The University of Oregon is a National Security Agency (NSA)–designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Research (CAE-R). Building on this distinction, the master of science (MS) in cybersecurity offers a rigorous, hands-on program that prepares students for advanced technical, operational, and research-oriented roles in the cybersecurity field.
Students benefit from curriculum aligned with the NICE Cyber Security Workforce framework. This alignment ensures graduates gain the competencies required to contribute effectively from the outset of their careers.
The program offers unique strengths in AI/ML-driven security operations, applied cyber operations training, and strong systems foundations. Students benefit from co-op opportunities with industry and public-sector partners, interdisciplinary exposure to cybersecurity, law, policy, and risk, as well as research and thesis options for students considering doctoral-level study or a career in research and development.
Graduates develop the skills needed to protect complex, distributed, and data driven systems in both public and private sectors through a combination of classroom learning and immersive experiences in the UO Teaching Security Operations Center (TSOC) and the RISK Clinic.
The MS in cybersecurity is designed for students with a solid foundation in computer science or computer engineering, as well as for students from related STEM disciplines who are prepared to build deep technical expertise in cybersecurity.
Career Readiness
The MS in cybersecurity readies students for careers across industry, government, critical infrastructure, and research laboratories, with competencies aligned to nationally recognized workforce standards.
Graduates of the MS in cybersecurity are prepared for roles such as:
- Security engineer
- SOC analyst/Cyber operations analyst
- Detection and response engineer
- Network or cloud security engineer
- Digital forensics analyst
- Threat intelligence analyst
- Cybersecurity researcher (industry or doctorate track)
Degree Overview
The MS in cybersecurity requires 54 credits.
The curriculum is structured around breadth, depth, and elective specialization, allowing students to tailor the program toward applied practice, research, or both.
Breadth Requirement (3 courses, 12 credits)
- CS 621: Algorithms and Complexity
- CS 670: Data Science
- CS 630: Distributed Systems
Reading & Writing Requirement (1 course, 2 credits)
- CS 640: Writing in Computer Research
Depth Requirement (5 courses, 20 credits)
- CS 532: Introduction to Networks
- CS 533: Computer and Network Security I
- CS 534: Computer and Network Security II
- CS 536: Secure Software Development
- CS 537: Cyber Operations (Teaching SOC)
Elective Requirement (5 courses, 20 credits)
Electives allow students to specialize through advanced coursework, a cooperative (co-op) experience, or a thesis.
Options include:
- Co-op (up to 12 credits)
- CS 503: MS Thesis (up to 12 credits)
- CS 632: Computer Networks
- CS 633: Advanced Network Security
- CS 510: Digital Forensics
- CS 510: AI/ML for Network and Security Operations
- CS 510: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
- CS 510: Advanced Cryptography and Applications
Sample Study Plan (Co-op Track)
This sample illustrates one possible two-year plan incorporating a co-op experience. Individual plans may vary.
Year 1
Fall (14 credits)
- CS 532 (Depth)
- Elective
- CS 621 (Breadth)
- CS 640 (Writing)
Winter (12 credits)
- CS 533 (Depth)
- CS 536 (Depth)
- CS 630 (Breadth)
Spring (12 credits)
- CS 534 (Depth)
- CS 537 (Depth – TSOC)
- CS 670 (Breadth)
Summer (4 credits)
- Co-op I (Elective)
Year 2
Fall (4 credits)
- Co-op II (Elective)
Winter (4 credits)
- Co-op III (Elective)
Spring (8 credits)
- CS 510 - Digital Forensics (Elective)
- CS 510 - AI/ML for Network and Security Operations (Elective)
Stackable Credentials
The MS in cybersecurity supports progressive credential completion, allowing students to build toward the degree at their own pace:
- Cybersecurity Microcredential: 3 courses (12 credits)
- Graduate certificate in cybersecurity: 6 courses (24 credits)
- MS in cybersecurity: 14 courses (54 credits)
FAQ
Do I need prior cybersecurity experience?
No prior professional cybersecurity experience is required. The program is designed to build cybersecurity expertise from strong computing fundamentals, progressing from core concepts to advanced operational and research topics.
Is the MS in cybersecurity program full-time or part-time?
The MS in Cybersecurity is designed primarily as a full-time, on-campus program. The curriculum structure and co-op option are optimized for full-time study, though part-time enrollment may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Are co-op positions guaranteed for MS in cybersecurity program?
Co-op opportunities are curriculum-integrated and supported through industry and public-sector partnerships, but placement is competitive and depends on student performance, preparation, and availability of positions.
Are co-op positions for MS in cybersecurity program paid?
Yes. Our industry partners interview students and extend paid co-op offers to selected candidates.
What happens if I do not receive a co-op position?
Our team makes every effort to connect students in the MS in Cybersecurity program with industry partners in a timely manner to help secure co-op positions for all students who are interested. However, the co-op is not the only pathway in the program. Students may choose to complete an MS thesis, conduct research with cybersecurity faculty, or take additional elective courses to fulfill their degree requirements.
Does the program offer any scholarships or other types of support?
At this time, scholarships are not available for students entering the MS in Cybersecurity program in Fall 2026. We are actively pursuing funding to provide scholarship opportunities for incoming and continuing students in future years.Students with relevant skills may also have opportunities to work with the TSOC or the RISK Clinic. In addition, after enrolling, MS students may apply for graduate teaching or research assistantship positions. These roles are competitive; however, qualified students may receive teaching or research appointments to support a portion of their studies.
Can I pursue a PhD after completing MS in cybersecurity program?
Yes. Our industry partners interview students and extend paid co-op offers to selected candidates. The salary earned during the 9-month co-op typically helps offset the overall cost of the program.
Is the MS in cybersecurity program suitable for students interested in policy or law?
While the program is technically rigorous, it includes opportunities to explore interdisciplinary aspects of cybersecurity, such as law, policy, and risk. Students seeking primarily policy-focused study may wish to complement the degree with relevant electives.