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Cybersecurity Ph.D. Degree Plan

Year One

Enroll in the following courses in the Fall semester:

COMPUT 601 Introduction to Graduate Studies

CYBER 500 Introduction to Cybersecurity

Select two of the following groups (Group 1-Cryptography, Group 2-Software, Group 3-Networks, Group 4-Cyber-Physical Systems, Group 5-Forensics), and select a three-credit core course. Enroll in the following core courses required in the two groups selected:

Group 1-Cryptography
Take one of the following:
CS 567 Applied Cryptography fall only
MATH 508 Foundations of Cryptographic Computing fall only
MATH 509 – Symmetric Key Cryptography and Cryptanalysis spring only
MATH 510 Quantum and Post Quantum Cryptograph spring only

Group 2-Software
Take the following:
CS 575 Software Security spring only

Group 3-Networks
Take the following:
CS 622 Advanced Network Security spring only

Group 4-Cyber-Physical Systems
Take at least one of the following:
CS 523 Cyber-Physical Systems spring only
CS 524 Cyber Security of Critical Infrastructures spring only

Group 5-Forensics
Take the following:
CS 547 Digital Forensics fall only

Fall Tasks:

By the end of the semester, student will select an advisor and submit the Student and Advisor Agreement.

Spring Tasks:

There are no additional tasks for this semester

Year Two

Enroll in the following courses in the Fall semester:

Three elective courses as approved by the supervisory committee and Computing Program directors. If an additional elective course was taken in a previous semester, then enroll in only two elective courses.

Fall Tasks:

Option to submit Pre-Registration form to complete COMPUT 691 Comprehensive Exam. Once approved, submit a Presentation Notification Form.

Enroll in the following courses in the Spring semester:

Two elective courses as approved by the supervisory committee and Computing Program directors

Spring Tasks:

Final semester to complete the Comprehensive Exam.
If Comprehensive Exam was completed in the Fall semester, student may complete their Dissertation Proposal in the Spring semester. To schedule, submit a Presentation Notification Form. Then student will submit an Application for Admission to Candidacy once dissertation proposal is passed.

Year Three

Enroll in the following courses in the Fall semester:

COMPUT 693 Dissertation

Fall Tasks:

Student will complete their dissertation proposal in the Fall semester. To schedule, submit a Presentation Notification Form. Then student will submit an Application for Admission to Candidacy once dissertation proposal is passed.

Enroll in the following courses in the Spring Semester:

COMPUT 693 Dissertation

Spring Tasks:

There are no additional tasks for this semester

Year Four

Enroll in the following courses in the Fall semester:

COMPUT 693 Dissertation

Fall Tasks:

There are no additional tasks for this semester

Enroll in the following courses in the Spring semester:

COMPUT 693 Dissertation

Spring Tasks:

Student will complete their Dissertation Defense.

Graduation!