{"id":11675,"date":"2016-10-26T09:07:25","date_gmt":"2016-10-26T14:07:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/?post_type=program&#038;p=11675"},"modified":"2026-06-18T08:45:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T13:45:20","slug":"master-of-computer-and-information-science-cyber-security-2","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-computer-and-information-science-cyber-security-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Science in Computer and Information Science &#8211; Cybersecurity and Privacy Option"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <strong>Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences (MCIS) with a focus on Cybersecurity<\/strong> at Southern Arkansas University is an intensive STEM-certified program designed to create elite defenders of the digital landscape. This track provides a deep dive into the technical, legal, and ethical dimensions of information security, equipping students to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive data against increasingly sophisticated global threats.<\/p>\n<h3>Program Format &amp; Flexibility<\/h3>\n<p>The MCIS program offers a flexible and student-centered learning environment tailored to both full-time students and working professionals.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Online<\/strong>: Complete your degree from anywhere in the United States with 100% virtual coursework.<\/li>\n<li><strong>On-Campus<\/strong>: Engage in hands-on labs and face-to-face collaboration in Magnolia.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hybrid<\/strong>: Utilize a blend of both formats to balance your career and education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Program Duration &amp; Start Dates<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Duration<\/strong>: Typically completed in 18\u201324 months.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Start Dates<\/strong>: Rolling admissions with intakes in Fall, Spring, and Summer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deadlines<\/strong>: * Fall: July 20 | Spring: December 1 | Summer I: April 1 | Summer II: June 1<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accelerated Track<\/strong>: SAU undergraduates can begin Cybersecurity graduate coursework during their senior year to expedite their path to professional roles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Why Choose the Cybersecurity Track at SAU?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>STEM Designation<\/strong>: As a STEM-certified program, international students are eligible for a 24-month OPT extension (36 months total).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Specialized Faculty and Security Labs<\/strong>: Experienced cyber security faculty, cyber range.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost-Effectiveness<\/strong>: SAU offers one of the most affordable high-quality graduate computer science programs in the region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Skills You Will Gain<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Network Defense<\/strong>: Architect secure network topologies and implement robust firewall\/IDS systems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Digital Forensics<\/strong>: Master the tools and techniques needed to investigate cybercrimes and recover compromised data.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Information Privacy<\/strong>: Navigate the legal and ethical frameworks surrounding data protection and privacy laws.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Faculty &amp; Digital Learning Environment<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Research-Active Faculty<\/strong>: Learn from professors who are experts in AI, machine learning, cyber security and cloud computing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>State-of-the-Art Labs<\/strong>: Access virtualized environments and physical labs equipped with the latest hardware.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Class Projects and Internship<\/strong>: Most courses include hands-on implementation or research projects, providing practical experience with real-world challenges. Internship opportunities further enhance learning by offering valuable industry exposure and professional experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences (MCIS) with a focus on Cybersecurity at Southern Arkansas University is an intensive STEM-certified program designed to create elite defenders of the digital landscape. This track provides a deep dive into the technical, legal, and ethical dimensions of information security, equipping students to safeguard critical infrastructure&#8230; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-computer-and-information-science-cyber-security-2\/\"> Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":11324,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_genesis_title":"","_genesis_description":"","_genesis_noindex":"","_genesis_nofollow":"","_genesis_noarchive":"","_genesis_canonical_uri":"","_open_graph_title":"","_open_graph_description":"","_twitter_title":"","_twitter_description":"","_social_image_url":"","_social_image_id":"","redirect":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"college_department":[18307,18324,18306],"delivery":[28836,255,28834],"types":[28851],"class_list":["post-11675","program","type-program","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","college_department-school-of-graduate-studies","college_department-mathematics-and-computer-science","college_department-college-of-science-and-engineering","delivery-hybrid","delivery-on-campus","delivery-online","types-graduate","entry"],"acf":{"page_layout":"standard","landing_page_url":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/mcis\/","department_college":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/cs\/\">Mathematics &amp; Computer Science<\/a>\u00a0\/\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/science\/\">College of Science &amp; Engineering<\/a>","badge_text":"","Number_of_Hours":"30","tuition_instate":"$329\/credit hour","tuition_outstate":"$516\/credit hour","estimated_total_tuition":"~ $9,870 (In-State) to ~ $15,480 (Out-of-State)","start_dates":"Rolling admissions (Fall, Spring, Summer)","duration":"2 years","Degree Plans":"<a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.saumag.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=9&amp;poid=2087&amp;returnto=346\">2025-2026<\/a>","Program_Contact_Info":"[dirswitch contacts=\"karim-md\"]","Catalog Entry":"<strong>Computer and Information Science: Cyber Security and Privacy, MS (30 Hours)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nStudents must complete core computational requirements plus specialized courses in their chosen track. Students choose two additional elective courses from any concentration area based on their academic interests and professional objectives.\r\n\r\n<strong>Core Courses (12 hours)<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5103 - Advanced Programming Concepts\r\n<strong>or<\/strong> MCIS 5163 - Python Programming<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5133 - Data Base Management Systems<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6163 - Computer Networking<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6173 - Information and Networking Security<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Cyber Security Courses (12 hours)<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6213 - Applied Cryptography\r\n<strong>or<\/strong> MCIS 6243 - Wireless and Mobile Security<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6223 - Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6233 - Traceable Systems and Computer Forensics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6253 - Privacy Compliant Systems Design<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Elective Courses (6 hours)<\/strong>\r\nSelect 6 hours from the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5003 - Survey of Information Technology<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5013 - The UNIX Operating System<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5103 - Advanced Programming