Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity will prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand key issues along with present and emerging cyber threats to information systems, develop graduates with a sufficiently broad and strong technical foundation to understand and analyze cybersecurity vulnerabilities and protections and prepare students for specialized cybersecurity careers.

Rowan University undergraduates majoring in the Bachelor of Arts in Computing & Informatics program may apply to the Accelerated Dual Degree (ADD) program, which allows them to earn both the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees in five years instead of six.

The M.S. in Cybersecurity is a 31-credit-hour program. All students must complete 6 credits of foundation courses (2 courses) and 13 credits of core courses (5 courses). Students may complete this degree within 1½ to 2 years of study.

Certificate of Graduate Study in Cybersecurity Principles
       (a more general graduate certificate)

The Certificate of Graduate Study (COGS) in Cybersecurity Principles is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand key issues along with present and emerging cyber threats to information systems. Students will be able to articulate the core concepts of cybersecurity, asset protection and cyber defense, learn specific techniques for vulnerability analysis and security risk assessment, and understand how to build a technical architecture which includes security considerations and analyze technical policies and processes. Students seeking this COGS will be required to complete any four (4) of the required courses. The COGS is a stackable certificate, and students can apply their certificate credits toward the M.S. in Cyber Security. Students may also apply some of their certificate credits toward the M.S. in Computer Science. Students should consult with the program advisor for additional information.

Certificate of Graduate Study in Cybersecurity Architecture
      (a more technical graduate certificate)

The Certificate of Graduate Study (COGS) in Cybersecurity Architecture is designed to offer students the opportunity of a specialized study to provide students with experience in key courses of this discipline at the graduate level. It consists of 12 s.h. of coursework. Students seeking this COGS will be required to take one (1) required course and three (3) restricted electives. The COGS is a stackable certificate, and students can apply their certificate credits toward the M.S. in Computer Science. Students may also apply some of their certificate credits toward the M.S. in Cybersecurity. Students should consult with the program advisor for additional information.

Accelerated Dual Degree:
         Bachelor of Arts in Computing & Informatics
         Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The Accelerated Dual Degree Bachelor of Arts/Master of Science (BA/MS) in Cyber Security Program allows competent and highly motivated undergraduate students to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Computing & Informatics and a Master of Science in Cyber Security in five years as opposed to the traditional period of six years if both degrees were completed separately. Only upper-level undergraduate Computing & Informatics majors who have been admitted into the Bachelor of Arts Computing & Informatics Degree Program will be allowed to apply for the Accelerated Dual Degree Bachelor of Arts/Master of Science in Cyber Security Program. Once admitted, a student will enroll as a full-time undergraduate in both undergraduate Computing & Informatics and graduate Cyber Security courses in their first year of the Program to complete requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Computing & Informatics Degree and then enroll as a full-time student in graduate Cyber Security courses in their second year of the Program to complete requirements for the Master of Science in Cyber Security Degree. The Master of Science in Cyber Security Degree is a 30 credit program. The Bachelor of Arts in Computing & Informatics /Masters of Cyber Security Dual Degree is structured so that students first complete requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Computing & Informatics Degree Program, but can replace 12 credits of undergraduate Computing & Informatics electives with 12 credits of graduate coursework that are required for the Master of Science in Cyber Security Degree Program in their senior year (fourth year). In their fifth year students will take the additional 18 graduate credits required for the Master of Science in Cyber Security Degree.

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

This program covers a wide range of advanced electives in areas such as digital forensics, cloud and network security, cryptography, as well as governance, risk, and compliance. It focuses on developing flexible professionals who are equipped to learn new technologies and principles that are essential for success in the field of cybersecurity. This degree prepares students for careers across business, government, and industry, as well as for further study at the graduate level. The Cybersecurity major emphasizes applied computing, security frameworks, and hands-on practice in protecting and managing information systems. The program prepares students for graduate study in cybersecurity or related fields such as information assurance, information systems, and digital forensics. Graduates may find careers in business, industry, government, and education, where they work as security analysts, penetration testers, digital forensic investigators, security architects, compliance specialists, and cybersecurity engineers.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Cybersecurity Defense Concentration

This program focuses on developing flexible professionals who are equipped to learn new technologies and principles that are essential for success in such a rapidly evolving field.  Students will learn how to apply advanced scientific and industrial methodologies, knowledge of mathematics, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory to develop computing solutions and demonstrate these skills through presentations, written work, and projects.

The Cybersecurity Defense concentration can be added to this degree which focuses on the fundamental concepts of computer system and network security. Students will identify vulnerabilities, implement security measures, and develop incident response plans.

Bachelor of Arts in Computing and Informatics 

This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in information technology which requires a solid understanding of the principles of computing - but not the underpinnings of computer science theory and mathematics.  Students will acquire the requisite computer programming skills across programming languages and development platforms to develop a career as a computing professional, work as part of a project team, be able to analyze a problem and effectively document and communicate all aspects of the solution, and understand ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities in computing.

