University of Southern California

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with relevant coursework in programming, networking, and operating systems.

About This Program

This degree focuses on the fundamentals of developing, engineering, and operating secure information systems and policies.

Career Outcomes

Thrive as Cybersecurity Analyst in Cybersecurity AI with intelligent systems expertise

• 1. Cybersecurity Engineer
• 2. Security Architect
• 3. Penetration Tester
• 4. Incident Response Analyst

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement secure engineering systems resistant to cyber threats.
• Apply cryptographic protocols to protect data and communications.
• Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
• Develop incident response strategies for cyber attacks.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum covers secure networking, operating systems, cryptography, risk management, and verifiable protection of high-assurance systems.

Top Employers

Top employers include Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, and government agencies like NSA and FBI.

Admissions

A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with relevant coursework in programming, networking, and operating systems.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
• GRE/GMAT: Optional
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)