Certificates+

Why Study Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field that impacts all aspects of government, business, and society, leading to a high demand for qualified professionals at every level.

UMBC’s graduate programs in Cybersecurity, located within the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, prepare students to excel in this dynamic industry. The Master of Science (M.S.) degree and graduate certificate programs emphasize hands-on training and theoretical knowledge, focusing on key areas such as cybersecurity strategy, policy, and operations. Graduates are well-equipped to address the challenges of modern information security, with flexible course formats available at both the Catonsville and Rockville campuses. With a strong network of industry professionals and access to various career development opportunities, students can build the skills necessary to thrive in diverse cybersecurity roles.

At a Glance

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What Are My Career Options Studying Cybersecurity?

Students are encouraged to select electives based on their individual interests or professional requirements in the discipline. The program is designed to equip you with the real-world skills that employers are looking for and can be tailored to your individual career goals.

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

UMBC works to provide students with adequate need-based funding.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Financial Aid Scholarships

Ready to Apply?

Review Master of Science in Cybersecurity Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Information Systems. 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.

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Beginning in Fall 2025, all required courses for Cybersecurity (CYBR) will be available in both online and on–campus formats. This flexibility allows students to complete their degree with fully online course options.

Important for International Students (F–1 Visa Holders):
Per federal regulations, F–1 visa students must maintain full–time enrollment by completing at least 6 of their required 9 credits per semester through in–person, on–campus courses. While online courses are an option, they cannot replace the required face–to–face coursework necessary to maintain visa status.

For more details on course registration and program structure, please contact our Admissions team at cyber@umbc.edu

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Application Requirements:

A 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
Statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program
Current resume
Recommendation letters (optional)
Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
GRE is not required.

Additional International Requirements: English proficiency testing (TOEFL/ IELTS) is required for international students.

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply by August 1

International Students:
Apply by May 19

Spring Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply by December 1

International Students:
Apply by October 1

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Contact Information

Cybersecurity Program Contacts

Main Contact

cyber@umbc.edu

Program Director - Main Campus

Richard Forno
410-455-3788
rforno@umbc.edu

Program Director - Shady Grove

Behnam Shariati
301-738-6019
shariati@umbc.edu

Shady Grove Contact

sgprofessionalprograms@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Cybersecurity Graduate Programs