Requirements-MS-in-Cybersecurity-Networking-and-Infrastructure

The Network Security Concentration focuses on the network infrastructure and network security management aspects information security. This concentration will provide in-depth coverage of network security infrastructure technologies such as firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), vulnerability assessment tools, as well as overall security infrastructure engineering and design. Online Learning Learning opportunities are available for this concentration.
Master of Science 2025 through2026

Cybersecurity


About the Program

Networking and Infrastructure Concentration

Curriculum Requirements

Introductory Courses

No Introductory Course may be substituted for any other course at any level.

Introductory courses may be waived for any of the following conditions based on faculty review:

  • The student has the appropriate course work to satisfy an Introductory Course based on an official transcript review by faculty and successful grades, typically B or better.
  • The student has appropriate and verified professional experience to satisfy an Introductory Course which is demonstrated through successful completion of a GAE exam.
  • If a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) is available for the Introductory Courses, upon successfully completion of a GAE, a waiver will be issued.
  • Plan accordingly prior to start of the term, faculty reviews for possible course waivers can take a few weeks. For newly admitted students, possible course waivers will not be initiated until an Intent to Enroll form has been submitted.
  • CSEC 418
  • NET 405
  • NET 411
  • NET 413

Foundation Courses

Students must complete the following courses:

  • CSEC 440
  • CSEC 445
  • CSEC 450
  • NET 463
  • NET 477

Advanced Courses

A maximum of 4 Advanced Courses can be taken before completing the Foundation Courses and fulfilling the GPA Requirement.

Students must complete the following courses:

  • CSEC 488
  • CSEC 533
  • NET 577

Student must complete one of the following courses:

  • NET 511
  • CSEC 489

Major Elective Courses

Students must complete eight (8) Credit Hours of CSEC or NET courses in the range of 420 or higher.  That course cannot be used to fulfill a student's Concentration Area or Foundation Courses requirements.

Capstone Options

Computer Information and Network Security Capstone course
  • CSEC 594
Network Engineering and Security Capstone course
  • NET 594
Master's Research

Students interested in a more-in-depth study of a particular area can choose to work with a faculty member (not necessarily their academic advisor) on an independent study or research project. The student will register for up to 8 credit hours of CSC 695.  If a student chooses to complete a Master's Research project for 8 credit hours, 4 credit hours of CSC 695 replace one major elective course in the M.S. in Cybersecurity program.    

Master's Thesis

A student who has made an original contribution to the area (typically, through work done by CSC 695) may choose to complete a Master's Thesis. The student and the student's research advisor should form a Master's Thesis Committee of 3 faculty. The student will need to submit to the committee a thesis detailing the results of the research project. After a public defense, the committee will decide whether to accept the thesis. In that case, the student will be allowed to register for the 0 credit course CSC 698 and the transcript will show the thesis title as the course topic.    



Degree Requirements

Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours in addition to any required introductory courses of the designated degree program.
  • Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
  • Earn a grade of C- or better in all courses of the designated degree program.
  • Achieve a GPA of 3.0 or better among the five foundation courses.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Students pursuing a second (or more) graduate degree may not double count or retake any course that applied toward the completion of a prior graduate degree. If a required course in the second degree was already completed and applied toward a previous degree, the student must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a new course to be completed and substituted in the new degree. This rule also applies to cross-listed courses, which are considered to be the same course but offered under different subjects.
  • Students pursuing a second master's degree must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours beyond their first designated degree program in addition to any required introductory courses in their second designated degree program.

Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher will graduate with distinction.

For DePaul's policy on repeat graduate courses and a complete list of academic policies see the DePaul Graduate Handbook in the Course Catalog.