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 regularly. Accomplishing these tasks requires professionals who are both technically proficient and conceptually knowledgeable about these issues and familiar with the constantly changing technology landscape. However, more important is the ability to apply these knowledge, skills, and abilities 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.
It is an exciting time for cybersecurity professionals in Maryland. In addition to many prominent government and commercial organizations already located here (such as the National Security Agency, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Legg Mason, Constellation Energy, among others) our local community now hosts the Defense Information Systems Agency and the US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) – two entities at the forefront of our national military cybersecurity and cyberspace activities. Of course, our convenient location inside the Baltimore-Washington corridor is an attractive venue to support the educational requirements of cybersecurity professionals working in the Maryland region.
As a leading technology research university, UMBC is engaged in a wide array of cybersecurity-related initiatives and research activities both within Maryland and across the country. I encourage you to explore our program offerings and contact us with any questions. Cybersecurity is a prominent and expanding industry in Maryland -- let UMBC help you become a successful part of that effort!
Cordially,
Richard F. Forno, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Director, Cybersecurity
A/Director, UMBC Center for Cybersecurity