Statement of Purpose
All through my undergraduate studies, I have strived to develop a strong understanding of topics across
the breadth of computer science as I believe an initial holistic approach can prove a solid foundation for
any future pursuits in the field. Now, I would like to delve deeper into those topics that interest me and
carve out a niche for myself in them.
Over the years, I have been particularly interested in Computer Security. It is required in almost every
aspect of systems development and draws heavily on knowledge of the intricate workings of networks,
operating systems and mathematics. It was in my 3rd year of undergraduate studies that I was introduced
to its fundamentals through the course “Number Theory and Cryptography”. Learning about RSA and
zero knowledge protocols introduced me to this whole new way of looking at security. This convinced me
to take up “Computer Security” as an elective in order to develop a deeper understanding of the subject.
Other courses like networks, operating systems, distributed systems etc. furthered my understanding of
the role security plays in all these fields. Later, my experience working in the industry taught me the
different ways a product’s security can be compromised and all the measures and methods that should be
taken while designing the product architecture and while doing the actual coding. I believe through all
this I have acquired an ideal mix of a strong foundation in security as well as practical knowledge, which
will help me bring my own unique angle to solving problems. Pursuing a master’s degree in computer
science at UTCS will allow me to more fully develop my knowledge in these areas and contribute my
own bit to the ongoing research.
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...ests organized in our college.
I believe that all of my theoretical and practical knowledge across the breadth of computer science
provides me with the right skill set to pursue graduate studies; as I not only know how different fields
relate to each other but I can also effectively bring about the intertwining of different fields with security.
This strong foundation and my thirst to learn more is what I bring with me to UTCS.
I would like to conclude by saying, that it is not only the reputed name of UTCS, but it is the range of
research that has happened and is happening at UTCS, which has attracted me to it. I would love the
opportunity to work with the security group and explore the areas together. I thank you for reading my
statement of purpose and would like to end by saying that it indeed would be an honor, and a dream come
true, to be part of UTCS.
Conducting a field analysis of the Physical Security field became arduous and daunting task due to the lack of resources. It was not a foreseeable issue because it seemed that there was a wealth of information post 9/11 for the Security Field. Trying to navigate the Lehman Library for resources with this topic was done with great difficulty. The word security itself is tied to so many topics that unrelated sources flooded my
...will be able to increase my knowledge and understanding of how different disciplines work together.
As the future stores in Kinyasi’s plans, he graduates with Bachelor of Science in Computing Security this May recently. He continues his goal to receive the Master of Science and will graduate in the next May. After graduation, he plans to look for a job across the United States as he loves to travel around the new places. He wants to gain more experience through work for next few more years. When he satisfies his goal, he will return to Tanzania, to set up a business and use his skills to improve security. There are not many security companies and he wants to improve the security to prevent hack, threats, and virus risks. If the security plan does not work out, he plans to do entrepreneurship for farming (how to improve crop demands) or build better properties provided for deaf people.
Though I have a number of intellectual interests, three of them are particularly conspicuous: politics, economics, and technology. These interest both excite my curiosity while teaching me lessons that will prove useful for me in life.
It fits perfectly with the multidisciplinary degree. I am able to view situations through several different viewpoints. I can apply different ideas and think about which one works best.
After completing all of your coursework, what jumps out as having a significant impact on your learning?
I am applying for the course of Computer Science because I would like to increase my knowledge of this subject. I hope that in the future I will be able to create applications for computers that will help people to save time and money.
If the nineteenth century was an era of the Industrial revolution in Europe, I would say that computers and Information Technology have dominated since the twentieth century. The world today is a void without computers, be it healthcare, commerce or any other field, the industry won’t thrive without Information Technology and Computer Science. This ever-growing field of technology has aroused interest in me since my childhood. After my twelfth grade, the inherent ardor I held for Computer Science motivated me to do a bachelors degree in Information Technology. Programming and Math, a paragon of logic and reasoning, have always been my favorite subjects since childhood.
A fascination for Science & Technology and keen interest in the ever-growing world of technology motivated me to take up engineering. The power of research and delivering it for the growth of Society is what makes me interested in the technology side of science. I choose to major Computer science Engineering with an intense urge to delve into this challenging field. During my under graduation program I learned the various fundamentals of Computer science Engineering which together with practical course works reinforced my interest.
In conclusion, I believe that I have the required zeal to progress my knowledge further at the University of Southern California. My decision to focus on Cybersecurity over the years, has equipped me with a unique set of strengths that I can put to use in the program. Being an International student, I hope to contribute to the already existing multiethnic and multiracial society at your esteemed institution. After I earn my master's degree, I intend to start work on my Ph.D. in Computer Science. I see Ph. D as a professional stepping stone that would help me work in the area of research and development for the Government of India. It is in R & D that I believe, I can make the greatest contribution, utilizing my theoretical background and creativity as a scientist.
I took up Computer Science and Engineering as my discipline in Bhoj Reddy Engineering College for Women affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, one of the premier institutes in India. My undergraduate education has been a great learning and enriching process for me. It exposed me to all the core areas of Computer Science like operating systems, database management systems, networks and network security, data structures, algorithms and software engineering. These courses have given me a good foundation in the core concepts. My interest lies in Database Management, Programming Languages, Theory of Computation, and Software Engineering. I am fully acquainted with the fast growing subjects like Object Oriented Programming, Analysis and Design. On the other hand, the intensive laboratory classes exposed me to a fascinating world of experimentation. It was here that I discovered the qualities of perseverance and diligence in myself. I feel that these courses have done a lot to prepare me for my future studies and research work.
In reference to computer science, physical security is one of the most important accomplishments a business can achieve. Due to the advent of the modern technical age, all of a company’s records are held on their data systems. First and foremost, theft or loss of historical records and accounting data would instantly cripple an enterprise and could very well lead to its ultimate demise. The high profile news reports just in the last decade verify that. Hackers stole the financial records of several banks, which included the personal information of thousands of customers. Ditto for the Veterans’ Administration, for an employee’s laptop was stolen off site. Inside the computer’s hard drive were the ever important Social Security Numbers of hundreds of thousands of veterans and their families. For example, a financial institution goes to stark measures to ensure the money and securities stored there are safe. Not only are there outside locks on the doors and an elaborate alarm system, there is a fireproof steel vault with the finest timed locks available. Most usually, the valuables are further stored in locked boxes inside that vault. Just like that bank, an organization must strive to make physical security a priority. However, simply locking the data and equipment is far from sufficient. The information technology also needs an “alarm” of sorts, so that the company’s police, the information security specialists, can identify the threat and diminish or eliminate it.
This perfectly holds true for me in the world of Computer Engineering where novel ideas are not a novelty. It is this novelty that entices me to this field and gives me a deep sense of professional pride. In this context, I would like to pursue my graduation in Computer Engineering, which not only supplements the knowledge that I possess but also provides a strong platform for my future career goals.
My ultimate goal in my career is to make a commendable contribution to the computing world either by starting an innovative venture or doing research which would change the dimensions of future computing and the way we perceive the computers. Now I have determined that a dedicated higher study on Computer Science will enable me to aggregate all my previous knowledge & experience on the field and encourage in achieving my career goal. I am looking at Graduate studies to provide me with the required expertise to carry out higher studies.
...ows me to practice all the skills I have learned in college and hone them to perfection. With a broad spectrum of studies that one can look at in information technology management, the sky is the limit for gaining a better understanding of how technology works in our society and how to manage it.