This program prepares students for careers as security experts both in the public and private sectors, focusing on the development and analysis of secure systems, software, and networks. Possible career paths include security analyst, penetration tester, network security specialist, cryptographer, security researcher, and signal processing engineer, among others. This program is ideal for working professionals looking to transition from programming or IT positions to more specialized positions in cybersecurity. A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science is not required. The program offers students the opportunity to choose from a variety of elective courses to tailor their education to their needs. Students wishing for a more structured program may select from one of three pre-designed tracks: Cryptography, Network Security, or Data Governance and Security, whose elective courses are offered online.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Students entering the Masters of Science in Computer Science will need to have taken courses equivalent to CSC 2820 Data Structures and CSC 2710 Analysis of Algorithms I, or equivalent professional experience. Additionally, CSC 5935 Data Networking is a core requirement for students who have not taken an equivalent course previously. If a student must take CSC 5935, it replaces one elective of the student’s choice.
Transfer of Credit from other Institutions
A maximum of two graduate-level electives may be transferred in from other institutions with the approval of the Department Chair. If two elective courses taken at other institutions bearing 3 credits each are accepted for transfer into Merrimack’s MS in Cybersecurity program, then the student may earn their master’s degree with 30 total credits, instead of 32 total credits.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Computer Science at Merrimack College, graduates will be able to:
- analyze the security of network and software infrastructure;
- effectively remediate security issues in network and software infrastructure;
- design and create secure network and software infrastructure;
- understand and appreciate privacy and ethical concerns around data management; and
- advise or lead teams on secure system design.
Interested students, who take our Network Security classes (CSC 5055 and CSC 5056), will be prepared to pass the Comp TIA Security+ certification exam.
Requirements
The Master of Science in Computer Science requires eight (8) four-credit courses for a total of 32 credit hours.
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