2021-2022 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, Ph.D., Assistant Graduate Program Director (Universities at Shady Grove Campus)
M.P.S., P.B.C. (Degree Types )
Cybersecurity Faculty
M.P.S.: Cybersecurity
The ten-course M.P.S. 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. 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: 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 M.P.S. in Cybersecurity degree
M.P.S. Program:
Applicants to the M.P.S. 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)
In addition, for International Student applicants:
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.
- TOEFL Scores: Minimum scores 99 (iBT). Scores must be 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
International applicants should refer to the International Admission Page for special admission information.
*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.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Professional Studies:
There are no specific constraints on the type of undergraduate degree required for this certificate. In general, students 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. 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
- Goal statement outlining the students goals and expectations in the program
- Resume or CV
- Official transcripts are required
Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program (UMBC students only)
Select undergraduate students also considering a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) degree in Cybersecurity may apply for admission to a combined course of study leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) 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, or refer to https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/cybersecurity/how-to-apply-accelerated-bs-mps/.
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. Visit https://cisa.umbc.edu/scholarships/ for more details and application information.
ProgramsMaster of Professional StudiesPost-Baccalaureate CertificateCoursesCybersecurity
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