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Woodcroft University was founded with a mission to make high-quality education accessible to learners everywhere. Built for the digital era, Woodcroft embraces innovation, flexibility, and global connection, offering students a modern academic experience grounded in excellence. Through immersive online learning, industry-aligned programs, and a diverse international community, Woodcroft continues to empower learners to grow, advance, and create meaningful impact in their fields. 

7901 4th St N, Suite 300,
St. Petersburg, FL 33702, USA info@woodcroftedu.us
Address

7901 4th St N, Suite 300,
St. Petersburg, FL 33702, USA

Email

info@woodcroftedu.us

Phone Number

+1 850-312-3081

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Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity

A 1-year postgraduate program aligned with US / UK (Level-7) / EU (ECTS-equivalent) cybersecurity standards.

Duration: 12 Months Mode: 100% Online Credits: ~60 Virtual Labs + Live Sessions

Program Philosophy

The Master’s in Cybersecurity develops advanced cyber professionals capable of defending, designing, and governing secure digital infrastructures. The program integrates offensive and defensive security, risk management, compliance, cloud security, and cyber intelligence—preparing graduates for leadership roles in enterprise and government security environments.

Program Structure Overview

Phase Duration Focus
Semester I Months 1–4 Core Cyber Foundations
Semester II Months 5–8 Advanced Security & Specializations
Semester III Months 9–12 Capstone, Research & Governance

Semester I – Core Cyber Foundations

Months 1–4
Module 1: Foundations of Cybersecurity & Networking
Credits: 6
Topics Covered
  • Cybersecurity Concepts & Threat Landscape
  • TCP/IP, OSI Model, Network Protocols
  • Network Devices & Architectures
  • Secure Network Design
  • Cyber Kill Chain & MITRE ATT&CK Framework
Learning Outcomes
  • Understand modern cyber threat ecosystems
  • Analyze network-level vulnerabilities and attacks
Module 2: Operating Systems & System Security
Credits: 6
Topics Covered
  • Windows & Linux Internals
  • User & Access Control Models
  • File System Security
  • Patch & Configuration Management
  • System Hardening Techniques
Learning Outcomes
  • Secure enterprise operating systems
  • Identify and mitigate system-level risks
Module 3: Cryptography & Secure Communications
Credits: 6
Topics Covered
  • Symmetric & Asymmetric Cryptography
  • Hashing, Digital Signatures & PKI
  • SSL/TLS & Secure Protocols
  • Key Management Systems
  • Cryptographic Attacks & Vulnerabilities
Learning Outcomes
  • Apply cryptographic techniques in real systems
  • Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of security protocols
Module 4: Secure Programming & Application Security
Credits: 6
Topics Covered
  • Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC)
  • OWASP Top 10
  • Web & API Security
  • Secure Code Review
  • DevSecOps Fundamentals
Learning Outcomes
  • Build and audit secure applications
  • Prevent common software vulnerabilities

Semester II – Advanced Security & Specializations

Months 5–8
Module 5: Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing
Credits: 8
Topics Covered
  • Reconnaissance & Enumeration
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • Exploitation Techniques
  • Post-Exploitation & Privilege Escalation
  • Penetration Testing Methodologies
Learning Outcomes
  • Conduct professional penetration tests
  • Simulate real-world cyber attacks
Module 6: Network, Cloud & Infrastructure Security
Credits: 6
Topics Covered
  • Firewall & IDS/IPS Systems
  • Cloud Security (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • Container & Kubernetes Security
  • Zero Trust Architecture
  • Secure Network Monitoring
Learning Outcomes
  • Secure modern hybrid and cloud infrastructures
  • Implement defense-in-depth strategies
Module 7: Digital Forensics & Incident Response
Credits: 6
Topics Covered
  • Incident Detection & Response Lifecycle
  • Log Analysis & SIEM
  • Memory & Disk Forensics
  • Malware Analysis Basics
  • Evidence Handling & Reporting
Learning Outcomes
  • Investigate cyber incidents
  • Respond to security breaches effectively
Module 8: Cyber Intelligence & Threat Hunting
Credits: 6
Topics Covered
  • Threat Intelligence Frameworks
  • SOC Operations
  • Behavioral Analytics
  • Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)
  • Automated Threat Detection
Learning Outcomes
  • Proactively detect cyber threats
  • Operate within SOC and blue team environments

Semester III – Capstone, Research & Governance

Months 9–12
Module 9: Cyber Risk Management, Law & Compliance
Credits: 4
Topics Covered
  • Cyber Risk Assessment Models
  • Security Governance & Policies
  • Global Cyber Laws (GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001)
  • Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
  • Cyber Insurance & Risk Transfer
Learning Outcomes
  • Manage cybersecurity risks at organizational level
  • Align security programs with legal requirements
Module 10: Research Methods & Security Analytics
Credits: 4
Topics Covered
  • Research Design in Cybersecurity
  • Security Metrics & KPIs
  • Data-Driven Security Analytics
  • Technical Report Writing
  • Reproducible Security Research
Learning Outcomes
  • Conduct applied or academic security research
  • Communicate findings to technical and executive audiences
Module 11: Capstone Project (Mandatory)
Credits: 8
Structure
  • Industry-based or Research-based Project
  • Threat Modeling & Risk Analysis
  • Secure Architecture Design
  • Implementation & Evaluation
  • Final Thesis & Defense
Sample Capstone Themes
  • Enterprise SOC Implementation
  • Cloud Security Hardening Framework
  • Advanced Penetration Testing Study
  • Malware Detection System
  • Zero-Trust Network Architecture
Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate end-to-end cybersecurity mastery
  • Build a professional security portfolio

Assessment Methodology

  • Hands-On Labs & Simulations
  • Case Studies & Security Audits
  • Mid-Term & Final Examinations
  • Incident Response Exercises
  • Capstone Project & Viva Voce
  • Peer & Faculty Review

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates will be prepared for roles such as:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Security Engineer
  • Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester
  • SOC Analyst
  • Digital Forensics Investigator
  • Cyber Risk Consultant

Tools & Technologies Covered

  • Kali Linux, Metasploit
  • Wireshark, Nmap, Burp Suite
  • SIEM Tools (Splunk, ELK)
  • Cloud Security Tools
  • Threat Intelligence Platforms
  • Security Testing & Reporting Workflows