University of Dayton

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational theory with applied laboratory work to address a wide range of security challenges across cyber, physical and cyber‑physical domains. Core topics typically include network and information security, cryptography, secure systems design, digital forensics and incident response, sensors and detection technologies, risk and vulnerability assessment, and security policy and governance.

Students commonly follow a mix of coursework and project work. Typical modules and learning activities include:

• Secure Systems Engineering: principles of designing systems with security built in, threat modelling and secure software development life cycles.
• Network and Cybersecurity: protocols, intrusion detection, secure communications and defensive countermeasures.
• Cryptography and Applied Cryptanalysis: symmetric and asymmetric techniques, key management and practical applications.
• Digital Forensics and Incident Response: evidence collection, analysis of digital artifacts and legal/ethical considerations.
• Cyber‑Physical Systems and IoT Security: securing embedded systems, industrial control systems and sensor networks.
• Risk Assessment, Policy and Management: quantitative and qualitative risk methods, compliance, and organisational security strategy.
• Capstone Project or Thesis: an applied team project with industry or a supervised research thesis that integrates technical and operational aspects of security.

Hands‑on laboratory work, simulated incident exercises and opportunities for internships or cooperative placements are central to the curriculum, giving students practical experience with tools and techniques used by security practitioners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in a science, engineering, mathematics, computer science or another technical discipline. Admissions typically consider the following:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating a solid record in relevant quantitative and technical coursework.
• A CV or resume outlining technical experience, projects or employment.
• Letters of recommendation (often two) from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s preparedness for graduate study.
• A statement of purpose that describes career goals and how the programme aligns with them.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, an approved English proficiency test score is usually required.

Some applicants may be asked to demonstrate relevant programming or systems experience; others with non‑traditional backgrounds may be considered if they can show equivalent preparation through work experience or prerequisite coursework. GRE requirements vary; check with the University for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a wide range of technical and leadership roles across industry, government and research. Typical job titles include:

• Cybersecurity analyst, security engineer or penetration tester
• Digital forensics examiner and incident response specialist
• Security architect or systems assurance engineer
• Risk and compliance analyst or security programme manager
• Engineer or analyst in critical infrastructure, industrial control systems or IoT security
• Technical consultant for defence, homeland security or private sector security firms
• Research scientist or doctoral candidate in security science and technology

The programme’s technical emphasis and experiential components are designed to prepare graduates for roles that require both theoretical understanding and practical skills, and it can also serve as preparation for further research or doctoral study.

Why study at University of Dayton

The University of Dayton offers a compact, practice‑oriented environment with access to engineering and applied research facilities and a faculty engaged in security‑related research. Students benefit from small class sizes, opportunities for close faculty supervision on projects and interdisciplinary collaboration across departments.

Geographic proximity to regional aerospace and defence organisations, as well as partnerships with local industry and government entities, supports internship and applied project opportunities. The curriculum emphasises experiential learning—lab exercises, simulated incident response and industry capstones—so graduates leave with demonstrable technical skills employers seek.

Overall, the programme is well suited to students seeking a technically rigorous education in security that combines theory, hands‑on practice and direct links to applied work in industry and government.