Online Master of Science Computer Engineering: Network Security

As cyber-attacks grow more sophisticated with AI, experts in network security are now essential defenders in the digital age. Specialists with advanced training in AI and cybersecurity are poised to become the industry's elite.

Graduates of this fully online program can step into pivotal roles such as security administrator, information security manager, network security engineer, and data security analyst. Armed with AI expertise, they'll predict and neutralize cyber threats, making them invaluable assets in technology companies, defense, government, e-commerce, and finance.

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

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 designed to keep you up to speed with new tech as it happens and covers every possible aspect of cybersecurity and AI. At the same time, you’ll learn advanced network security principles, cryptographic techniques, and secure systems design. Hands-on projects and real-world scenarios ensure you're job-ready from day one.

The MS program consists of six eight-week terms. Students enroll in 4 courses (12 credits) each semester, which is the equivalence of two courses each term. A total of 30 credit hours, including two components: the Computer Engineering Core (24 semester hours) and Math Electives (6 semester hours). Up to 6 semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred into the master’s program.

Core Courses

Fall Semester Term - Dynamic A  

• Advanced IoT Communications and Networking   
• Advanced Malware Reverse Engineering   

Term - Dynamic B  

• Random Signal Principles   
• Social, Economic, and Policy Aspects of Cybersecurity   

Spring Semester Term - Dynamic A  

• Computer Communication Networks   
• Advanced Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures   

Term - Dynamic B  

• Network Security   
• Practical Applied Security   

Summer Semester Term - Dynamic A  

• Advanced Digital Forensics   
• Advanced Systems Theory   

Professional Certifications  

As part of your coursework, you'll earn these Microsoft certifications:  

• AI-900: Azure AI Fundamentals  
• AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals  
• DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals  

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for admission into the Master of Science in Computer Engineering online 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 and a minimum of one year 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: Network 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 the term in which he/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: Network Security Track: 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.