USCA Masters in Cybersecurity and Information Technology

Program Overview

Department of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics

The University of South Carolina Aiken offers a Master of Computer and Information Science (MCIS) degree with concentrations in Cybersecurity and Information Technology, designed to bridge technical science and professional innovation. The program is delivered in-person on campus with flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options to accommodate working professionals.

Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty attention, and access to state-of-the-art facilities including one of only seven National Labs hosted on a university campus. The program combines computing, engineering, cybersecurity, and IT disciplines to prepare students for impactful careers or advanced academic paths including Ph.D. programs.

Program Duration and Credit Requirements

The MCIS program requires 30 graduate credit hours for completion with flexible enrollment options:

  • Preparatory coursework: May be required for some students based on transcript review
  • Full-time enrollment: Minimum 12 credit hours per semester
  • Transfer credits: Up to 9 graduate credit hours from approved universities (with advisor consultation)
  • Core curriculum: 12 credits covering:
    • Advanced Programming Concepts
    • Database Management Systems
    • Computer Networking
    • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Additional requirements: Track-specific courses and electives based on chosen concentration

Tuition

For residents, the total cost for the program is about $17,167.50.

Cost Breakdown

Per Credit Hour:

  • Residents: $572.25 per credit hour
  • Non-residents: $1,240 per credit hour

Full-time Semester (12 credit hours):

  • Residents: $6,867 per semester
  • Non-residents: $14,880 per semester

Total Program Cost (30 credit hours):

  • Residents: $572.25 × 30 = $17,167.50
  • Non-residents: $1,240 × 30 = $37,200

USCA ranks among South Carolina’s most affordable universities in the STEM field and offers multiple financial support options.

The Graduate Studies Scholarship (GSS) provides $500-$1,000 annually and extends in-state tuition eligibility to non-resident and international students. Additional support includes competitive scholarships, graduate assistantships, paid on-campus employment opportunities, and Cyber Pacers Competition Team Scholarships for cybersecurity contest participants.

Machine Learning Focus

The program explicitly incorporates machine learning through the required core course “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning” (MCIS A620), which covers AI methodologies, machine learning, neural networks, and robotics with emphasis on practical applications and ethical considerations. Students gain hands-on experience through capstone projects, individual research opportunities, and internships in both public and private sectors.

Curriculum

MCIS A610 – Advanced Programming Concepts
This course expands on foundational coding skills to cover object-oriented design, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. Students also learn concurrency techniques, software engineering principles, and apply advanced topics such as network, database, and web programming to solve complex development challenges.

MCIS A613 – Advanced Database Management Systems and Programming
Students master relational database design, SQL querying, and storage/index strategies. The course explores procedural SQL extensions, stored procedures, functions, triggers, and introduces emerging NoSQL and hybrid database models in enterprise RDBMS environments.

MCIS A616 – Computer Networking
This course spans data transmission and application layers, teaching TCP/IP fundamentals, IP addressing (IPv4/IPv6, subnetting, CIDR), and transport/application protocols. Hands-on labs cover switch/router configuration, server management, Ethernet technologies, and basic network security.

MCIS A620 – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Students study core AI and machine learning algorithms, including search-based problem solving, regression, decision trees, k-nearest neighbors, k-means clustering, support vector machines, and dimensionality reduction techniques. The course emphasizes practical implementation and evaluation.

MCIS A617 – Information & Networking Security
This survey course covers cryptographic algorithms, encryption/decryption methods, hash functions, digital signatures, and key exchange protocols. Students learn to apply Internet security standards to protect data and network communications.

MCIS A622 – Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
Focuses on threat modeling and risk analysis methodologies. Students conduct vulnerability scanning, assess security posture, and use industry tools to evaluate and mitigate risks throughout the information security lifecycle.

MCIS A623 – Traceable Systems and Computer Forensics
Introduces digital forensics fundamentals, including evidence preservation, incident response, and analysis techniques. Students use forensic tools to investigate cyber incidents, recover data, and document findings in support of legal processes.

MCIS A624 – Wireless and Mobile Security
Students examine Wi-Fi security architectures, protocols, and encryption mechanisms. The course also covers 4G/5G network vulnerabilities, telecom security frameworks, and mobile device protection strategies, with prior experience in Python and algorithms required.

More curriculum details can be found here:

Career Outcomes

The program boasts a 95% success rate with graduates securing positions in their field or enrolling in further educational programs within six months. Career opportunities include software developer, data scientist, information security analyst, systems architect, and IT project manager roles.

Ideal Candidates

The program targets aspiring professionals seeking to deepen their understanding in computer science and extends opportunities to students from technical disciplines beyond traditional computer science backgrounds.

Experiential Learning

Students benefit from extensive hands-on learning through real-world work experiences including IT Helpdesk Support, On-Campus and Regional Security Operations Centers, Technology Services and Development roles, and the Center for Cyber Innovation and Awareness. The program features experienced faculty who are seasoned professionals bringing real-world insights to the classroom, one-on-one mentorship opportunities, and access to research collaboration.

Students have presented at prestigious conferences including IEEE International Symposium on Digital Forensics and Security, demonstrating the program’s commitment to academic excellence and professional development.