Jun 17, 2026

2026-2027 University Catalog

Applied Cybersecurity and Digital Intelligence, MS (OL)

Location(s): Online

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About the Program

The Applied Cybersecurity and Digital Intelligence major emphasizes applied, career-relevant learning grounded in real-world cybersecurity challenges. Students engage in hands-on technical work through courses in secure system design, network and cloud security, risk assessment, and cyber defense strategies. Across the curriculum, learners analyze vulnerabilities, conduct penetration testing, evaluate digital evidence, and develop mitigation strategies using industry-relevant tools and frameworks.

Specialization pathways provide focused, practice-based experience in high-demand areas. Professional skill development is integrated through coursework in IT policy, law, ethics, project management, and technical communication, preparing graduates to operate effectively in regulated and high-stakes environments. The program’s online, modular format also supports working professionals in applying new knowledge directly to their current roles, strengthening the connection between academic study and workplace impact.

Together, these applied learning experiences ensure graduates are prepared for advanced technical, investigative, and leadership roles across industry, government, and defense cybersecurity settings.

Program Requirements

30 Credits Required

Coursework (30 credits)

Core Courses (10 credits)

CNIT 53600 - IT Policy, Law, And Ethics Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 53700 - Professional Research And Communication Credit Hours: 1.00
CNIT 56700 - Network Security Credit Hours: 3.00 (alternative to CNIT 58100: Networking Fundamentals)
CNIT 58100 - Workshop In Applied And Creative Computing Credit Hours: 0.00 to 8.00
Titles:
- IT Cybersecurity Fundamentals - Credit Hours: 3.00
- Networking Fundamentals - Credit Hours: 3.00 (alternative to CNIT 56700: Network Security)

Primary Selectives (9 credits)

CNIT 50300 - Cloud Security And Privacy Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 52900 - Information Security Risk Assessment Credit Hours: 3.00 (alternative to CNIT 58100: Systems and Organizational Security)
CNIT 55500 - Advanced Network Security Credit Hours: 3.00 (alternative to CNIT 58100: Communication Security)
CNIT 58100 - Workshop In Applied And Creative Computing Credit Hours: 0.00 to 8.00
Titles:
- Communication Security - Credit Hours: 3.00 (alternative to CNIT 55500: Advanced Network Security)
- Systems and Organizational Security - Credit Hours: 3.00 (alternative to CNIT 52900: Informatoin Security Risk Assessment)

General Selectives (11 credits)

CNIT 51600 - Database Security Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 54800 - Wireless Security And Technology Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 55200 - Information Technology Project Management Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 55500 - Advanced Network Security Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 55600 - Basic Computer Forensics Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 57200 - AI Applications In Cybersecurity Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 57300 - Adversarial Techniques In AI Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 57400 - Information Security And Privacy In the Age Of Large Language Models Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 58100 - Workshop In Applied And Creative Computing Credit Hours: 0.00 to 8.00
Titles:
- Advanced Cryptography - Credit Hours: 3.00
- Systems and Organizational Security - Credit Hours: 3.00
- CCSP or CISSP Certification - Credit Hours: 1.00
- Data Literacy for Decision Makers - Credit Hours: 1.00
- Penetration Testing - Credit Hours: 3.00
- Advanced Penetration Methods - Credit Hours: 3.00
- Cybersecurity Advanced Attack Scenarios with AI - Credit Hours: 3.00
- Advanced Cyber Forensics - Credit Hours: 3.00
- Mobile and IoT Forensics - Credit Hours: 3.00
GRAD 50200 - Interdisciplinary AI Fundamentals: Bridging Knowledge Credit Hours: 1.00
GRAD 50400 - Advanced AI Fundamentals For Technical Professional Credit Hours: 2.00

Specialization Pathways

Students can select an optional specialization pathway, listed below, to focus their studies. These courses are included in the General Selectives list.

AI Security (9 credits)

In AI Security, students explore adversarial techniques, secure AI systems, and emerging risks associated with machine learning and large language models.

CNIT 57200 - AI Applications In Cybersecurity Credit Hours: 3.00
GRAD 50200 - Interdisciplinary AI Fundamentals: Bridging Knowledge Credit Hours: 1.00
GRAD 50400 - Advanced AI Fundamentals For Technical Professional Credit Hours: 2.00
CNIT 57300 - Adversarial Techniques In AI Credit Hours: 3.00 or
CNIT 57400 - Information Security And Privacy In the Age Of Large Language Models Credit Hours: 3.00

Applied Cybersecurity Foundations (9 credits)

CNIT 55500 - Advanced Network Security Credit Hours: 3.00 (alternative to CNIT 58100: Communication Security)
CNIT 55600 - Basic Computer Forensics Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 58100 - Workshop In Applied And Creative Computing Credit Hours: 0.00 to 8.00
Titles:
- Communication Security - Credit Hours: 3.00 (alternative to CNIT 55500: Advanced Network Security)
- IT Cybersecurity Fundamentals - Credit Hours: 3.00

Cyber Forensics (9 credits)

The Cyber Forensics pathway develops investigative competencies in digital evidence collection, mobile and IoT forensics, and incident response.

CNIT 55600 - Basic Computer Forensics Credit Hours: 3.00
CNIT 58100 - Workshop In Applied And Creative Computing Credit Hours: 0.00 to 8.00
Titles: (if choosing this pathway, take both courses)
- Advanced Cyber Forensics - Credit Hours: 3.00
- Mobile and IoT Forensics - Credit Hours: 3.00

Ethical Hacking (9 credits)

The Ethical Hacking pathway emphasizes offensive security skills, including penetration testing methodologies and advanced attack simulations.

CNIT 58100 - Workshop In Applied And Creative Computing Credit Hours: 0.00 to 8.00
Titles: (if choosing this pathway, take all three courses)
- Penetration Testing - Credit Hours: 3.00
- Advanced Penetration Methods - Credit Hours: 3.00
- Cybersecurity Advanced Attack Scenarios with AI - Credit Hours: 3.00

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Secure System Design: Design, implement, and evaluate secure systems and applications.
Risk Analysis and Mitigation: Assess system vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies.
Ethical and Policy Awareness: Apply ethical, legal, and policy frameworks to cybersecurity practice.
Applied Specialization: Demonstrate advanced technical proficiency in one or more cybersecurity domains (AI Security, Ethical Hacking, or Cyber Forensics).

GPA Requirements

Grade Requirements: Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in all courses applied toward the degree. Courses with grades below C- cannot be counted toward degree requirements.

GPA Requirements: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) to remain in good academic standing and to graduate, in accordance with Purdue Graduate School policies.

Pass/No Pass Policy: Courses applied to the major may not be taken under a Pass/No Pass option unless the course is officially designated as Pass/No Pass. Pass/No Pass credits may not be used to satisfy core or specialization requirements.

All degree requirements must be completed in accordance with Purdue Graduate School academic regulations. Students who do not meet academic performance standards may be subject to probation or dismissal per university policy.

Graduate Programs Disclaimer

The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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