Return to: Graduate Programs

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)

Degrees Offered

M.P.S., P.B.C. (Degree Types )

Faculty

Cybersecurity Faculty 

Program Description

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.

Program Admission Requirements

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, 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 OR
• Duolingo English Test: Minimum Score 120

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 Program (UMBC students only)

Select undergraduate students also considering a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) degree or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate 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 Cybersecurity degrees. Two (Certificate students) or three (M.P.S. students) three graduate courses may be shared between both degrees.  Contact your undergraduate advisor for more information about eligibility and the application process, or refer to https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/cybersecurity/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 for each year of funding. 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://cybersecurity.umbc.edu/scholarship-for-service-sfs/ for more details and application information.

Programs

• Cybersecurity, M.P.S.

• Cybersecurity Operations, P.B.C.
• Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy, P.B.C.

Courses

• CYBR 620 - Introduction to Cybersecurity
• CYBR 621 - Cyber Warfare
• CYBR 622 - Global Cyber Capabilities and Trends
• CYBR 623 - Cybersecurity Law and Policy
• CYBR 624 - Cybersecurity Project
• CYBR 641 - Cybercrime Investigations
• CYBR 642 - Introduction to Digital Forensics
• CYBR 643 - Advanced Digital Forensics
• CYBR 644 - Cyber Practitioner Development Lab
• CYBR 650 - Managing Cybersecurity Operations
• CYBR 652 - Enterprise Security
• CYBR 655 - Security of Distributed Systems
• CYBR 658 - Risk Analysis & Compliance
• CYBR 688 - Software Reverse Engineering
• CYBR 691 - Special Topics in Cybersecurity
• CYBR 696 - Independent Study for Interns and Co-op Students
• CYBR 699 - Independent Study in Cybersecurity

Return to: Graduate Programs