International Student Admission Requirements

There are no specific constraints on the type of undergraduate degree required for this certificate. In general, applicants should understand the basic concepts and operation of the Internet, networked information systems, and have a basic familiarity with information security concepts and/or practices. These general requirements usually can be satisfied with one or more courses in related areas or through documented professional experience. Those with a background in computer science or information systems, or those with significant professional experience in the IT industry, are encouraged to apply.

• GRE scores are not required for admission
• 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).
• Current resume
• Statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program. This 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.
• Official transcripts are required.
• International students who earned a degree outside of the U.S. are required to submit English proficiency scores.
  • TOEFL score requirements: 597 (Written), 247 (computerized), 99 (iBT). Scores must be less than 2 years old.
  • iBT Score Breakdown: Writing (23), Listening (23), Reading (25), Speaking (28, 23 acceptable if have 2 years’ work experience in supervisory or managment position in the U.S.)
  • IELTS Score:  Minimum score of 7.5 required

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Application Process

All international applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time to receive all the necessary documents and to process and assess the application.

International applications are accepted for the fall and spring semester. We encourage all international applicants to send in their documents at least six months prior to the start of the semester for which they are applying. To apply, complete a Graduate Degree Application and use program name: Cybersecurity (MPS)

1. Apply online
   • Select proposed program Cybersecurity  >> Cybersecurity (MPS)
   • Submit your statement of goals as an attachment in the “Academic Goals and Research Interests” section
   • Recommendations are optional. Please put N/A in these fields if you choose not to enter names of references.
   • Complete residency information
2. 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.
3. Submit resume as an attachment in the “Additional Admissions Documents” section or submit to gradschool@umbc.edu 
4. Request for TOEFL scores to be sent by ETS to UMBC (code 5835)

All documents should be mailed to:

UMBC Graduate School, M.P.S. Cybersecurity
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250 U.S.A.

Your application packet should include the following documents:

• Completed graduate degree application (including residency form). Use program code PRST-CYBR.
• Two letters of recommendation (optional)
• Personal statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations of the program. Statement should include applicant’s background, qualifications, career experience, and any additional pertinent information.
• Current resume
• Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
• TOEFL scores forwarded to UMBC by ETS – UMBC’s institutional code is 5835
• Application fee ($50 if apply online / $70 if apply by mail)

Please note: All international students are required to submit TOEFL scores unless you attended a university in an English-speaking country or hold an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution. IELTS or PTE are accepted in substitution for TOEFL scores.

Obtaining Immigration Documents

If you intend to apply for an F-1 visa and require an I-20 from UMBC, please include the following additional documents with your application.

• Copy of valid passport
• Certified bank statement or bank verification letter from financial sponsor showing a minimum of $29,000 (USD) in available funds.
• Letter from financial sponsor stating they will be responsible for all living expenses and school-related expenses for the duration of your stay at UMBC.

Send these documents after receipt admission acceptance. Note: I-20 is processed after formal acceptance into the program.

All immigration related questions should be addressed to International Education Services by phone at (410) 455-2624 or by e-mail, ies@umbc.edu.

Financial Aid/Tuition/Assistantships

• The program does not offer financial aid or graduate assistantships.
• Tuition information: Helpful hints about tuition and paying your bill: here
• Student Business Services: Billing, tuition, fees, payment options: here

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