Roger Williams University

What you'll study

This programme emphasises applied security across digital, physical and cyber-physical domains. You will build a technical core in areas such as network security, secure software development, cryptography fundamentals and digital forensics, while also studying systems-level topics including risk assessment, security architecture, sensor and surveillance technologies, and security policy and ethics.

• Core technical modules: network and systems security, operating systems and virtualization for security, applied cryptography, secure software engineering.
• Systems and interdisciplinary modules: security systems engineering, IoT and embedded device security, sensors and surveillance systems, resilience of critical infrastructure.
• Investigation and analysis modules: digital forensics and incident response, threat intelligence, malware analysis and reverse engineering methodologies.
• Policy, management and ethics: risk management and compliance, security policy and governance, privacy and ethical considerations in security technologies.
• Capstone and practical experience: a project-based capstone (or thesis option) that applies technical skills to a real-world problem; opportunities for internships and industry collaborations to gain workplace experience.

Courses balance lectures with laboratory sessions, hands-on workshops and team projects. Labs typically cover tool use and techniques for forensic extraction, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, secure system design and sensor integration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, engineering, information technology, mathematics, physical sciences or a closely related discipline. Candidates with degrees in other areas may be considered if they can demonstrate sufficient technical background or relevant professional experience.

• Transcripts showing a solid academic record; specific minimum GPA requirements are determined by the university and may vary by applicant pool.
• A personal statement outlining your reasons for pursuing the programme, technical interests and any relevant project or work experience.
• One or more academic or professional references supporting your preparedness for graduate study.
• A current CV/resume describing education, employment and technical skills.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants where required (for example, recognised test scores or institutional equivalents).

Some applicants may be asked to provide examples of prior coursework or project work, and relevant work experience in technology, law enforcement, military or security sectors can strengthen an application. Contact the admissions office for advice about prerequisite coursework if your background is non-technical.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a broad range of roles in the public and private sectors where technical and systems understanding of security is required. Typical career paths include:

• Cybersecurity analyst, incident responder or security operations centre (SOC) professional.
• Security engineer, systems security architect or secure software developer.
• Digital forensics examiner and e-discovery specialist supporting law enforcement or private investigation teams.
• IoT/embedded device security specialist or sensor systems integrator for industrial and critical infrastructure applications.
• Risk manager, security consultant or compliance analyst advising organisations on governance and resilience.
• Roles in government agencies, defence, maritime security, financial services and technology companies where combined technical and policy knowledge is valued.

The programme’s applied coursework and capstone project help build a professional portfolio of hands-on experience, which employers commonly look for in technical security roles.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University offers a smaller, practice-oriented learning environment where students work closely with faculty who combine academic and industry experience. The university emphasises experiential learning through laboratory work, project-based capstones and connections with local and regional employers, making it suitable for students who want to build practical technical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

• Access to dedicated labs and equipment for cybersecurity, digital forensics and sensor systems work.
• Opportunities to collaborate on cross-disciplinary projects drawing on engineering, computing and public policy perspectives.
• Support for internships and professional development through university career services and regional industry links.
• A campus location that provides proximity to professional opportunities in New England while maintaining a focused, small-cohort learning setting.

Prospective students should contact the programme office to discuss how the course can be tailored to their interests and to learn about available laboratory resources, faculty research areas and industry partnerships.