of Information. It is available both online and on the University of Texas Austin campus. 

The MSISP covers areas such as law, public policy, communications, technology and social sciences with a view of providing a comprehensive 360-degree perspective on information security and privacy.

Course Details  

Course Name: Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy (MSISP)

Main Web Page: UT Austin MSISP Program

Courses in Europe  

MSc in Information Security at Royal Holloway, University of London, England  

This MSc in Information Security is certified by GCHQ, the UK Government Communications Headquarters and is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to work in the information security industry or move into postgraduate research.  

Taught by specialists in the cyber security field with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics and social sciences, the curriculum encompasses a wide range of cyber security areas. This includes cryptography, fraud detection, system security, network security, device security and the study of how security itself should be managed. 

Course Details  

Course Name: MSc in Information Security  

Main Web Page: Royal Holloway Information Security Program  

Master of Science in Cyber Security at ETH Zurich, Switzerland  

This master’s program in cyber security is offered in collaboration with EPF Lausanne and aims to provide both foundational and applied knowledge in this rapidly expanding domain.  

The course offers a broad set of courses ranging from cryptography and formal methods to systems, network, and wireless security. Students can choose a focus area in computer science as a minor to complement the program, including topics such as computer systems, information systems, machine learning, software engineering, theoretical computer science or visual computing.

Course Details  

Course Name: Master of Science ETH Zürich – EPF Lausanne in Computer Science Major in Cyber Security  

Main Web Page: ETH Zurich Cyber Security Program  

Master of Science in Cyber Security at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden  

Providing both foundational and applied knowledge in cyber security, this program covers a broad set of courses ranging from cryptography and formal methods to systems, network and wireless security.  

The program also includes mandatory courses that put cybersecurity in the context of ethics, law, threat actor behavior, end-user behavior and the societal consequences of cyber attacks.  

The master’s course is mainly taught at the KTH Campus in Stockholm by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Course Details 

Course Name: Master of Science in Cyber Security  

Main Web Page: KTH Royal Institute of Technology Cyber Security Program

M.Sc. in Cyber Security at IU International University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany  

The Master of Science in Cyber Security program at IU International University of Applied Sciences focuses on securing data and implementing top security procedures for systems used by businesses globally. It taught using a blend of online and on-campus learning and is entirely in English.  

Course Details  

Course Name: MSc in Cyber Security  

Main Web Page: IU International University of Applied Sciences Cyber Security Program  

Master’s Degree Program in Information and Communication Technology: Cyber Security at the University of Turku, Turku, Finland  

University of Turku offers a master’s degree Program in Information and Communication Technology with a specialization in Cyber Security that is known for its interdisciplinary and international education. The program is conducted entirely on-campus in English.  

Course Details

Course Name: Master’s Degree Programme in Information and

Communication Technology: Cyber Security  

Main Web Page: University of Turku Cyber Security Program

MSc in Cyber Security at Wrexham Glyndwr University, Wrexham, United Kingdom  

This MSc in Cyber Security aims to deepen student’s understanding of network security, penetration testing and computer forensics. It is conducted on-campus in English and is available both full-time and part-time.  

Course Details  

Course Name: MSc in Cyber Security  

Main Web Page: Wrexham Glyndwr University Cyber Security Program

Courses in the Asia-Pacific region

Master of Cyber Security at University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Australia  

This Master of Cyber Security program is designed for students who wish to seek a more detailed understanding of the technical skills and expertise needed for the technical implementation and leadership of the cyber security function.

Delivered in a distance mode, meaning it is mostly online with some face-to-face learning, the course can commence in either Semester 1 or 2 of the academic year. The full-time duration of the course is one year. 

Course Details  

Course Name: Master of Cyber Security  

Main Web Page: UNSW Sydney Cyber Security Program  

Master of Computing in Security at National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore  

The National University of Singapore (NUS) offers a Master’s of Computing with a specialization in Infocomm Security. The course is comprehensive and covers both applied and fundamental research findings. The program can be completed either full or part time.  

Students are able to choose from three different curriculum structures: Dissertation Option, Project Option, and Coursework Option. Each option has its own set of requirements, including the number of courses and units to be completed.  

Course Details  

Course Name: Master of Computing – Infocomm Security Specialization  

Main Web Page: NUS Master of Computing in Security Program  

Master of Science in Computer Science with Cyber Security Stream at University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong  

The multidisciplinary area of study offered by this Master of Science in Computer Science program with a Cyber Security Stream looks at state-of-the-art cyber security technology.  

The curriculum contains different aspects of cyber security from various perspectives, including technical, organizational, human-oriented and legal. In order to graduate, students are required to complete either 48 credits plus a dissertation (equivalent to 24 credits), or 60 credits plus a project (equivalent to 12 credits).  

Course Details  

Course Name: Master of Science in Computer Science – Cyber Security Stream  

Main Web Page: University of Hong Kong Cyber Security Program   

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