Certificates+

Why Earn Your Certificate in Cybersecurity Operations?

Cybersecurity is a dynamic industry that is constantly changing, and has grown to impact all aspects of government, business, and society.

The cybersecurity operations certificate pathway includes three required cybersecurity courses and one student-selected exploratory elective on a cybersecurity topic of interest or professional relevance.
The program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals and can be completed in just one year of full-time study.

At a Glance

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What Are My Career Options Studying Cybersecurity Operations?

Qualified cybersecurity professionals are in high demand at all levels, from technologists and warriors to managers, directors, and cybersecurity leaders. UMBC’s certificate programs in cybersecurity will prepare you to excel in this rapidly growing field. Earn the certificate by itself, or use it as a stepping stone to a cybersecurity master’s degree.

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 Cybersecurity Operations Certificate 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.

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 1

Spring Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply by December 1

International Students:
Apply by October 1

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Contact Information

Cybersecurity Operations 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