How to Apply: Cybersecurity Accelerated Programs

Application Deadline(s)

Fall: August 1
Spring: December 1

For students who are eager to gain skills that will make them competitive candidates in the Cybersecurity job market, our accelerated programs are the ideal solution.

Qualified UMBC undergraduate students have the option of applying to our accelerated Cybersecurity Master’s or Graduate Certificate programs in your junior or senior year, earning up to six graduate credits towards your graduate certificate or nine graduate credits towards your master’s that can be applied to both your undergraduate and graduate degrees. You’ll benefit by shortening the time to degree completion, experiencing the cost savings of taking graduate courses at undergraduate tuition rates, flexible learning options (some courses taught in evening or in hybrid format), and gaining practical knowledge and skills.

Admissions Requirements:

In order to be eligible for the accelerated graduate certificate or master’s degree option, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. If less than 3.0, admission consideration based on Graduate Program Director’s discretion.
  • Be a junior or senior at UMBC, and be admitted at least one semester prior to completion of bachelor’s degree.
  • Maintain good academic standing throughout the duration of undergraduate degree.

While most Accelerated Program students are from the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT), students from outside COEIT who also have an overall GPA of 3.0 may apply via the Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy option. If admitted, such students may take CYBR 620, 621, 622, and/or 623 to begin graduate cybersecurity studies while still an undergraduate student. Non-COEIT students who believe they are qualified to pursue a more technical cybersecurity opportunities should contact the cybersecurity GPD to discuss their interests.

Students from the Department of Information Systems (IS) must contact their Undergraduate Program Director to confirm their eligibility before applying to the Accelerated Program.

Application Process

In one package please assemble:

  • Complete the Graduate School Accelerated Program Application Form. Main campus list Renee Eisenhuth, cyber@umbc.edu, as the Graduate Program Coordinator, for Shady Grove list sgprofessionalprograms@umbc.edu.
  • Undergraduate transcripts (Recommendations are not required)
  • Students from the Department of Information Systems (IS) must contact their Undergraduate Program Director to confirm their eligibility before applying to the BS/MS program

After Admission

Submit this documentation to your Undergraduate Advisor/Program Director for preliminary review and approval. If approved, then submit to the CYBR program where a final admission decision will be made.

Once admitted, complete the Approval for Undergraduates to take Courses for Graduate Credit form for each 600-level security course you are taking to ensure you receive graduate credit as well.   Admitted CMSC students must take CMSC 626 (Principles of Computer Security) instead of CYBR 620 (Introduction to Cybersecurity) and may count 600-level CMSC cybersecurity electives toward their graduate credits in addition to CYBR courses.

One semester prior to completion of your bachelor’s degree, submit an application for the Cybersecurity Accelerated Program you are pursuing to the Graduate School. The graduate school application fee is waived ($50 online/$70 paper).

Once admitted to the Cybersecurity Accelerated Program, complete the Graduate School’s Credit Transfer form for up to six credits towards a graduate certificate or nine credits towards the master’s to reflect the CYBR courses you took as an undergraduate. Please note that only graduate courses completed with a B or higher are eligible to be transferred into the Cybersecurity graduate certificates or master’s.

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