Cybersecurity Intelligence and Information Security

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity Intelligence and Information Security is an applied graduate major designed to develop information security/cybersecurity professionals who specialize in the intelligence function. The Major is grounded in an innovative STEM-based model for professional analytic education. Based on an integrated technical-analytic curriculum, the program includes a foundation of technical courses that address principles and practices for identifying, assessing, and managing threats to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization's informational assets; the role of cryptographic algorithms and systems in protecting against those threats; and, the technical and operational aspects of data/computer communication networks, including network management and security. Specialized cyber intelligence courses prepare graduates to collect on, and assess the intentions, capabilities, and activities of potential adversaries, malign actors, and insiders in the cyber domain. Cyber Intelligence helps organizations to understand their specific attack surfaces and move beyond a cybersecurity model of perimeter defense to a model that is more proactive by strategically aligning the defensive capabilities with the value/risk of specific company assets.

Major Research Areas: Cybersecurity, Cyber Intelligence, Cyber Operations, Intelligence Analysis, Cyber Analytics, Information Analytics, National Security

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

• GRE is not required
• 250-500 word essay describing academic and professional background, reasons for pursuing the degree, and professional goals pertaining to information security and cyber intelligence
• Current professional resume or CV
• 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.
• Technical foundation in computing that includes a fundamental knowledge of computer hardware and operating systems; an understanding of modern operating systems concepts and structure; knowledge of network protocols, architectures, and applications; an understanding of the principles of computational thinking and problem solving; and basic competency in an object-oriented programming language
  • The technical foundation can be acquired through academic coursework or substantial work experience. An undergraduate degree in a computing discipline such as information technology, cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, or information systems, will meet the technical foundation requirement. 
  • An online "bridge" option is available for students with a solid academic record, who do not have an undergraduate degree in a computing discipline or a sufficient technical foundation.
• The graduate admissions committee may request a video or phone admission interview or additional documentation, if necessary.
   

Each applicant to a graduate degree program at the University of South Florida is required to meet the following minimum requirements. Applicants should check with their program of interest to see if there are any additional application requirements (e.g. test scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and resume).

• The equivalent bachelor’s and/or graduate degrees from a foreign institution. Bachelor’s degrees from institutions in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) are considered equivalent based on the Bologna Accord. For applicants with a 3-year bachelor’s degree with less than 120 hours, from non-Bologna Accord institutions, a transcript evaluation from a NACES member is required to confirm equivalency.

• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in one of the following ways:
  • All completed undergraduate coursework
  • All completed graduate coursework

1. Submit Your Application

Complete the USF online application or the Common App application.

2. Pay Your Application Fee

Pay the nonrefundable, $30 application fee.

3. Submit Official Transcripts

Send original or certified copies of academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work to USF.

• Include a certified English translation for all documents not written in English. If you need assistance translating your documents into English, we recommend using the American Translators Association to find a certified translator.

• We can accept digital copies of these secondary and post-secondary school records emailed directly from an appropriate official at your school to [email protected]. Alternatively, mail your transcripts via post to:

University of South Florida
Office of Admissions
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SVC 1036
Tampa, FL 33620
United States 

If you have completed all 4 years of high school in the U.S., you will need to submit your coursework and grades via the Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) website. If you have attended any overseas high school, you will need to submit your official transcripts.

4. Submit Official SAT or ACT Scores

If you are submitting ACT scores, you are required to submit scores for the Writing section, per Florida Board of Governors requirements. 

• SAT Code for USF: 5828
• ACT Code for USF: 0761