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SNU MS Cybersecurity FAQs
Ques. Is the degree awarded by Shiv Nadar University or Arizona State University?
Ans. The degree is awarded by Arizona State University (ASU), USA - not by Shiv Nadar University. Students complete 1 semester (12 credits) at SNU International College and then transfer to ASU's Polytechnic Campus to complete the remaining 18 credits. The final MS degree in Software Engineering (Cybersecurity Specialization) is an ASU degree, which is ABET-accredited and globally recognized. SNU's role is to provide the initial academic foundation and facilitate the transfer to ASU.
Ques. Is GRE required for admission to this program?
Ans. No, GRE is not required for this program. Admission is based on your undergraduate GPA (minimum 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in the last 60 credit hours), English proficiency scores (TOEFL iBT above 90, IELTS above 7.0, Pearson above 64, or Duolingo above 125), a professional resume, a written statement, official transcripts, and one letter of recommendation. This makes the program accessible to a wider pool of applicants compared to traditional US MS programs.
Ques. What is the total cost of the program and how does it compare to a direct US MS program?
Ans. The total estimated cost is Rs. 3,00,000 for the SNU IC semester (India portion) plus approximately USD 35,946 in tuition at ASU and approximately USD 15,000 per year in living expenses at ASU. This is significantly lower than a fully residential 2-year MS program at ASU, which would cost approximately USD 90,000 in tuition alone. SNU also offers collateral-free education loans (via Mpower) covering up to 100% of tuition and living expenses at ASU, making it financially accessible.
Ques. What are the career prospects after completing this program? Can I work in the US after graduation?
Ans. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the US for up to 3 years after completing their ASU degree, since it is a STEM-designated program. This allows graduates to work at US companies for up to 3 years without requiring an H-1B visa immediately. Top employers of ASU graduates include Amazon, Boeing, Intel, Honeywell, and Banner Health. The cybersecurity specialization opens roles such as Security Engineer, Penetration Tester, Cloud Security Architect, Information Security Analyst, and Software Security Engineer.
Ques. What happens if I do not meet the ASU transfer requirements after completing the SNU IC semester?
Ans. Students must meet ASU's transfer requirements - including a minimum GPA of 3.00 in ASU courses completed at SNU IC and valid English proficiency scores - to transfer to ASU. If a student does not meet these requirements, they may not be eligible to transfer to ASU. It is important to maintain strong academic performance during the SNU IC semester. Students are advised to clarify the exact transfer conditions and any contingency plans with the admissions team before enrolling. Contact: ms.admissions@snu.edu.in
Ques. Is the SNU IC semester fully online or does it require physical attendance at the SNU campus?
Ans. The SNU International College (SNU IC) semester is conducted online, which means students do not need to be physically present on the SNU campus in Greater Noida. This makes the program particularly flexible for working professionals and students who are in their final year of undergraduate studies. The online format covers 4 courses (12 ASU credits) including Information Assurance and Security, Software Verification, Validation and Testing, Software Project, Process and Quality Management, and Software Integration and Engineering, before students physically relocate to ASU's Polytechnic Campus in Arizona, USA.
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