University of Southern California

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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 programming experience and relevant coursework in math or computer science.

About This Program

This program focuses on the fundamentals of developing and operating secure information systems to defend against sophisticated persistent threats.

Career Outcomes

Advance as Cybersecurity Analyst in Cybersecurity AI with advanced analytics expertise

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

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement secure software systems and networks.
• Apply cryptographic techniques to protect data and communications.
• Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
• Develop incident response strategies for cyber threats.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum includes core courses in security systems, computer systems assurance, and policy, plus electives like forensics and applied cryptography.

Top Employers

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

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 programming experience and relevant coursework in math or computer science.

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+)