2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- https://www.gvsu.edu/computing/cybersecurity-ms-108
- https://www.gvsu.edu/academics/cybersecurity-ms.htm
Degree Overview
The program consists of 11 three-credit courses (33 credit hours), consisting of core courses, an area of specialization (track), electives, and a capstone option - an internship, project, or thesis. Classes are offered fully online, in a hybrid format, or in-person in the late afternoon or evening in downtown Grand Rapids.
Curriculum
- Core
- Tracks
- Elective
- Capstone
International Partnership students: please review your school's agreement and communicate with your GPD about transferring in courses to GVSU, if applicable.
Core
Students are required to complete 6 courses for a total of eighteen credits:
- CYB 500 - Linux and Python Scripting for Cybersecurity (3 credits)
- CIS 554 - Computer Networking (3 credits)
- CYB 615 - Cybersecurity Risk Management (3 credits)
- CYB 616 - Cybersecurity Fundamentals (3 credits)
- CYB 617 - Digital Forensics and Investigations (3 credits)
- CYB 655 - Advanced Applied Cryptography (3 credits)
Tracks
All candidates are required to complete one of the following tracks of 3 courses, 9 credits total:
AI in Cybersecurity
- AI 501 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- *CYB 520 - Trustworthy AI (3 credits)
- CYB 619 - Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics for Cybersecurity (3 credits)
Cybersecurity Development Tools
- HCC 503 - User Experience Design (3 credits)
- *HCC 553 - AR/VR Development (3 credits)
- HCC 602 - Design for Creative Learning Experiences (3 credits) OR HCC 601 - HCC Synthesis: Foundations and Trajectories in Social Computing (3 credits)
Data Analytics for Cybersecurity
- CIS 658 - Web Architectures (3 credits)
- CYB 619 - Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics for Cybersecurity (3 credits)
- CIS 671 - Information Visualization (3 credits)
Human-Centered Computing Security
- HCC 501 - Introduction to Human Computer Interaction (3 credits)
- *HCC 531 - Human AI Interaction (3 credits)
- AI 511 - AI Ethics and Bias (3 credits)
Network and Cloud Security
- CYB 645 - Network Security (3 credits)
- *CYB 575 - Wireless Networks and Security (3 credits)
- CYB 646 - Cloud Security (3 credits)
Secure Software
- AI 511 - AI Ethics and Bias (3 credits)
- CIS 518 - Secure Software Engineering (3 credits)
- SE 537 - Software Quality Assurance (3 credits)
Elective Courses
One elective course will be required if the project option is chosen to meet the capstone requirement (instead of the thesis option). In this case, three credits of electives may be needed. Any College of Computing 500 or 600 level course can be used as an elective toward the M.S. in Cybersecurity degree. Note: If students have already completed 12 credit hours of 4xx/5xx dual-listed courses, they must not take additional 4xx/5xx dual-listed courses to fulfill the elective course requirement.
Capstone
Each candidate must complete either a 3-credit project course (CIS 693), or 6 total credits of thesis (CIS 695) work. Please contact the graduate program director one semester prior to starting any of these.
OR
An internship option must be discussed with the graduate program director.
Study Plan
Before starting the program, students must have a study plan approved by the graduate program director. Students are responsible for keeping the plan of study current before the beginning of each semester and for getting the program director's approval for any changes to the plan.