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)