Cybersecurity

The M.S. in cybersecurity is a 30-credit program. Thesis and non-thesis options designed to provide advanced knowledge in cybersecurity, digital forensics, information assurance, networking and security are available. The thesis option includes independent research and a defended thesis guided by faculty. The non-thesis option includes a research project completed with faculty guidance, allowing students to apply cybersecurity concepts to real-world challenges.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science in cybersecurity develop advanced expertise in cybersecurity principles, digital forensics, information assurance, network security and cybersecurity research methods. Learn to analyze complex security challenges, evaluate vulnerabilities, develop secure solutions and apply advanced techniques to protect digital systems and data. Through thesis research or applied projects, you will strengthen your ability to conduct cybersecurity research, solve emerging security problems and contribute to secure computing environments across industry, government and research settings.

Program format

Both thesis and non-thesis students complete 15 credits of required cybersecurity coursework that provides a strong foundation in advanced security concepts and research practices.

Thesis option

The thesis track for the Master of Science in cybersecurity is designed for students interested in advanced research and cybersecurity innovation. Thesis students complete required coursework in areas such as digital forensics, information assurance, networking and security, along with elective courses selected with their advisor. The program culminates in original research through a master’s thesis completed under the guidance of a major professor and graduate committee. Students develop expertise in investigating complex cybersecurity challenges and contribute to emerging solutions in the field.

Non-thesis option

The non-thesis track for the Master of Science in cybersecurity provides students with advanced technical knowledge and applied research experience. Non-thesis students complete required cybersecurity coursework, electives chosen with their advisor and a non-thesis master’s research project directed by a major professor. This option emphasizes practical problem-solving, cybersecurity applications and professional preparation. Students gain experience analyzing security challenges, developing solutions and applying cybersecurity concepts to real-world environments in industry, government and technology-focused careers.

Faculty expertise

Work alongside faculty with expertise in:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
• Deep learning and neural networks
• Data science and predictive analytics
• Natural language processing (NLP)
• Intelligent systems and AI engineering
• Trustworthy, ethical and secure AI
• Adversarial machine learning
• Computer vision and pattern recognition
• Evolutionary computation and optimization
• Robotics and intelligent industrial automation
• High-performance and large-scale computing

Connect with program faculty

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
• Connect with your program: For engineering graduate programs, the availability of funding depends on the type of degree:
  • Thesis option - Funding is competitive, and faculty may provide graduate funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities or explore graduate fellowship programs.
  • Non-thesis option - Funding opportunities are generally not available in the form of teaching, research assistantships or fellowships for this degree path. If you have interest in research, consider the thesis option for which there may be funding.
• CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service - The U of I Center for Secure and Dependable Systems has maintained its status as a National Science Foundation CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service Program participant for over 20 years, securing more than $20 million in total funding to train students to work at the highest levels of government.

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.

View financial aid resources

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Computer Science contact:
Hasan Jamil
jamil@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Find Department of Computer Science faculty advisors.

Applicants for the M.S. in cybersecurity program must meet the following degree-specific admission requirements:

Program availability

• Concentration: Thesis, non-thesis
• Semester intake: Fall and Spring
  • Eligible for 4+1 admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
  • Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 or J-1 visa status
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates:  
  • View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or closely related field
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts send directly by the issuing institution(s) will be required upon admission. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
  • Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
• Application Fee: $50

Application and admission process:

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applicants seeking admission to the thesis concentration are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Engineering website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.