Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics

The BGSU master’s computer science with a specialization in cybersecurity and digital forensics degree provides intensive studies in the fundamentals computer science with additional training in cybersecurity, digital forensics, networks and mobile computing.

This program provides you with unique and valuable experience in identifying, responding, investigating and preventing cybersecurity breaches and network hacks.

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International Students

You will have the opportunity to gain meaningful internship experience at top companies with strong IT and software divisions through our strong relationships with companies like American Greetings, Eaton, EY, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Owens Corning, Progressive Corporation and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

Responding to the threats of today and preventing the concerns of tomorrow

Constantly evolving threats to business and critical infrastructure require an adaptive workforce with enhanced critical thinking and deep technical skills.

BGSU's Department of Computer Science is comprised of expert, teaching-focused faculty who are accessible and approachable. Plus, qualified professors – not graduate students – teach all courses in the curriculum.

This program confers all the advantages of the masters in computer science, including a deep understanding of the principles of computing as a science and the layers of technology used, from machine code to user interfaces.

The specialization in cybersecurity and digital forensics gives you an in-depth exploration of computer and mobile system security, network forensics, and the laws and ethics governing these fields.

Stand Out in courses

Computer and Mobile Forensics
Network Security and Forensics
Computer System Security
Secure Software Engineering
Law, Evidence and Procedures

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 33 percent employment growth for the field by 2030.

Curriculum

Students entering this master's program should have a background in computer science equivalent to that provided by the core undergraduate computer science curriculum.

At a minimum, students should have experience in object-oriented programming, operating systems, software engineering and data structures. Knowledge of mathematics is essential and should include comfort in differential and integral calculus and discrete mathematics. Additional courses in mathematics and statistics are also desirable.

The curriculum includes an introduction to network protocols, security and forensic components, vulnerability and defense, data formats, digital evidence provenance and image exchange.

You will learn to use a constantly evolving set of forensic tools and techniques like live data forensics, database forensics, use of network logs and other datasets for incidence timelines and subject/object associations.

Career

Jobs in cybersecurity and digital forensics are among the fastest-growing roles in an already in-demand sector.

As well as being an expanding field, work in cyber security and digital forensics offers challenging problems, evolving landscapes, varied workplaces and excellent pay levels. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found the 2021 median pay was $102,600 per year for information security analysts.

For more than 50 years, we have prepared accomplished alumni to work in many capacities throughout the technology industry and our program continues to grow.

BGSU Master of Science in computer science graduates have a strong track record of employment across academic and research positions.

GO FAR in your career

Cybersecurity Consultant
Cyber Information Systems Security Manager
Digital Forensic Examiner
Multimedia Forensics Scientist
Chief Information Security Officer
Incident and Breach Response

The BGSU master’s in computer science is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC)

More Information

The Master of Science in Computer Science is a program from the Department of Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the master’s in computer science with a cybersecurity and digital forensics specialization, you will be able to:

Perform research*, discovery and integration by applying advanced knowledge of computer science
Critically analyze a body of current, published research in an area of computer science
Evaluate algorithmic and/or software-based solutions to a given problem

* "Graduate research" is a process of directed independent investigation or discovery-driven by a narrowly focused question and sustained by a well-defined procedure capable of generating an answer to that question.

Accreditation

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

More information on accreditation

Professional Licensure

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Master of Science in computer science program does not lead to professional licensure.

* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 07/22/2022 02:24PM