Master of Science in Cyber Security
Program Overview
The department of computer science at COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore campus was established
with the goal to develop human resources equipped with the state-of-the art and emerging computing
technologies. Since its establishment the department has become the focal point of providing quality
education and producing good quality research. To meet national and private sector needs the
department is already offering BS in computer science, BS in software engineering, and MS/PhD in
computer science.
The student-centered and research-oriented environment of the department provides opportunities to
students and young faculty members to participate in research activities and contribute fresh
knowledge to the field. Our faculty and students regularly publish research papers of national and
international repute in various leading journals and present at conferences all over the world. We have
versatile working research groups, i.e., Agent Technologies and Information System, Communication
Networks, Intelligent Machines and Robotics, Software Engineering, Databases and Operational
Intelligence, Vision Image and Graphics, Web Semantics and Cybersecurity Research Group.
Cybersecurity is one of the emerging domains of computer science having its national and industrial
significance. It has opened opportunities that can uplift the socio-economic position of Pakistan. In the
past, the computer science department has made timely decision to start computer science and
software engineering degrees, which played a vital role in national and industrial development by
producing good number of quality graduates and researchers. Following its legacy, the department
intends to harness the potential of cybersecurity and to continue its role in the socio-economic and
human resource development for the Pakistan by launching a MS degree program in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity not only provides rigorous methods to secure the infrastructures but also deploys various
methods to improve the users’ online behaviors and experiences. The computer science department
already has around 5 PhD faculty members who are conducting research in various domains of
cybersecurity including social media forensics, IoT security, security auditing, cyber laws, and cloud
security. It is expected that in the presence of faculty members and research groups working in diverse
domains of cybersecurity, we can meet the challenges of launching a new MS degree program in
cybersecurity along with providing quality education in existing degrees.
Introduction
The growing number of digital devices and cellular connections is establishing a greater attack surface.
The ever-increasing acceptance of cloud platforms means digital boundaries are being hazy for
cybersecurity. Rich analytical insights enhanced the data value than ever before, but the risk of data
infringements and breach is also increasing. Moving forward, modern tools and technologies is
restructuring the ICT industry by creating substantial prospects as well as challenges in the field of
cybersecurity. The Government of Pakistan has already declared cybersecurity as one of the top priority
technologies. Many security agencies including FIA now have an operational wing of cybersecurity to
deal with the anomalies of cyber space of the country.
The prime objectives of the MS (Cybersecurity) will be to directly prepare the human resource capital for
the technological needs of the country and to indirectly expand the research in cybersecurity at CUI.
HEC has funded various centers and lab related to cybersecurity including a complete National Center
for Cybersecurity (NCCS). There is a huge upcoming demand of cybersecurity human resources. Only
good quality providing institutes and their graduates will have chance to survive this wave. CUI have
already played its role in computing related technologies through its quality teaching, research and
taking part in national level policy making. We believe that CUI will play same role in case of
cybersecurity. The MS (Cybersecurity) program will prepare the students to avail this opportunity and to
contribute to the welfare of the country.
Program Objectives
- An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the program’s student outcomes and to the discipline
- An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
- An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
- An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
- An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
- Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
- An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
- An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices
- An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.
- An ability to develop secure software and apply appropriate security measures in the development
- An ability to identify bad development practices and methods to identify and improve such practices
- An ability to assess the software system from the perspective of resource usage and access of various stakeholders.
Scheme of Studies for Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Minimum Duration
No. of Years: 02
No. of Semesters: 04
- Course Work
| |
Min No. of Courses
|
Min No. of Credit Hours
|
|
Core Courses (List Attached)
|
4
|
12
|
|
Elective Courses (List Attached)
|
4
|
12
|
|
Thesis
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-
|
06
|
Total number of courses in the program 08
Total credit hours of the program 30
