Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MCS)

Two-year program with flexible specialization:

Thesis Track (42 Credit Hours)

• 7 core courses + 1 elective course + 18 credit hour thesis
• Ideal for those pursuing research or academia

Project Track (42 Credit Hours)

• 8 core courses + 2 elective courses + 12 credit hours masters project
• Focused on practical, real-world applications

Core Topics Include:

• Cybersecurity Principles & Frameworks
• Secure Systems Engineering
• Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking
• Cyber Risk & Compliance
• Cryptography
• Incident Response & Digital Forensics

Students may repeat up to 6 CH without extra charges.

Eligible students may receive up to 50% tuition scholarship based on academic performance:

Requirements:

• ● GPA ≥ 3.00/4.00 by end of Year 1
• ● Full payment of first-year tuition (100,000 SAR)
• ● Thesis proposal submission

*The scholarship is only available for students who choose the thesis track. Once the student selects the thesis track and their thesis proposal is approved, they will be eligible for a 50% scholarship, reducing the total tuition from 200,000 SAR to 100,000 SAR.

Scholarship terms are subject to change without prior notice.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information technology, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering from a University recognized by the Ministry of Education.

Candidates must have a proficiency in programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and computer networks.

Minimum GPA of 3.5/5.00 or 2.75/4.0 or Very Good.

English Proficiency:

• IELTS: 5.5
• TOEFL iBT: 65
• STEP: 80

Required Documents:

• Bachelor's degree Certificate
• Recommendation Letter
• Official Transcript
• ID/Passport Copy
• CV
• An interview is required

Yes. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program aligns with international academic standards and is recognized globally for its comprehensive cyber security curriculum.

Currently, the cybersecurity master’s program is delivered in-person at Alfaisal University’s Riyadh campus to ensure a hands-on, immersive learning experience.

We provide robust career development services tailored to cyber security professionals, including networking opportunities, cybersecurity industry events, and one-on-one mentorship to support your transition into leadership roles.

Yes. Students pursuing the MCS in cybersecurity may choose between a thesis-based track or a project-based non-thesis option, both designed to deepen cyber security expertise.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program are highly sought after in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding cyber security market. Career paths include Secure Systems Analyst, Penetration Tester, Secure Systems Architect, Security Software Engineer, Vulnerability Analyst, and Systems/Information Security Manager.

While the cybersecurity master's program is ideal for those with a computer science or IT background, applicants from related fields may also qualify if they have relevant cyber security experience or complete prerequisite coursework.

Yes, Alfaisal University offers scholarships of up to 50% for students enrolled in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity thesis track. Eligibility requires maintaining a GPA of 3.00/4.00 and meeting additional criteria.

Absolutely. Alfaisal University welcomes international applicants to the MCS in Cybersecurity. Students must meet admission standards, including language proficiency and a strong academic foundation in cyber security or related disciplines.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a 2-year graduate program. Students can opt for a thesis path or a non-thesis project path; both delivering in-depth cyber security training through core and elective courses.

Yes, the MCS program emphasizes experiential learning. Students work on real-world cybersecurity projects to apply theoretical concepts in areas like threat analysis, secure systems engineering, and ethical hacking.

The program plays a vital role in supporting Vision 2030 by cultivating a new generation of cybersecurity experts equipped to protect Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure across sectors such as government, health, banking, and defense.

The total cost of the cybersecurity master’s program is 200,000 SAR. This includes a non-refundable application fee of 600 SAR and an initial seat reservation and tuition installment of 5,000 SAR.