Program Overview & Degrees

Program Overview

With the increasing reliance on networked computers in the military and in contemporary society, end-to-end security of information is now of paramount importance. Indeed, as noted by John Brennan, Special Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security, "The national security and economic health of the United States depend on the security, stability, and integrity of our Nation's cyberspace, both in the public and private sectors." Unfortunately, neither the public nor private sector is prepared for the task. Reports of breaches to our nation's information infrastructure are becoming increasingly common, effecting everything from our nation's energy grid to networked weapons platforms.   Systems security has evolved from being simply an IT issue to one that directly impacts the nation's stature and well-being.  Current and emerging opportunities in security require a systems approach, which integrates the traditional disciplines of computer science, electrical engineering and mathematics, with economics and policy within a systems framework.

The Systems Security Engineering program is designed to prepare both government and private sector systems professionals to thwart both current and emerging threats using systems security engineering methods, tools, and processes.  It is a unique program that focuses on outcomes rather than checklists to meet goals for systems security and information assurance.

Master of Science Degree in Systems Security Engineering

The Master of Science degree in Systems Security Engineering curriculum leverages the capabilities of Stevens Institute of Technology, to offer a unique, cutting-edge 30-credit program that combines education in cyber security technology with courses in technology governance to create a more holistic experience that is consistent with the real-world environment. As such, the program is hands-on, with a strong laboratory component, making it particularly well suited for professionals currently working or aspiring to work in cyber security and its related fields. This unique program by one of the foremost technological institutions in the United States will provide experienced professionals with the edge needed to excel in the increasingly complex and exciting world of systems security

Graduate Certificate in Systems Security Engineering

The Graduate Certificate in Systems Security Engineering is relevant for professionals with undergraduate technical degrees or with advanced degrees in other fields who wish to complement their existing knowledge and skills base with training in cybersecurity from a systems engineering and architecture perspective. The program integrates topics in security requirements, secure system architecture, security system engineering, technology governance, and information assurance in order to provide a systems perspective on security issues. These issues span the lifecycle of secure systems, and are encountered via both classroom instruction and hands-on assignments intended to accelerate the student experience in the field of systems security. The four certificate courses provide the solid body of knowledge required to develop sound designs for secure systems, as well as to assess system security architecture. It will also be a good choice for individuals who may have interest in the Master of Science degree in Systems Security Engineering, but would like to get an introduction to the field prior to signing up for a full Masters degree program. The students who will seek this certificate are government and industry technology implementation professionals in job functions that range from software engineering to enterprise architecture and governance.  

Doctoral Program

The program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is designed to develop your ability to perform research or high-level design in Systems Engineering.  The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is offered in Systems Engineering, with optional concentrations in Systems Security Engineering, Space Systems Engineering, Financial Engineering, and Software Engineering.  Students are encouraged to meet every semester with members of their Dissertation Advisory (DAC) to collect feedback, and keep them abreast of their progress.  A maximum of six years is allowed for the completion of the degree.  For more details on the Doctoral Program and Requirements, please visit our Doctoral Studies page.

To view Sample Candidate Projects, click here.