MS Cybersecurity

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Drexel University

Program Overview

Drexel’s MS in Cybersecurity, developed in consultation with the National Security Agency (NSA), uses interdisciplinary computer science and engineering coursework to teach you to pinpoint security vulnerabilities, identify attacks and design methods for protecting data and computer systems. It suits students with backgrounds in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, information technology or related fields, and you can study full-time or part-time, in Philadelphia or online, with an option to add a co-op.

Curriculum Structure

The program requires a minimum of 45 credits. Full-time students can finish in under two years, and part-time students take two to three years.

Year 1: Building your cybersecurity foundation. You’ll start with the core courses INFO 517 Principles of Cybersecurity and INFO 725 Information Policy and Ethics, plus SE 578 Security Engineering or INFO 712 Information Assurance, depending on your track. Alongside them you’ll begin your technical electives in your chosen track (Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or Information Systems). Full-time students who start in the fall can prepare for a co-op in their first term.

Year 2: Specializing and gaining real-world experience. You’ll go deep with technical electives such as CS 645 Network Security, CS 523 Cryptography, ECEC 576 Hardware Security & Trust or INFO 710 Information Forensics, and choose general electives to match your goals. Full-time on-campus students who started in the fall can take a six-month, full-time co-op, and you can also do research for up to 9 credits through research rotations, a master’s thesis or independent research.

Focus Areas: Cybersecurity fundamentals, security engineering and information assurance, network and web security, cryptography, hardware security, information forensics, privacy and ethics, and intrusion detection.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates pinpoint security vulnerabilities, identify attacks and design methods for protecting data and computer systems. They gain deep technical training to understand, adapt and develop new techniques against emerging threats in information technology security, cybersecurity and hardware security. The program also builds entrepreneurial, teambuilding and managerial abilities, preparing graduates for careers in industry and research or for entry into a PhD program.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The MS is awarded by Drexel University, which is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The program was developed in collaboration with the NSA and is delivered by the College of Engineering together with the College of Computing & Informatics. Professional alignment is also built in through the six-month Graduate Co-op, which gives full-time on-campus students hands-on experience with employers in their chosen industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges ranks Drexel 80th out of 434 universities, 41st among private universities, and No. 2 nationally for Co-ops/Internships. These are university-wide rankings, not rankings of the cybersecurity program itself, and the co-op ranking is the standout for career outcomes. The co-op is available to full-time, on-campus students who start in the fall, so it’s worth highlighting for applicants who plan to study in Philadelphia.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Drexel University, the MS in Cybersecurity program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience that is crucial for success in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. Students engage in practical learning through state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge tools, and collaborative projects that mirror real-world challenges. This experiential learning approach not only enhances theoretical knowledge but also equips students with the skills needed to tackle complex cybersecurity issues.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in the MS Cybersecurity program at Drexel:

- Cybersecurity Labs: Access to specialized labs equipped with the latest technology for network security, penetration testing, and digital forensics.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects that simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios, allowing students to work in teams to develop solutions.
- Internships: Opportunities for internships with leading companies in the cybersecurity sector, providing invaluable industry experience and networking.
- Digital Tools: Use of industry-standard software and tools, including Wireshark, Metasploit, and various security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
- Field Trips: Visits to cybersecurity firms and organizations, offering insights into industry practices and trends.
- Research Opportunities: Access to faculty-led research projects in cybersecurity, allowing students to contribute to cutting-edge developments in the field.
- Libraries and Resources: Extensive library resources, including access to cybersecurity journals, databases, and research materials.
- Institutes and Centers: Collaboration with Drexel’s Cybersecurity Institute, which focuses on research and education in cybersecurity and provides additional resources and networking opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Drexel University's MS in Cybersecurity program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a rapidly evolving field. With a strong emphasis on practical experience and industry relevance, students can look forward to exciting career opportunities such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Manager, and Network Security Engineer. The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, making this an excellent time to enter the field:

- University Services: Drexel offers robust career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events specifically tailored for cybersecurity students. The Drexel Co-op program allows students to gain hands-on experience with leading companies in the industry.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, over 90% of Drexel graduates in cybersecurity find employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around $85,000 annually.

- University–Industry Partnerships: Drexel has established partnerships with top organizations such as Cisco, IBM, and the National Security Agency (NSA), providing students with unique internship and job placement opportunities.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring that the education you receive meets the highest standards in the field.

- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates of the program have gone on to work for prestigious companies and government agencies, contributing to significant advancements in cybersecurity practices.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MS in Cybersecurity, students have the option to pursue a PhD in Cybersecurity or related fields, allowing them to delve deeper into research and academia. Additionally, they can obtain specialized certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), further enhancing their expertise and career prospects.