Director's Welcome

Welcome to UMBC’s Graduate Cybersecurity Program!

As the world continues to grow more interconnected and dependent on the Internet and other networked technologies, our ability to facilitate the security, stability, assurance, and resiliency of this critical information environment is challenged on a daily, if not hourly, basis.  Accomplishing these tasks requires professionals who are both technically proficient and conceptually knowledgeable about these challenges and familiar with the constantly changing technology landscape.  However, more important is the ability to apply those items in a manner that supports effective cybersecurity operations on behalf of government or commercial organizations.

The UMBC Graduate Cybersecurity Program reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the modern cybersecurity environment. Along with courses pertaining to cybersecurity topics, those pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity also are required to complete courses on organizational program management, leadership, and communication – all of which are necessary characteristics of the successful and effective cybersecurity practitioner in today’s workforce.  Then, depending on their respective needs or interests, students can focus their attention on technical or non-technical cybersecurity topics through courses taken from this program or elsewhere at UMBC. This approach ensures our graduates share a common understanding of the operational cybersecurity environment in addition to expanding their knowledge on specific cybersecurity interests.  By contrast, the graduate certificate program is a four-course program that focuses exclusively on cybersecurity issues and presumes students already are familiar with effective management, leadership, and operation within large organizations.  Moreover, to ensure that our curriculum remains relevant to the needs of our local cybersecurity workforce, we are supported by an active Advisory Board representing our local cybersecurity employers – many of whom look to hire our graduates!

It is an exciting time for cybersecurity professionals in Maryland.  In addition to many prominent government and commercial organizations already here, our local community soon will host the Defense Information Systems Agency and newly created US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) – two entities at the forefront of our national military cybersecurity and cyberspace activities. Our convenient location inside the Baltimore-Washington corridor is an attractive venue to support the educational requirements of current and future cybersecurity professionals working at these organizations and elsewhere in the region.

I encourage you to explore our program offerings and contact us with any questions. Cybersecurity is taking an expanded role in Maryland -- let UMBC help you become a successful part of that effort in support of our corporate and national security!

Cordially,

Richard F. Forno, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Director, Cybersecurity