Cybersecurity (CYBR)

Cybersecurity Homepage
Degrees Offered
Faculty
Program Description

Program Admission Requirements
Financial Assistance
Programs and Courses

ANUPAM JOSHI, Ph.D., Chair
RICHARD FORNO, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
BEHNAM B. SHARIATI, Assistant Graduate Program Director (Universities at Shady Grove Campus)

UMBC Campus
RICHARD FORNO, Ph.D., Lecturer & Graduate Program Director, Cybersecurity, Assistant Director, UMBC Center for Cybersecurity, Ph.D., Curtin University of Technology
ROBERT W. CLARK, Adjunct Professor, J.D., Michigan State University
PIERRE A. COLOMBEL, II, Adjunct Professor, M.S., George Washington University
DANIELA COMAN, CSSLP, Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, M.S., Information Technology & Telecommunication Management
MICHAEL R. FLUHARTY, JR., Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, M.P.S. UMBC
RYAN C. GETEK, Ph.D. CISSP-ISSEP, Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, Ph.D., UMBC
MANSUR HASIB, D.Sc., CISSP, PMP, Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, D.Sc., Capitol College
MICHAEL HENNICK, Adjunct Professor, M.P.S., UMBC, Cybersecurity
ALBERT KINNEY, Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, M.S., Naval Postgraduate School
CHARLES K. NICHOLAS, Ph.D., Professor, Computer Science, Ph.D., Ohio State
CATHLEEN OWEN, J.D., Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, J.D., University of Maryland Baltimore Law School
DIANA PARR, Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, M.A., National Defense University
MARK D. RASCH, J.D., Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, J.D., State University of New York Buffalo Law School
ROBERT R. Romano, Adjunct Professor, Ph.D., Purdue University
BEHNAM B. SHARIATI, Lecturer and Assistant Graduate Program Director, Ph.D. Candidate, George Washington University
CHRISTINA L. SMYRE-DELOATCH, Ph.D., CISSP, Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, Ph.D., George Washington University
TERRY L. THOMPSON, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, Ph.D., Georgetown University
WILLIAM O. WADDELL, Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, M.A., U.S. Naval War College
TINA C. WILLIAMS, J.D., Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, J.D., University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

Shady Grove Campus
BEHNAM B. SHARIATI, Lecturer and Assistant Graduate Program Director, Ph.D. Candidate, George Washington University
LAURA L. CASULLI, Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, J.D., New York Law School
ROBERT W. CLARK, Adjunct Professor, J.D., Michigan State University
ROBERT ROMANO, Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, Ph.D., Purdue University
MIKE STONE, Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity, M.S., George Washington University

Program Description

M.P.S.: Cybersecurity

The ten-course MPS is designed to prepare technical professionals and others in the cyber fields to fill management and leadership roles in cybersecurity, cyber operations, and/or related organizations in the government or private sector. Established with significant industry input, this interdisciplinary degree program includes a core curriculum providing students the required knowledge necessary for effective cybersecurity activities and then allows them to pursue specialized technical or non-technical knowledge through a range of elective offerings to create a tailored educational plan best suited for their specific requirements or interests.

Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies: Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy

This four-course graduate certificate is oriented towards students seeking broad exposure to cybersecurity principles and how they relate to national or global cybersecurity, and can be completed in a year. Because these courses are not significantly 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.

Program Admission Requirements

MPS Program:

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 related field. Those without technical backgrounds must demonstrate other relevant professional or academic expertise that may qualify them for admission.

GRE scores are not required for admission
Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be admitted to the program with relevant professional or academic experience.)
Official Transcripts
Goal statement outlining the students goals and expectations in the program
Resume or CV
Recommendation letters (optional)

International Student Admission Requirements:

Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
TOEFL Scores: Minimum scores 597 (Written), 247 (computerized), 99 (iBT). Scores must no more than 2 years old.
iBT Score Breakdown: Writing (23), Listening (23), Reading (25), Speaking (28, 23 acceptable if have 2 years’ work experience in supervisory or management position in the U.S.)
OR
IELTS Score: Minimum score of 7.5 required

*If you have a three-year degree versus a four-year degree your transcript will be reviewed to determine whether you have met the necessary pre-requisites for the master’s program. Eligibility for admission can only be determined upon receipt of a complete application.

Use the code PRST-CYBR on the application form for Master in Professional Studies.

Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies:

There are no specific constraints on the type of undergraduate degree required for this certificate. In general, student should have a firm foundation in the basic terminology of computer, network and information security along with a conceptual understanding of the technical functionality of computers, networks, and the Internet. These general requirements can usually be satisfied with one or more courses in related areas or through documented professional experience. In particular, applicants with a background in computer science or information systems are encouraged to apply.

GRE scores are not required for admission
Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be admitted to the program provisionally.)
Goal statement outlining the students goals and expectations in the program
Resume or CV
Unofficial transcripts are required

Use the code PSCB on the application form, under Certificate Information for Certificate of Professional Studies.

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program (UMBC students only)

Select undergraduate students also considering a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in Cybersecurity may apply for admission to a combined course of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity degrees. Up to three graduate courses (9 credits) may be shared between both degrees. Contact your advisor for more information about eligibility and the application process.

Financial Assistance

Because this program is designed primarily for working professionals, graduate assistantships are not available. International students must provide their own support for full-time enrollment in this program. For details on international student financial requirements, see the International Education Services Web Site at www.umbc.edu/ies.

Incoming cybersecurity students may wish to apply for the Information Assurance Scholarship Program (IASP), an annual Department of Defense sponsored scholarship program that promotes the education, recruitment, and retention of rising junior and senior undergraduate and graduate students in information assurance and cybersecurity studies and students seeking graduate certificates in information assurance disciplines. Similarly, the federal Scholarship for Service (SFS) is a yearly awarded National Science Foundation sponsored scholarship program to promote the education, recruitment, and retention of rising junior and senior undergraduates and graduate students in information assurance studies.

Information on the IASP or SFS programs at UMBC can be found at the UMBC Center for Information Security and Assurance (CISA) website (cisa.umbc.edu). Both programs are open to US Citizens only and require full-time student status and a commitment to work for the US government in a cybersecurity function following graduation for each year of funding.

Programs

Courses

Cybersecurity