University of Maryland, Baltimore County

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with programming experience and relevant coursework in networks or security.

About This Program

This interdisciplinary program integrates technical and non-technical coursework to prepare professionals for leadership roles in the cybersecurity field.

Career Outcomes

Thrive as Cybersecurity Analyst in Cybersecurity AI with enterprise security expertise

• 1. Cybersecurity Analyst
• 2. Penetration Tester
• 3. Incident Response Specialist
• 4. Security Operations Center Analyst

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement secure network architectures and defenses against cyber threats.
• Apply cryptographic techniques to protect data and communications.
• Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
• Perform digital forensics and incident response in cyber investigations.

Curriculum Highlights

The ten-course program includes six core courses in cybersecurity operations and distributed systems, plus four tailored elective courses.

Top Employers

Top employers include Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, and government agencies like NSA and FBI.

Admissions

A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with programming experience and relevant coursework in networks or security.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
• GRE/GMAT: Optional
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)