2019-2020 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Cybersecurity (CYBR)
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ANUPAM JOSHI, Ph.D., Chair
RICHARD FORNO, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
BEHNAM B. SHARIATI, Assistant Graduate Program Director (Universities at Shady Grove Campus)
M.P.S., P.B.C. (Degree Types )
Main Campus Faculty
Shady Grove Faculty
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.
Post-Baccalaureate 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.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Professional Studies: Cybersecurity Operations
This four-course post-baccalaureate certificate is oriented towards students seeking broad exposure to cybersecurity principles, best practices, and technologies. The program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals and can be completed in just one year of full-time study. This certificate includes three required cybersecurity courses and one student-selected exploratory elective on a cybersecurity topic of interest or professional relevance. Courses are designed to help students become competitive candidates for in-demand Cybersecurity jobs in a wide range of sectors.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Professional Studies: 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. Through firsthand experience using industry-standard forensic tools, techniques, and procedures in the digital forensic process, students will understand the incident-handling process, the special rules of evidence that apply to cybercrime investigations (i.e., chain of custody, search and seizure, forensic imaging), and the relevant state, federal, and/or regulatory frameworks governing such activities within different industry sectors (such as defense, healthcare, and financial services). The four-course, 12-credit certificate can be applied toward obtaining the MPS in Cybersecurity degree
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.
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a related field.
- 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:
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.
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a related field.
- 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 7.0
*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.
Post-Baccalaureate 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
- Official 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.
ProgramsCoursesCybersecurity
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