Overview

The Information Security programme at Carnegie Mellon University offers a rigorous interdisciplinary education designed to address the complexities of the modern digital landscape. Students engage with a curriculum that blends technical depth in systems engineering with practical networking applications to ensure long-term professional success. This master's degree serves as a cornerstone for national excellence in cybersecurity, preparing graduates to manage evolving risks and privacy challenges.

Why Information Security at Carnegie Mellon University?

Carnegie Mellon University is home to the Information Networking Institute, which established this programme in 2003 as one of the first of its kind in the United States. The university holds prestigious designations as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity for both Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense. Students benefit from a legacy of excellence, including long-standing participation in the National Science Foundation's CyberCorps Scholarship for Service programme. The environment fosters innovation through access to state-of-the-art facilities and a global community of experts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 60400 per year
National fee: USD 60400 per year
Local fee: USD 60400 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around core requirements in systems, networking, and security, complemented by interdisciplinary management courses. Modules may include:

Embedded Systems
Distributed Systems
Real-World Data Networks
Information Security
Secure Coding
Browser Security
Applied Cryptography
Cyber Risk Modeling
Information Security Policy and Management

Careers with Information Security

Graduates from this programme achieve exceptional professional outcomes across industry, government, and academic sectors. Many alumni secure roles at leading global organisations such as Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Common career paths for graduates include positions as Software Engineers, Security Engineers, and Cryptography Researchers. The programme also prepares students for high-level leadership, with alumni currently serving as Senior Vice Presidents of Security and Technical Advisors for national health and infrastructure departments. The practical experience gained through internships at startups and government agencies further enhances graduate employability and earning potential.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Computer Security

Information Security

Network Security

Secure Software Systems

Applied Cryptography

Secure Coding

Applied Information Assurance

Mobile Security

Special Topics: Network Security and Management

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-31 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

122 alternative credits

Carnegie Mellon has adopted the method of assigning a number of “units” for each course to represent the quantity of work required of students.

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Pittsburgh, United States

Disciplines

Cyber Security View 431 other Masters in Cyber Security in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, or another related technical field

Undergraduate coursework in data structures and computer programming

GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4-point scale)

GRE General Test no more than five years old (Neither the GMAT or the GRE Subject Test is accepted.)

TOEFL or IELTS, no more than two years old, is required for applicants whose native language/mother tongue is not English

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

60400 USD / year

≈ 60400 USD / year
Out-of-State

60400 USD / year

≈ 60400 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

60400 USD / year

≈ 60400 USD / year

Living costs

Pittsburgh

United States

1148 - 1944 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Information Security.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Pittsburgh

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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