Cyber Forensics and Security (M.A.S.)
View all Illinois Tech Cybersecurity Programs
The Master of Cyber Forensics and Security is cross-disciplinary program that focuses on technology, management, compliance, and legal issues. Experienced information technology professionals and those new to the field can build the skills to become cybersecurity and forensics practitioners, investigators, managers, and leaders.
Build a comprehensive understanding of essential elements such as information security, information assurance, ethical hacking, vulnerability analysis and control, securing databases, steganography, mobile device forensics, operating system security, business continuity response, disaster recovery, legal and ethical issues, auditing, evidence, and intrusion detection. Work with forensic tools and techniques used to investigate and analyze network-related incidents and preserve digital evidence.
Complete this program on campus or completely online.
Program Overview
The Master of Cyber Forensics and Security is a cross-disciplinary program that focuses on technology, management, compliance, and legal issues. Experienced information technology professionals and those new to the field can become cybersecurity and forensics practitioners, investigators, managers, and leaders.
Career Opportunities
Graduates have found employment in companies from start ups to Fortune 500 companies including Zelle, Citibank, and Motorola. Others have gone on to work in law enforcement including Chicago Police Department and the FBI.
Graduates of the Master of Cyber Forensics and Security program can fill roles such as:
- Information security analyst
- Security manager
- Security administrator
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Cybersecurity 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
Median Salary
-U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Best Tech Jobs
U.S. News & World Report
Unemployment Rate
U.S. News & World Report
Pushing Students Forward
Imani Weems found the tech background she sought as a student in the Masters of Cyber Forensics and Security degree program, as well as support from student organizations to help her thrive.
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 (NADSAA) 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.
Learn more about eligibility criteria, program timelines, and application requirements.
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 Cyber Forensics and Security Program Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of their studies, graduates of the Master of Cyber Forensics and Security 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’s 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’s particular area of focus in an enterprise setting.
- Conduct and report on significant research in information technology and/or the management of information technology.