Concepts<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5113 - Web Programming: Client Side<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5163 - Python Programming<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5313 - Data Structures and Algorithms<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5413 - Web Programming: Server Side<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6123 - Decision Science<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6133 - User Interface Design<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6153 - Software Engineering<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6183 - Special Topics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6193 - Special Topics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6203 - Special Topics Seminar<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6213 - Applied Cryptography<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6243 - Wireless and Mobile Security<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6263 - Big Data<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6273 - Data Mining<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6283 - Machine Learning<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6293 - Special Topics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6313 - Internet of Things<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6323 - Cloud Computing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6333 - Data Visualization Programming<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6913 - Thesis<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6916 - Thesis<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6983 - Internship in Computer and Information Science<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","minor_requirements":"","Admission Requirements or Deadlines":"<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Online Application<\/strong>: Submit your <a href=\"https:\/\/apply.saumag.edu\">Graduate Studies Application<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Transcripts<\/strong>: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>GPA Requirement<\/strong>: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (Conditional admission may be available for 2.2+).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Prerequisites:<\/h3>\r\nA Bachelor\u2019s degree in Computer Science or a related field is preferred. Students with degrees in other fields may be required to complete two foundational \"bridge\" courses in programming and concepts.","careers":"Cybersecurity professionals are in extreme demand across all sectors. Graduates are prepared for roles such as:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Information Security Analyst<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Penetration Tester<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Cybersecurity Architect<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Digital Forensics Investigator<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chief Information Security Officer<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMarket Demand: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a <strong>32% growth rate<\/strong> for Information Security Analysts through 2034, making it one of the fastest-growing career fields in the nation.","faq":[{"faq_question":"Do I need a security certification (like Security+ or CISSP) to apply?","faq_answer":"No, but the knowledge gained in this program will significantly prepare you for industry-recognized certifications."},{"faq_question":"How does the STEM designation help me?","faq_answer":"For international students, it provides the 24-month OPT extension. For all students, it signals that the curriculum meets rigorous technical and scientific standards."},{"faq_question":"Is a cyber-range available?","faq_answer":"Yes."}],"Accreditations":"","Testimonials":"","student_information":"","Advisors":"","rankings":"","keywords":"","custom_tab_title":"Degree Plan","custom_tab_text":"Each candidate for the Master of Science in Computer and Information Science degree must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework.\r\n\r\n<strong>Core Courses<\/strong> (12 Hours)\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5103 - Advanced Programming Concepts or<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5163 - Python Programming<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5133 - Data Base Management Systems<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6163 - Computer Networking<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6173 - Information and Networking Security<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Cyber Security Courses<\/strong> (12 Hours)\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6213 - Applied Cryptography or<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6243 - Wireless and Mobile Security<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6223 - Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6233 - Traceable Systems and Computer Forensics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6253 - Privacy Compliant Systems Design<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Elective Courses<\/strong>\r\nSelect 6 hours from the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5003 - Survey of Information Technology<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5013 - The UNIX Operating System<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5103 - Advanced Programming Concepts<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5113 - Web Programming: Client Side<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5163 - Python Programming<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5313 - Data Structures and Algorithms<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 5413 - Web Programming: Server Side<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6123 - Decision Science<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6133 - User Interface Design<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6153 - Software Engineering<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6183 - Special Topics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6193 - Special Topics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6203 - Special Topics Seminar<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6213 - Applied Cryptography<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6243 - Wireless and Mobile Security<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6263 - Big Data<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6273 - Data Mining<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6283 - Machine Learning<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6293 - Special Topics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6313 - Internet of Things<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6323 - Cloud Computing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6333 - Data Visualization Programming<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6983 - Internship in Computer and Information Science<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6913 - Thesis<\/li>\r\n \t<li>MCIS 6916 - Thesis<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","rfi_shortcode":"[gf_embed site=\"1\" id=\"88\" prog=\"MCIS Cyber Security and Privacy\" type=\"Graduate\" comments=\"true\" notify_emails=\"mekarim@saumag.edu\"]"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/11675","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/program"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/11675\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17870,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/11675\/revisions\/17870"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11324"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11675"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"college_department","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/college_department?post=11675"},{"taxonomy":"delivery","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/delivery?post=11675"},{"taxonomy":"types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types?post=11675"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}