Program Mission Statement

Training future cybersecurity leaders to secure interconnected systems through advanced technologies, risk management, and ethical, policy-informed practice.

 

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at HBKU’s Division of ICT is a multidisciplinary graduate program focused on ensuring secure and reliable operation of interconnected computing and networking systems. It trains scholars and professionals to understand and implement cybersecurity technologies and tools, while also developing competence in security management methods and the policy issues that shape practice. Beyond technical foundations, the program examines ethics, policy, and management aspects of IT security and cyber threats. Students complete 33 credit hours, including core courses such as Applied Cryptography, Computer and Network Security, Security Risk Analysis, and Research Methods and Ethics, plus electives that let them tailor depth across topics like privacy, forensics, and distributed systems security. The program leverages collaborations within HBKU and beyond, with delivery involving HBKU research institutes, notably QCRI, and culminates in either a research thesis or an applied industrial project.

This program is offered in both standard (2 years) and accelerated (1 year) formats.

Language

English

Program Duration

2 Years

Certification

Masters

Program Structure

The MSc in Cybersecurity requires 33 credit hours (CH). Students complete 12 CH of core courses: ICT 601 Research Methods and Ethics, CYSE 610 Applied Cryptography, CYSE 630 Computer and Network Security, and CYSE 640 Security Risk Analysis (each 3 CH). They then take 12 CH of electives selected from the approved list (which includes a free elective option: one course from any HBKU program). In addition, students must pass ICT 701 Graduate Research Seminars (0 CH). The remaining 9 CH are completed through either a research thesis track (ICT 695 Master’s Thesis Hours, 9 CH, plus Thesis Defense 699, 0 CH) or an industrial project track (ICT 698 Industrial Project, 6 CH, plus one additional elective worth 3 CH).

Curriculum Overview

The MSc in Cybersecurity curriculum totals 33 credit hours and blends foundational depth with specialization. Students complete 12 CH of core courses: Research Methods and Ethics, Applied Cryptography, Computer and Network Security, and Security Risk Analysis. They then choose 12 CH of electives (including a free elective from any HBKU program) to tailor the degree to their goals. All students also complete Graduate Research Seminars (0 CH). The program culminates in a 9 CH MSc thesis, completed through either a research thesis track or an industrial project track (with an additional elective included in the project option).

Study Plan

Number of Career Pathways 
2

1st Pathway Title

MSc Thesis

1st Pathway Description

The thesis pathway is the research-focused completion option for the MSc in Cybersecurity.

2nd Pathway Title

Industrial project

2nd Pathway Description

The project pathway is the applied completion option for the MSc in Cybersecurity where the student addresses an industry-oriented problem.

Program Educational Objectives

  • Apply advanced cybersecurity knowledge and skills to understand and implement security technologies and tools for interconnected computing and networking systems.
  • Design and manage security solutions using established risk analysis and security management methods aligned with organizational needs.
  • Integrate policy, ethics, and management considerations when addressing IT security and cyber threats in professional practice.
  • Demonstrate research or applied problem-solving capability by completing a scientifically sound thesis (with a publication submission expectation) or a 6-credit industrial project.
  • Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and partners (including research-institute engagement) to address real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Student Outcomes

  • Analyze complex cybersecurity problems by applying principles of computing, cryptography, networks, and security risk analysis.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate secure solutions that meet specified requirements under realistic constraints (e.g., threats, compliance, usability).
  • Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders through clear writing, presentations, and documentation.
  • Recognize and apply professional responsibilities including ethics, policy, privacy, and legal considerations in cybersecurity practice.
  • Work effectively on teams by contributing expertise, planning work, and supporting shared goals in multidisciplinary settings.
  • Apply research and evidence-based methods to investigate cybersecurity questions and produce a defensible thesis or applied industrial project outcome.

Academic Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0 out of 4.0 (strong academic record).
  • Required background/major: typically computer science, information systems, engineering, mathematics, or related fields.
  • GRE: not required for CSE master’s programs, but a strong score can strengthen the application.

English Language Requirements

English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 (with an exemption process where applicable).

Program Coordinator Name

Gabriele Oligeri

Coordinator Email

goligeri@hbku.edu.qa