...with a Cybersecurity Concentration

The Cybersecurity concentration is more general and covers the fundamental concepts of computer system protection.

...OR with a Cybersecurity Defense Concentration

The Cybersecurity Defense concentration is more technical and can be added to this degree which focuses on the fundamental concepts of computer system and network security. Students will identify vulnerabilities, implement security measures, and develop incident response plans.  Students must declare and complete the Minor in Computer Science to complete this concentration.

Bachelor of Arts in Computing and Informatics with a Cybersecurity Defense Concentration
or a Cybersecurity Concentration

This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in information technology which requires a solid understanding of the principles of computing - but not the underpinnings of computer science theory and mathematics.  Students will acquire the requisite computer programming skills across programming languages and development platforms to develop a career as a computing professional, work as part of a project team, be able to analyze a problem and effectively document and communicate all aspects of the solution, and understand ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities in computing.

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Systems Technologies

The Specialized Bachelor of Arts in Computer Systems Technology will include various certifications and credentials. The degree is designed for students who are seeking flexible, applicable, industry-specific education that is paired with nationally recognized certifications and credentials. The BA in CST degree is designed to meet the increasing demand by equipping students with a variety of technology-driven skills, and is suited for several student populations, including 1) those seeking to advance their careers with a bachelor’s degree, 2) graduates from a NJ County College Associates degree programs 3) organizations who are looking to provide their employees with an undergraduate degree option that can be tailored to meet the needs of various industries.  The courses in the program can be taken in a fully online format, although courses can also be offered as traditional face to face courses.

As the major requirements largely consist of the completion of five Certificates of Undergraduate Studies, this degree can be completed in a stackable manner, by completing individual CUGS and then applying those to the bachelor’s degree.  Four of those CUGS focus on Cybersecurity and can be viewed below in the Undergraduate Minors and Certificate Programs section.

Minor in Cybersecurity

This minor course of study in cybersecurity provides students with foundational knowledge and skills in understanding, analyzing, and addressing various aspects of digital security. Through a combination of theoretical concepts and practical applications, students delve into topics such as network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, and risk management. They learn to identify vulnerabilities in systems, develop strategies to protect against cyber threats, and implement security measures to safeguard data and information assets. This minor equips students in any area major with valuable expertise in an increasingly critical field, preparing them for careers in cybersecurity or complementing their primary areas of study with essential skills in digital defense.  The minor is especially complimentary with technology, law enforcement, or management programs.

Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Cybersecurity
    (not available to Computer Science majors or Computing and Informatics majors)

This program is designed to increase student knowledge in all areas of cyber security including targeted phishing scams, data theft, and other online vulnerabilities. More and more companies actively seek graduates with expertise in cyber security and bemoan the scarcity of graduates with these key skills.

The educational goal of this CUGS is to develop graduates with a technical foundation in cyber security focused on the protection and defense of computer systems. Students will be able to articulate the core concepts of information assurance, asset protection and cyber defense. Also, this CUGS can develop graduates who are able to identify, analyze and remediate security breaches.

Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Cybersecurity in Information Technology

This program is designed to offer students the opportunity of a specialized study to provide students with experience in key courses of this discipline at the undergraduate level. This CUGS prepares students to sit for the following certification exams: CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Tech+, CompTIA A+, and CYSA: CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst+.  This CUGS is part of the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Systems Technology but can also be taken as a stand-alone credential.

Certificate of Undergraduate Study (CUGS) in Ethical Hacking

This program is designed to offer students the opportunity of a specialized study to provide students with experience in key courses of this discipline at the undergraduate level. This CUGS prepares students to sit for the following certification exams: OSCP: Offensive Security Certified Professional | PEN 200: Penetration Testing, CompTIA PenTest+,  EC Council: Ethical Hacking Essentials, EC Council: Certified Ethical Hacker.  This CUGS is part of the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Systems Technology but can also be taken as a stand-alone credential.

Certificate of Undergraduate Study (CUGS) in Digital Forensics

This program is designed to offer students the opportunity of a specialized study to provide students with experience in key courses of this discipline at the undergraduate level. This CUGS prepares students to sit for the following certification exams: EC Council: Digital Forensics Essentials, EnCASE Certified Examiner, EC Council: ECIH - Certified Incident Hacker. EC Council: CHFI - Certified Hacking Forensics Investigator.  This CUGS is part of the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Systems Technology but can also be taken as a stand-alone credential.

Certificate of Undergraduate Study (CUGS) in Intrusion Detection & Prevention
This program is designed to offer students the opportunity of a specialized study to provide students with experience in key courses of this discipline at the undergraduate level. This CUGS prepares students to sit for the following certification exams: Splunk Core Certified User, Splunk Enterprise Certified Admin, Splunk Core Certified Power User, Splunk Cloud Certified Admin.  This CUGS is part of the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Systems Technology but can also be taken as a stand-alone credential.