Cyber Defense and Information Assurance

Become an integral part of information protection and security measures with the Professional Science Master's in Cyber Defense and Information Assurance in Temple's College of Science and Technology. This 30-credit-hour, interdisciplinary graduate program is designed for professionals in technology-related careers seeking advanced coursework in global cyber security detection and prevention, as well as current laws and regulations. You'll graduate with expertise to lead information protection initiatives at your organization, resulting in more secure systems and data.

Threats to global information security are becoming more prevalent. As a result, more laws and technical advancements are being developed. The Cyber Defense and Information Assurance PSM coursework focuses on a holistic framework for cyber security, built around the core security principles–correction, detection and prevention.

Through the Cyber Defense and Information Assurance PSM program, you'll study 

• digital forensics investigation, including analysis, collection and handling, and reporting of electronic evidence; 
• ethical and unethical hacking;  
• operating systems and computer networks, including computer memory systems, software system support and the internet protocol suite; and 
• software modeling and design to better ensure the protection of data and programs.

The culminating event of the Cyber Defense and Information Assurance PSM is the final capstone project, for which you'll be presented with a real-world security issue within a professional organization.

Graduates are prepared to pursue the Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Systems Security Professional and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator professional certifications. 

Program Requirements

To successfully complete the Cyber Defense and Information Assurance PSM, you must complete 30 credit hours of coursework, including three credits toward your final capstone research and project. The final capstone project includes a security issue identified at a professional organization.

You must research and address the security issue in three phases.

• Phase One: Identifying the impact of the issue on an organization and which regulatory measures should be considered.
• Phase Two: Diagnosing network and application vulnerabilities, documenting findings and performing forensics.
• Phase Three: Presenting your findings to program faculty and individuals from the organization.

Learn more about the program requirements for the Cyber Defense and Information Assurance PSM.

University degree requiring four years of study.

Request one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university you have attended, even if only one course was taken. International degrees must be assessed for equivalency with a U.S. degree based on the characteristics of the national educational system, the type of institution attended and the level of studies completed. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is ordinarily required for admissions consideration. If unofficial transcripts are submitted during the application process, submission of official academic records will be required by the end of your first term of graduate study if you are admitted and subsequently enroll at Temple University.

College of Science and Technology graduate programs are built on a foundation of research with a focus on advancing knowledge and discovering actionable solutions to the most challenging real-world issues. This hands-on approach prepares graduates for careers in academia and industry or as entrepreneurs in the computer, science and technological fields.

Cyber Defense and Information Assurance PSM graduates are prepared for careers in

• computer security, 
• cyber security engineering, 
• forensic investigation, 
• information security, 
• security architecture,
• security consulting and
• software security.