Master’s in Science (M.S.) Cybersecurity
UMBC offers a Master’s of Science (M.S.) in cybersecurity for working professionals who wish to broaden their understanding of the technical, operational, social, and ethical aspects of the field. Students will be able to customize their degree to best fit their career needs. The 30-credit M.S. program can be completed within 2-3 years (part-time) and classes are offered primarily in a hybrid and/or online format. Students may enroll in the M.S. program either at UMBC’s Main Campus just south of Baltimore, MD or at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) campus in Montgomery County, MD.
Cybersecurity Track in the M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science
Students enrolled in the MS or Ph.D. program in computer science may elect to satisfy the Graduate Track in cybersecurity. For any student who satisfies the requirements, the registrar will add a notation on the student’s transcript certifying that the student has completed the track. The certification statement will read: “Satisfied the requirements of the Graduate Track in Cybersecurity at UMBC, which is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R).”
Each student must complete four graduate courses in cybersecurity, including CMSC-626 Computer Security, CMSC-687 Network Security, and two 600-level cybersecurity electives from an approved list of courses. Students completing a MS thesis or PhD dissertation enrolled in this track must involve significant cybersecurity content in their research.
Combined J.D. and M.S. in Cybersecurity
Maryland Carey Law and UMBC have partnered to prepare students for a diverse range of cybersecurity and legal careers. Through a sharing of elective credits and flexible scheduling, students can earn the Juris Doctor (JD) and the Master’s in Science in Cybersecurity degrees in less time and with less cost than would be required if each degree was completed separately. Up to 12 credits from Maryland Carey Law can be used to fulfill UMBC’s MS requirements and up to 9 credits from UMBC’s MS program can be used to complete the 85 credits for the JD. Students interested in the Dual Degree program must seperately apply and be accepted into both programs before beginning this dual degree program.
Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies: Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy
UMBC’s graduate certificate in Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy provides students the essential domain knowledge required to serve in decision-making roles throughout the cybersecurity industry. Students will learn how to analyze cybersecurity risks, develop appropriate protection & response options, and assess operational requirements for government, military, critical infrastructure, and commercial missions. Upon completing this cybersecurity certificate, students will possess advanced knowledge of the strategy, policy, and analytic aspects of cybersecurity, enabling them to fill critical roles in operational cybersecurity missions supporting both industrial and governmental entities. Students may enroll either at UMBC’s Main Campus just south of Baltimore, MD or at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) campus in Montgomery County, MD.
Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies: Cybersecurity Operations
UMBC’s graduate certificate in Cybersecurity Operations is oriented towards students seeking broad exposure to cybersecurity principles, best practices, and technologies, and can be completed in a year. This certificate includes three required cybersecurity courses and one student-selected exploratory elective on a cybersecurity topic of interest or professional relevance. The 12-credit certificate program can be completed in one year, and all four courses can be applied toward UMBC’s Master’s in Professional Studies: Cybersecurity degree. Students may enroll either at UMBC’s Main Campus just south of Baltimore, MD or at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) campus in Montgomery County, MD.
Other Graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) Opportunities
UMBC’s Departments of Information Systems, Physics, and School of Public Policy also offers academic programs where students can focus on innovative and interdisciplinary cybersecurity research questions.