The Department of Cyber Security Engineering (CYSE) prepares students to fight sophisticated cybercrime, and as a result, demand for our graduates is high.
Cyber threats are real and continually evolving. Addressing them requires new approaches and innovative thinking—an integral focus of our department. There is a critical global demand for professionals with advanced technical expertise in all areas of security and communications, and our bachelor’s (BS-CYSE) and master’s (MS-CYSE) programs in Cyber Security Engineering are designed to meet that need.
Industry-Driven Curriculum
Our academic programs prepares students to meet that demand with the knowledge, innovation, and problem-solving abilities needed to address the challenges of an evolving digital landscape.
The ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in cyber security engineering provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of cybersecurity, taught from the ground up through a systems approach. Our master’s program in cyber security engineering prepares graduates to design and implement secure, complex, and cyber-physical systems that combine software, hardware, and networking.
Unlimited Career Options
George Mason students who graduate with a degree in cyber security engineering have access to a wide range of career paths, including:
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Information Security Engineer
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Digital Forensics Specialist
- Application Security Engineer
- Security Analyst
- Network Engineer
After graduation, our students land outstanding jobs in the greater Washington, D.C. area with industry, government, military, and other institutions.
The Nguyen Engineering Building is a hub for leading research, hands-on learning, and industry partnerships on George Mason's Fairfax Campus.
Opportune Location
CYSE students benefit from a campus just 20 miles from Washington, D.C., with access to a region rich in technology companies, research institutes, and government agencies that provide exceptional opportunities for internships, jobs, and research. Students have gained experience with engineering firms, federal agencies and institutes, government contractors such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Raytheon, and major industry leaders including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing.
Outstanding Faculty
CYSE faculty are experts in data security, cryptography, digital forensics, privacy, distributed systems, and adaptive cyber defense, giving students the opportunity to learn directly from leaders shaping the future of the field.
They bring the depth of knowledge needed to address the growing challenges of cybersecurity, committing not only to advancing security and privacy research but also to guiding students’ success. Recognized for their research and leadership, our faculty advance knowledge and practice in the critical field of cybersecurity through research, mentorship, and collaboration with industry and government.
Research of Consequence
CYSE's research addresses some of the most pressing challenges in today’s digital landscape. Faculty and students work together to develop solutions that strengthen the security, resilience, and reliability of complex systems that society depends on, from critical infrastructure and communications networks to information systems that safeguard privacy and data integrity.
Our research emphasizes both innovation and application. Our researchers help to set the standard for cybersecurity in practice and policy by anticipating emerging threats, creating adaptive defenses, and advancing secure system design.