Computer Science and Engineering

Master of Science in Cyber Security

On this page:

Why Choose Cyber Security?

Develop skills to identify and resolve cyber security threats.

Complete this degree online or on campus.

We give you the flexibility to work this degree into your schedule. You will develop the knowledge and skills applicable to protecting computer systems and networks.

A unique blend of faculty who balance theory, practice, hardware, and software in their courses is available to you. The on-campus courses take place in well-equipped computer engineering laboratory facilities. Our state-of-the-art Virtual Cyber Security Lab (VCSL) allows you to work in a safe environment while practicing what you learn.

A solid background in these core computer science skills will help you with your graduate degree:

  • Computer programming
  • Computer organization
  • Data structures and algorithms
  • Programming languages
  • Operating systems
  • Problem-solving and implementation using computer programming

Success Stories

Nathan Balasubramanian is involved in numerous campus activities, including the Student Government Association, while working toward two graduate degrees.

Academics and Curriculum

The entire program requires no less than 30 semester hours of course work including 12 hours of core courses, and the completion of the project or thesis option. This needs to be completed within six years. Our cyber security core course is available in class and online.

View the Master of Science in Cyber Security program information, outcomes, and requirements in the Academic Catalog.

Cybersecurity (M.S.) with Cyberdefense Concentration

Complete a program of study that meets the NSA specifications and receive a notation on your transcripts indicating you have completed this cyberdefense concentration.

Program of Study

  • 6 required courses
    • CEG 6420 - Host Security
    • CEG 6422 - Secure Computing Practices
    • CEG 6424 - Security Attacks & Defenses
    • CEG 6426 - Legal Aspects of Cybersecurity
    • CEG 6430 - Cyber Network Security
    • CEG 6750 - Information Security
  • 1 elective course
  • 9 credit hours of thesis 

Wright State University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education through the academic year 2025 for the Master of Science in Cybersecurity with CyberDefense Concentration.

Requirements for Completing a Successful Cyber Security Project (CS7960)

Show a graduate level mastery over large body of concepts in cyber security. Projects may include (but are not limited to):

  • implementation and/or robust testing of software artifacts relevant to the field
  • replication of previous research results, collection, curation and analysis of real-world or simulation-based data of value for cyber security research
  • conduct a comprehensive literature review in a specific area related to cyber security

Select an advisory committee from the Wright State University Graduate Faculty consisting of a:

  • project advisor
  • one other full or adjunct member

With your project advisor determine and document the:

  • scope of the project
  • specific deliverables such as software, data, or written reports
  • expected outcomes

Produce a written report that details:

  • the project significance
  • related work
  • work completed
  • project outcomes

If your project is a written work, it may also serve as the written report. Written works include a literature review, position paper, or protocol proposal,

You must present and defend your project with a presentation to your project committee. The project committee will provide a signed form-indicating acceptance of your project after a successful presentation. This is required for graduation from the program.

Prerequisites 

At least one year of formal coursework in computer programming. Formal coursework in data structures, computer organization, and operating systems is also required. The materials covered in these courses should be equal to Wright State University courses. If you are lacking other prerequisite coursework you may be assigned additional prerequisite courses upon admission.

All Programs

The following courses are prerequisites that can be assigned for any of our graduate programs. 

Computer Engineering M.S.

The following course is a prerequisite that can be assigned for the computer engineering degree.

Math

All Programs

  • A One-year sequence in calculus
  • Knowledge of  probability, and statistics
  • Knowledge of linear or matrix algebra
  • Coursework discrete math is preferred

Computer Engineering

  • A One-year sequence in calculus-based physics

Admission

The admission process is competitive.  Expected qualifications for successful applicants are:

  • A Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field
  • A 3.0 GPA

If you do not meet the admission expectations above, you may still be considered for admission. We will take into account your current academic and professional achievements when making this decision. In particular, students with a higher GPA in the last two years of their undergraduate degree, or high grades in computer science and mathematics coursework are often eligible for admission.

International Students

International students must meet English language proficiency requirements. Please contact the University Center for International Education for more information on the admissions process for international students.

Application Deadlines

International applicants applying from outside the United States are advised to apply at least one month before the final deadline.

All application documents must be uploaded to the application portal by the final deadline below for consideration.  This includes unofficial transcripts, English language proficiency test scores, and any other documents required for your desired program.  Applications received after the final deadline may not be considered for admission for the desired term.

Application Deadlines and Decision Dates

  • Fall Semester: March 1 
  • Spring Semester: October 10

How to Apply

Graduate students should apply for admission through Wright State's Graduate School.

Program Dismissal

You can find all admission and dismissal guidelines on the Graduate School Policies and Procedures page.


Take the Next Step

Finding the right college means finding the right fit. See all that the College of Engineering and Computer Science has to offer by visiting campus.