Online Master of Science Computer Engineering: Security

Whether you pursue the Cybersecurity or AI track, you’ll graduate with specialized, job-ready skills in two of the fastest-growing fields and their combination. 

This program prepares you for high-impact roles: Security administration, AI-enhanced defense & cyber analytics, and network infrastructure across industries such as government, defense, finance, healthcare, and tech. 

And Florida International University stands out: Our program is recognized by the NSA and DHS as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. 

Career Path

Information Security Manager, Network Security Administrator, Network Security Engineer, Data Security Analyst, Systems Application Security Analyst, Lead Software Security Engineer, Chief Information Security Officer, Global Information Security Director, IT Security Consultant, Ethical Hacker, AI Security Specialist, Machine Learning Security Analyst, Cloud AI Architect, Applied AI Researcher (Security), Data Scientist - Cyber, Machine Learning Engineer, AI - Cyber Analyst

Non-traditional Career Paths- Artificial Intelligence Specialist, 3D Animator, Game Designer, Website Developer

• $53,000 - $135,000+
• Industry Outlook
• FL: 15% ⬆️
• US: 13%⬆️

Our curriculum is structured to keep pace with emerging technologies while building deep expertise in cybersecurity and AI. You’ll study secure systems design, cryptographic techniques, machine learning, ethical hacking, and more. Hands-on projects and real-world case studies prepare you to apply your skills from day one. 

The MS in Computer Engineering: Security is a lockstep, fully online program comprising 30 credit hours completed across six eight-week terms. Students typically enroll in two courses per term (four per semester). The program includes: 

• Computer Engineering Security Core (15 credits) 

• Math Requirement (6 credits) 

• Specialization Track (Area of Interest) (9 credits) 

Up to 6 graduate credit hours may be transferred into the program with approval. 

Core Courses

Students complete all the following: 

• CIS 5208 – Social, Economic, & Policy Aspects of Cybersecurity 

• CAI 5855 – Introduction to Applied AI in ECE 

• CNT 6154 – Advanced Machine Learning in ECE 

• CAI 5867 – Advanced Data Engineering in ECE 

• EEL 5807 – Advanced Ethical Hacking 

Math Requirement (6 credits) 

Choose two of the following: 

• EEL 6141 – Advanced Network Analysis 

• EEL 5171 – Advanced Systems Theory 

Courses may be updated or expanded by the Graduate Advisory Committee. 

Specialization Tracks (Areas of Interest – 9 credits) 

In consultation with your advisor, you’ll select one of two specialization tracks to complete your degree: 

Cybersecurity Track 

• EEL 6803 – Advanced Digital Forensics 

• EEL 6805 – Advanced Malware Reverse Engineering 

• EEL 6787 – Network Security 

Artificial Intelligence Track 

• CNT 6150 – Advanced Deep Learning in ECE 

• CAI 6856 – Advanced Generative AI in ECE 

• CNT 6144 – Advanced Analytics/Cloud in ECE 

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for admission into the MSCE: Security program must meet the minimum University Graduate School admission criteria: 

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a bachelor’s degree in a related STEM field from an accredited institution.

• International applicants must have studied at a US comparable institution or must have obtained the equivalency to a US degree or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of one year of work experience in the broad areas of computer engineering and/or technology.

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester hours in upper-level undergraduate work.

• The College of Engineering and Computing requires all applicants to have completed MAC 1147- PreCalculus Algebra and Trigonometry AND MAC 1105 College Algebra or equivalent with a "C" or higher to be considered for this program.

International Students

• Proof of English Language Proficiency. If you earned a bachelor's degree in a country whose official language is not English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency by earning a passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL required minimum score: 550 (paper-based exam) or 80 (internet-based). IELTS required minimum score: 6.5. When requesting official scores, please refer to FIU Institution code 5206. TOEFL / IELTS scores are valid for two years. View list of TOEFL/IELTS-exempt countries.

  • Graduate programs can use the Duolingo English Test.

  • Please visit Duolingo English Test for more information about how to register for the exam.

  • FIU Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 110

• Official Transcripts Translation. If official transcripts are not in English, a second copy of the transcript must be requested for translation. Both the official translation, as well as the original transcripts, must be submitted to FIU.

• Certified Copy of Diploma. If you obtained your degree at a foreign institution.

• As a fully online degree, this program is ineligible to grant/provide F-1 Student visas.

Admissions Documents

The following must be submitted:

• Online master's programs application. Be sure to select Master of Science in Computer Engineering: Security.

• A resume including education, training, and employment history, practical and research experience (such as projects and publications), skills, and other pertinent information.

• A statement of objective in which the applicant must clearly state his/her intended engineering track, in addition to other information.

• Three letters of recommendation must be sent. Letters are to be from those who have knowledge of the applicant's prior professional experience (e.g. a supervisor) or of the applicant's ability to perform graduate work (e.g., a professor) and should attest to the applicant's intellectual ability, motivation, maturity, and potential.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. Official transcripts/translations must be submitted directly by the respective institution(s) in electronic format or mailed in a sealed institution envelope to: 

FIU Online
Florida International University
11200 SW 8th Street, MANGO 540
Miami, FL 33199

Graduation Requirements

Students must have a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or greater. No grade below “C” will be accepted in a graduate program. In order to graduate in a given term, a student must submit an application for graduation to the Office of the Registrar by the appointed deadline. A graduate student must be enrolled in the term in which he or she graduates. A student denied graduation must complete the requirements for graduation and reapply for graduation.

Pursuing your degree is one of the best investments you can make — one that will open doors to personal and professional opportunities. Our tuition costs represent some of the best value in higher education, and we also offer financial aid support to reach your goals.

The cost of tuition for the academic year is $25,000. Students pay for courses at the beginning of each semester. All fees are subject to change.

Scholarship opportunities available

Academic Works

FIU offers Academic Works, a website that matches students with relevant scholarship opportunities.  Find the one that’s right for you!  Academic Works is an online scholarship application tool where FIU students can browse and apply for more than 100 scholarships, made possible by the generosity of FIU alumni and friends.  Students can apply after they are matriculated into one of our programs.  For more information visit https://give.fiu.edu/business-governance/scholarships/.

Other Resources

There are other third party resources that prospective students can access while researching on how to pay for school.  Below are various links that provide more information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities:

• FinAid
• FastWeb
• BigFuture

Federal Financial Aid

For information on Federal Financial Aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), please visit our financial aid page.

Under the revised Florida Board of Governors' (BOG) Regulation 8.002, all institutions of the State University System (SUS) of Florida are required to provide students with a side-by-side Tuition and Fees comparison for continuing education programs. The tuition comparisons are made between a traditional program vs. its counterpart Market Rate/Self-Supporting program. This approach provides students an opportunity to become aware of options that are available upon selecting a degree program of study.

Please click on the following link which will take you to a searchable database that provides the side-by-side tuition and fees comparisons for the Master of Science in Computer Engineering: Security https://continue.fiu.edu/programs/side-by-side-tuition-comparison/embed.html

Learn more about the details of our program by listening in to our information session.