The MPS is designed to prepare computer science, information systems, and other technical professionals to fill management and leadership roles in cybersecurity. This interdisciplinary degree program gives security professionals the range of knowledge and skills needed to be successful as managers in the emerging field of cybersecurity. Coursework includes a blend of management/legal/business courses with more technically focused courses.

Graduate Certificates in Professional Studies:

Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy:
This four-course graduate certificate can be completed in a year. Because these courses are not technical, this program is available to students with a variety of undergraduate backgrounds. Students may choose to take this certificate by itself, or they may take this certificate and then later complete the master’s. If a student is accepted into the M.P.S.: Cybersecurity, all four certificate courses count toward that degree.

Cybersecurity Operations:
This four-course post-baccalaureate certificate is oriented towards students seeking broad exposure to cybersecurity principles, best practices, and technologies, and can be completed in a year. This certificate includes three required cybersecurity courses and one student-selected exploratory elective on a cybersecurity topic of interest or professional relevance.

Digital Forensics:
The Digital Forensics certificate program is intended for early and mid-career IT and law-enforcement professionals who want to learn basic and advanced concepts and develop skills in the field of computer forensics. Students will understand the role of digital/computer forensics as a subspecialty of cybersecurity.

Required Core Cybersecurity Courses (18 credits):

(Please note: Some required core courses may be substituted via transfer credits or alternative UMBC courses with approval from the Graduate Program Director)

CYBR 620: Intro to Cybersecurity
CYBR 623: Cybersecurity Law & Policy
CYBR 624: Cybersecurity Project
CYBR 650: Managing Cybersecurity Operations
CYBR 652: Enterprise Security
CYBR 658: Risk Analysis and Compliance

Elective Courses (12 credits)
Students must select four courses (12 credits) of electives. Some elective pathway courses may lead to a post-Baccalaureate certificate, in that plan of study. 

Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity Program Requirements:

In order to gain a rigorous base of knowledge, students in the Master’s in Cybersecurity program must complete 10 courses (30 credits). Students are encouraged to tailor their coursework to their interests and career goals. All students must complete 18 credits through our 6 required Cybersecurity courses listed below (18 credits). The remaining 12 credits can be completed by choosing 4 of our elective Cybersecurity course.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the MPS degree program are expected to have current IT or cybersecurity industry experience and/or a solid academic background in computer science, information systems, or a field related to working in cybersecurity. Those without such backgrounds must demonstrate other relevant professional or academic expertise that may qualify them for admission.

• GRE scores are not required for admission
• A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (Applicants with an appropriate level of knowledge and professional experience in the IT or Cybersecurity fields are strongly encouraged to apply.)
• International applicants should refer to the International Admission Page for special admission information.

Application Process

Applications for the Master’s program are accepted for the Fall and Spring semesters:

• Apply online
  • Select program Cybersecurity  >> Degree Code – Master’s
  • Submit your statement of goals as an attachment in the “Personal Statement” section
  • Recommendations are optional. Please put N/A in these fields if you choose not to enter names of references.
  • Complete residency information to be reviewed for in-state tuition rates
  • Be sure to indicate campus of choice
• Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions to be sent to UMBC Graduate School, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 or emailed to gradschool@umbc.edu.
• Submit resume as an attachment in the “Resume” section or submit to gradschool@umbc.edu.

Your application should include the following documents: (Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.)

• Completed application including residency form (residency form determines in-state tuition eligibility)
• Statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program. This also is an opportunity for applicants to further explain their background and qualifications for the program and provide any additional information about themselves or their career experience that they feel will benefit the evaluation of their application.
• Current resume (When applying online, upload your resume to the graduate school application.)
• Recommendation letters (optional)
• Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
• Non-refundable application fee ($50 online)

Mailing Instructions

All application documents should be mailed to: 
UMBC Graduate School, MPS: Cybersecurity 
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250

Financial Assistance:

Because this program is designed primarily for working professionals, graduate assistantships are not available. However, students are eligible to apply for non-research based graduate assistantships offered through other academic departments. International students must provide their own support for full-time enrollment in this program. For details on international student financial requirements, see the International Student and Scholar Services Web Site at https://isss.umbc.edu/.

Students accepted into the CYBR M.P.S. program may apply for the Federal Cybercorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) program. SFS provides full tuition, annual stipends, and other education costs in exchange for working in a cybersecurity capability for the US government upon graduation. SFS requires US Citizenship, full-time enrollment, no other meaningful outside employment, and the ability to obtain a US government security clearance. Once accepted to the CYBR M.P.S. you may apply for SFS.

Tuition fee-2 years$50,000

Total fee-2 years$80,000