In-person and online
Full time or part time
Two years (full time);
Three years (part time)
Learn to design and develop computer systems that are inherently secure, to protect crucial infrastructures, and to identify suspicious cyber behavior using data mining and anomaly detection with an M.S. in cyber security.
In addition to the technical aspects such as cryptography, protocols and access control, the curriculum concentrates on policy and management issues, integration and logistics, and budgeting.
Envisioning a brighter future? Think grad school at SMU, where you join a lifelong family network and see immediate returns on your educational investment. Take your new big step at SMU.
Our graduates consistently secure critical niche roles at leading companies and organizations in private and public sectors thanks to real-world research experience at the Deason Institute for Cyber Security, as well as engineering leadership certification and soft skills training.
Best National Universities
U.S. News & World Report (2026)
of M.S. cyber security graduates were employed within six months of graduation (2024)
Graduate student-to-faculty ratio
This U.S. Air Force veteran transitioned his security expertise to the private sector while earning an M.S. in cybersecurity from SMU Lyle.
He developed a quantum-powered platform for securing AI models against cyberattacks.
Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.
All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.
Find answers to Lyle application questions.
All applications are holistically reviewed.
Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.
Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.
CS 7349
Students will investigate a comprehensive set of contemporary issues in computer security, including state-of-the-art technology used to address security problems.
CS 7331
Students are introduced to classification, association analysis and cluster analysis through hands-on experience using state-of-the-art tools to design and execute data mining processes.
CS 8349
Students will analyze secure networks and systems, security audits, intrusion detection and prevention, storage security, firewall configurations and much more.
Grow as an engineer with collectives that promote leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Get practical experience to develop industry skills, build a professional network and gain valuable insights. Internships can open doors to future opportunities and contribute to long-term career success.
Explore interests, develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers.
Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.
Students participate in graduate research opportunities in a world-class cyber security research center that innovates, develops and delivers solutions to the nation’s most challenging cyber security problems.
Our distinguished faculty are industry leaders and subject matter experts, bringing real-world experience and industry insights to the classroom. SMU Lyle maintains small class sizes, allowing students to develop meaningful mentorships with their professors.
This is a carousel with rotating cards. Use the previous and next buttons to navigate, and Enter to activate cards.
SMU Lyle students have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they can conduct research, meet with industry leaders, and gain skills on new and established technologies.
Advancing the science, policy, application and education of cyber security through basic and problem-driven interdisciplinary research.
Combines research innovation and industry partnerships to explore how digital twins, AI, virtual reality and more will shape the future of manufacturing.
Request more info about the M.S. in cyber security
Cybersecurity professionals remain in high demand across many industries, with jobs projected to grow 33% over the next decade. Students with a master’s in cyber security typically earn higher salaries due to specialized technical skills.
Many graduates with a M.S. in cyber security work in specialized fields such as cloud computing, become network security engineers or security architects over an entire company, or even become chief information security officers or chief technology officers at the international level.
The SMU cyber security program requires students to satisfy the following:
The online Master of Science in cyber security program, Lyle Anywhere®, is often obtained by working professionals, which allows them to choose synchronous online or recorded classes.
The Career Development Center at Lyle provides multiple opportunities for employers to meet and work with our students, including a career fair just for engineering students twice a year. Additionally, the center holds resume and cover letter writing workshops students can attend.
Yes, the M.S. in Cybersecurity has advanced elective courses, including software testing, data mining, cryptography, data security and much more.
The program is 30 credit hours, which typically takes full-time students two years to complete and part-time students three years to complete.
.jpg?h=933&iar=0&w=1400&hash=C360DEF6A8877BA4F414A8689E246C42)
