Applied Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics (M.S.)
View all Illinois Tech Cybersecurity programs
Prepare for a career in the rapidly growing fields of cybersecurity, forensics, and information assurance. Develop essential skills for leadership roles in business, law enforcement, military, government, and other organizations.
Experienced faculty use a hands-on, reality-based approach to education. Apply what is learned in class to solve real-life problems. Explore a balance of technology and management, which entails multiple aspects of cybersecurity including cybersecurity management, information technology security threat assessment, vulnerability and penetration testing, incident response, evidence gathering, electronic discovery, and policies and procedures to reduce cyber threats.
Complete this program on campus or completely online.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Applied Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics program prepares professionals for the rapidly growing fields of cybersecurity, forensics, and information assurance. Upskill for leadership roles in business, law enforcement, military, government, and other organizations.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics are prepared to accept positions within the industry, such as:
- Information security officer
- Security manager
- Security administrator
- Cyber security analyst
- Cyber security specialist
- Computer forensic examiner
- Forensic analyst
- Vulnerability researcher/exploit developer
Admission to Illinois Tech is required to enroll in this program. Previous coursework or experience in technology is helpful but not required. Additional coursework may be required for those with no previous background in information technology.
Information Security Analyst Career Snapshot
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report
Cyber Scholarship Program
Mark Littlefield earned an award from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Scholarship Program. Littlefield was eligible to apply for the scholarship because Illinois Tech has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Learn MoreNorth American Defense and Security Academic Alliance (NADSAA)
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) North American Defense and Security Academic Alliance () exists as a collaborative information-based enterprise dedicated to strengthening and normalizing relationships between the two commands and academic institutions. This relationship stimulates and develops new thinking, examines cross-organizational solutions, and helps cultivate future generations of Defense and Security practitioners.
Internship Opportunities
The NORAD and USNORTHCOM Volunteer Student Internship Program (N&NC VSIP) is part of a larger effort by NORAD and USNORTHCOM to help cultivate future generations of Defense and Security practitioners. N&NC VSIP internships provide exposure to NORAD and USNORTHCOM missions and responsibilities, while working alongside current military and civilian professionals dedicated to the defense of North America.
Gain valuable hands-on experience related to their education endeavors while working in a joint, interagency and international environment at NORAD and USNORTHCOM with a N&NC VSIP internship. Potentially earn academic credit for work performed, and some may qualify to receive a Department of Defense SECRET clearance.
National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
The United States Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency have designated Illinois Institute of Technology as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
Featured Faculty
Maurice E. Dawson
Yong Zheng
Program Objectives
Master of Science in Applied Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics and Program Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of their studies, graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics should be able to:
- Deliver optimal technical and policy technology solutions for the problems of business, industry, government, non-profit organizations, and individuals in each student鈥檚 particular area of focus.
- Work with, lead, and manage teams in an enterprise environment to collaboratively arrive at optimal technology solutions.
- Manage and deploy information resources applicable to each student鈥檚 particular area of focus in an enterprise setting.
- Conduct and report on significant research in information technology and/or the management of information technology.
Illinois Institute of Technology has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the United States Department of Homeland Security.