Application Deadline(s)
Fall: August 1
Spring: December 1
International Student Application Deadlines
Spring 2025: October 1, 2024
Fall 2025: May 1, 2025
Prepare yourself to excel in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity by applying for UMBC’s master’s program today!
At a Glance
Delivery
Hybrid
Locations Offered
- UMBC Campus (Catonsville)
- Shady Grove (Rockville)
Important information for Fall 2024 applicants: Starting Fall 2024, the master’s degree in Cybersecurity was updated from a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) to a Master of Science (M.S.). All master’s applications that were received towards the M.P.S. in Cybersecurity for Fall 2024 will instead be considered for admission to the new M.S. in Cybersecurity.
Current M.P.S. students who began the program in Spring 2024 or earlier may finish their current degree or seamlessly transition into the new M.S. program with no disruption to their studies or time-to-graduation.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the M.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 field related to working in cybersecurity. Those without such backgrounds must demonstrate other relevant professional or academic expertise that may qualify them for admission.
- GRE scores are not required for admission
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a related field.
- Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (Applicants with an appropriate level of knowledge and professional experience in the IT or Cybersecurity fields are strongly encouraged to apply.)
- International applicants should refer to the International Admission Page for special admission information.
Application Process
Applications for the Master’s program are accepted for the Fall and Spring semesters:
- 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” as an attachment, addressing the four short questions found in the application.
- Recommendations are optional. Please put N/A in these fields if you choose not to enter names of references.
- Complete residency information to be reviewed for in-state tuition rates.
- 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.
- Submit resume as an attachment in the “Resume” section or submit to gradschool@umbc.edu.
Your application should include the following documents: (Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.)
- Completed application including residency form (residency form determines in-state tuition eligibility)
- Personal statement addressing four questions, outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program. This also is 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.
- Current resume (When applying online, upload your resume to the graduate school application.)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
- Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
- Non-refundable application fee ($50 online)
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Mailing Instructions
All application documents should be mailed to:
UMBC Graduate School, MS: Cybersecurity
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250
If you require further assistance, please send an email to cyber@umbc.edu for Main UMBC Campus applications or sgprofessionalprograms@umbc.edu for UMBC-Shady Grove campus applications.
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