Education

We offer both undergraduate and graduate education focused on bringing together the technical and non-technical functions of cybersecurity. Our aim is to provide our students with the cybersecurity skills and knowledge required in today’s dynamic job market.

Experts estimate there may be as many as 3.5 million vacancies in cybersecurity related positions across the globe by 2021. These vacancies vary from non-technical positions, to highly specified technical postings across a variety of disciplines. To prepare our students to fill these vacancies, we have a diverse cadre of professors and instructors with distinct and varied experiences and backgrounds. From retired military and financial sector employees to lifelong academics, Baylor University brings a wide scope of capability to bear for the benefit of our students.

Ultimately, our educational process, both in terms of classroom work and research opportunities, is geared toward preparing our students to bridge the gap between the human and technical perspectives of cybersecurity in the workplace of the future.

Graduate Degrees

Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) with Cybersecurity Concentration

The Master of Information Systems program is a STEM-designated program that aims to equip students with the technical and management knowledge to become leaders in the field of information systems management and technology. With a Baylor MSIS degree with Cybersecurity Concentration, students will be qualified for jobs like Cybersecurity Consultant, Information Security Analyst, Project Manager, and Network Administrator.

The MSIS with Cybersecurity Concentration is an NSA-validated Program of Study in Cybersecurity Defense.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Cybersecurity Concentration

Online Master of Business Administration (OMBA) with Cybersecurity Concentration

Master of Accountancy with Cybersecurity Concentration

Within the Hankamer School of Business, the Baylor cybersecurity concentration is a four course concentration available to a number of the different masters degree programs. This concentration will be noted on their transcript and will accompany their degree as these students apply for positions in the workforce. It is Baylor University's belief that this concentration will bring the student the depth and diversity of understanding that will allow them to be value added in the 21st Century information-centric workplace.

Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)

Baylor's Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is designed to provide students with greater skills in a variety of core areas in computing. This degree program offers students hands-on training in software systems development, including working closely with faculty members on a thesis or project. Baylor's MSCS is a 36 semester-hour graduate program comprising 30 hours of graduate course work and 6 hours of research either as a thesis option or as a project option, which can focus in a variety of areas including cybersecurity. Baylor's Computer Science Graduate Program is a focused and practical program where graduate students get the time, attention, resources, support, and opportunities to launch themselves as computer science professionals.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD)

Baylor's PhD in Computer Science is designed for students who want to learn how to do research, and intend to continue doing research in the academy, industry, or other positions. As a student in the program, you will learn to do research through faculty mentorship (in the classroom, on projects, and in independent study). This research is built upon a breadth of knowledge of the field, provided by coursework.

Applicants should have a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in computer science or a closely related field. We do expect successful applicants to have the equivalent training of a B.S. degree in computer science from Baylor University. In particular, that means knowledge of fundamental theory (math, algorithms, data structures), computer systems (operating systems, network, databases), software engineering, as well as programming. Master's level coursework can be considered for credit upon entrance into the PhD program, however it is not required.

Most students finish their doctoral program within 5 years, and nearly all incoming doctoral students receive full tuition support, subsidized health insurance, and a multi-year stipend assistantship by working as teaching assistants, research assistants, or developers.

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems (PhD)

• Our program is tied for 5th among all PhD programs at Baylor University in Annual Student Publications.
• In an Exit Survey of graduating PhD students from our program, we are 6th among all Graduate Programs at Baylor University on the question "Would you recommend Baylor to prospective students in your field?"
• In terms of faculty scholarship, our program ranked 2nd among all PhD programs at Baylor University, and is ranked in the 88th percentile nationally among all Information Systems PhD programs.

The PhD in Information Systems seeks to train future researchers, scholars and teachers to analyze and understand the impact of information and communications technologies on individuals, organizations and society.

• Highly Diverse: Students from Zimbabwe, China, Lebanon, Germany, and the U.S.
• International Faculty: Experience teaching in China, France, Germany, Greece, Mexico, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.

Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor of Business Administration in Management of Information Systems

The Information Systems major is designed for students who are interested in both information technology (IT) and business who desire a career in IT management. MIS majors take core and elective classes designed to provide specific technical and practical organizational knowledge including:

• Programming (primarily Java and Python)
• Database
• Networking
• Systems Design and Analysis
• IT Project Management
• Cybersecurity

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Cybersecurity Concentration

The Department of Computer Science in the School of Engineering and Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) The Cybersecurity Concentration provides exposure to concepts, tools, and processes related to cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and defensive mitigations. It combines computer science foundational coursework with both theoretical work and applied (e.g., laboratory) experiences that will ground students in the concepts, techniques, tactics, and procedures used to compromise and secure computer systems. The concentration includes courses in Introduction to Cybersecurity, Advanced Cybersecurity, Cryptology, Terrorism, and Cybersecurity Lab. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for a career in the cybersecurity industry.