How to Apply: International Cybersecurity Students

International Student Application Deadlines

Spring 2025: October 1, 2024
Fall 2025: May 1, 2025

The following information is provided for international applicants interested in applying to the Masters of Science in Cybersecurity. International applicants should read the information provided carefully prior to applying.

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OISS Student Arrival Guide

International Student Admission Requirements

There are no specific constraints on the type of undergraduate degree required for this certificate. In general, applicants should understand the basic concepts and operation of the Internet, networked information systems, and have a basic familiarity with information security concepts and/or practices. These general requirements usually can be satisfied with one or more courses in related areas or through documented professional experience. Those with a background in computer science or information systems, or those with significant professional experience in the IT industry, 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 (U.S. Equivalent). Applicants with an appropriate level of knowledge and professional experience in the IT or cybersecurity fields are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Current resume
  • Personal statement addressing four questions, outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program. This is also an opportunity for applicants to further explain their background and qualifications for the program and provide any additional information about themselves or their career experience that they feel will benefit the evaluation of their application.
  • Official transcripts are required.
  • International students who earned a degree outside of the U.S. are required to submit English proficiency scores (Exceptions to English Proficiency Requirement).
    • TOEFL score requirements: 99 iBT or 10.5 Essentials. Scores must be less 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.)
    • TOEFL Essentials: 10 or higher on each section
    • IELTS Score:  Minimum score of 7.5 required
    • Duolingo English test: Minimum score 130

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Contact Information

Application Process

All international applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time to receive all the necessary documents and to process and assess the application.

International applications are accepted for the fall and spring semester. We encourage all international applicants to send in their documents at least six months prior to the start of the semester for which they are applying. To apply, complete a Graduate Degree Application and use program name: Cybersecurity (M.S.)

  1. Apply online
    • Select program Cybersecurity  >> Degree Code – Master’s
    • This program has an option between campus locations. You may choose to apply to the Main UMBC Campus, or the Shady Grove campus located in Rockville, MD. Please indicate which campus location you want to take classes at on the Program Specific section of the application.
    • Submit your “Personal Statement” addressing the four short questions found in the application as an attachment.
    • Recommendations are optional. Please put N/A in these fields if you choose not to enter names of references.
    • Complete residency information.
  2. Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions to be sent to UMBC Graduate School, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 or emailed to gradschool@umbc.edu.
  3. Submit resume as an attachment in the “Resume” section or submit to gradschool@umbc.edu 
  4. Request for TOEFL scores to be sent by ETS to UMBC (code 5835)

All documents should be mailed to:

UMBC Graduate School, M.S. Cybersecurity
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250 U.S.A.

Your application packet should include the following documents:

  • Completed graduate degree application (including residency form). Use program code PRST-CYBR.
  • Two letters of recommendation (optional)
  • Personal statement addressing four questions, outlining the student’s goals and expectations of the program.
  • Current resume
  • Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
  • TOEFL or other English Language test scores* forwarded to UMBC by ETS – UMBC’s institutional code is 5835
  • Application fee ($50 if applying online)

*Please note: All international students are required to submit English Language scores unless you hold an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution or hold a degree from an English-speaking country on the list of exceptions.

Obtaining Immigration Documents

If you intend to apply for an F-1 visa and require an I-20 from UMBC, you will be required to provide a copy of a valid passport and proof of financial support. Please refer to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) page on I-20 Information and Financial Requirements for more information. All immigration related questions should be addressed to OISS through a Help ticket.

Financial Aid/Tuition/Assistantships

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