Your Path to Cybersecurity Leadership
The online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management prepares students for leadership, managerial and domain-specific roles in cybersecurity. Graduates are equipped with skills in analytical thinking, decision-making under uncertainty, expertise in secure operations, data protection, regulatory compliance, risk management, and incident response.
To support academic success, applicants should ideally have prior academic or professional experience in areas such as information systems, programming, networks, algorithms, and data structures.
Students are admitted to the program based on the evaluation of their application in its entirety.
Application Requirements
All candidates seeking admission to the Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management must submit the following:
- Online application and $30 application fee
- Bachelor’s degree with a 3.00 GPA
- GRE general test score (please note that applicants with degrees from accredited U.S. universities or four-year bachelor’s degree programs from foreign institutions may request a waiver of the GRE requirement if they have a 3.00 or greater GPA)
- Language proficiency scores (for international students only)
- An essay (between 250-500 words) that describes the student’s academic and professional background, reasons for pursuing this degree, and professional goals pertaining to cybersecurity
- Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which should come from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic performance and potential. If the applicant is unable to provide the letter from a former professor, with approval from the program’s admission coordinator, letters from other professional sources will be accepted
- Current Resume or CV
Preferred Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, MIS, or IT
- Background in accounting information systems, database management, and systems analysis and design
Additional details regarding admission requirements and application deadlines may be found in the graduate catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Scope
What kind of career paths does this program lead to?
What extracurricular opportunities are available for students in this program?
Cyber Florida, which is housed at USF, offers an array of online events throughout the year that are geared toward students. They also have a monthly podcast with cyber-focused speakers, along with newsletters, video blogs, Instagram, and press releases for general threat advisories and other important news.
Is this a STEM program?
What courses are taught in this program?
Program Format
Is this program on campus or online?
This program is 100% online with no face-to-face or on-campus classes. International students can complete this program from their own country without the need for a student visa.
How long is each course?
Each course is offered as an 8-week course. Because spring/fall semesters are 16 weeks, students can take two courses back-to-back in these semesters (or four courses—upon their availability—if taking two courses simultaneously).
How long is the entire program?
The entire program can be completed in two years. If you take more courses each semester, you can complete the program in one year—depending on the availability of the courses and the student's schedule.
What is the course order?
What is the practicum course?
Practicum is a three credit-hour applied learning experience. It is a requirement for all students in the program. It can be completed in the final semester of the program. The practicum experience is arranged and managed through the program director.
Admissions
What are the due dates to apply?
Who can help with the admissions process?
Please email bsn-grad@usf.edu to get help for admission to this program.
Can international students enroll in this program?
This program is 100% online and is not eligible for an F-1 visa. International students can take this program from their home country (or any other country). If an international person is in the United States on any other visa purpose, he or she can also enroll in the program.
Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity?
No but students should should have an undergraduate degree in computer scirence, computer engineering, MIS, or IT.
What does the admissions committee look for?
The admissions committee reviews each application for undergraduate transcripts, relevant work experience, two academic or professional letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose essay and relevant extracurricular involvement. The statement of purpose is viewed as a writing sample; no separate writing sample is necessary.
Do I need to take the TOEFL? What is the minimum TOEFL score?
The TOEFL exam may be waived under certain circumstances. Current information can be found at the graduate application requirements page.
Other
Contact Varol Kayhan with additional questions, however please:
- Review this FAQ document completely. If your question is addressed here, the program director will direct you here anyway.
- Follow the links for additional information from other departments at USF.
- Send questions to the appropriate department (the program director cannot help with specific questions about the online application, tuition, etc.).
- Contact bsn-grad@usf.edu for any application- or admission-related questions.