Master of Science Cyber Defense

Cybersecurity
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Cybersecurity Institute
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About

The Master of Science in Cyber Defense prepares you to expand your cybersecurity hygiene and toolkit to better protect organization’s invaluable data.

You will gain the expertise to identify and mitigate risk and vulnerabilities within an organization’s computer systems. EWU’s hands-on real-world curriculum provides is aligned to the NSA Center of Academic Excellence guidelines and the NICE Framework. These guidelines and frameworks allow you to gain a deep knowledge concerning software and hardware security, a deep understanding of computer systems and network security, forensics and incident response, and cyber physical systems.
Many different organizations across a variety of sectors, including federal and local government agencies, tech companies, and many other organizations need to hire cybersecurity professionals.

Earn your M.S. in Cyber Defense to progress in your career and make an impact.

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Cyber Defense, Master of Science (MS)

Required Core–this coursework provides core knowledge in the areas of cybersecurity research methods, advanced computer and information security, and advanced network security, engineering, and research methods.
CYBR 515RESEARCH METHODS AND COLLOQUIUM4
CYBR 525ADVANCED COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SECURITY4
CYBR 535ADVANCED NETWORK SECURITY4
Electives–choose four courses–at least three must be at the 500-level16
Note: This coursework provides the student an opportunity to take courses specialized to their particular area(s) of interest. Any 400-level or non-CYBR course must be approved by the CYBR graduate coordinator or the student’s graduate committee chair. The course CYBR 539 may each apply more than once, provided distinct topics are studied.
ADVANCED NETWORKING CONCEPTS
SECURE CODING
TOPICS IN CYBERSECURITY
DIGITAL FORENSICS AND CYBERCRIME
APPLIED CRYPTOGRAPHY
REVERSE ENGINEERING
DIRECTED STUDY
Thesis or Project - A Minimum of 12 Credits are Required12
Note: The student is expected to expand their knowledge with a published thesis or to apply their knowledge to a significant project. Projects may be work-related. The thesis or project is defended in a final oral examination of the student’s work.
THESIS
RESEARCH REPORT
Total Credits40

Students who earn an MS in Cyber Defense from EWU should be able to:

  • demonstrate cybersecurity principles in the securing of networks and software systems;
  • possess an advanced understanding of core cybersecurity knowledge;
  • use advanced cybersecurity skills in securing of networks and the development of software systems.