Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management

The Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management prepares students for leadership, managerial and domain-specific roles in Cybersecurity and for employment in managerial and operational positions that require quick analytical thinking, decision-making under uncertainty regarding critical resources, and domain-specific technical skills for managing secure operations. It is also expected to prepare students for information assurance positions that require secure management of data in information systems. Students can expect to gain expertise in information security controls, the regulatory environment, information risk management, and incident response.

Because this is a graduate-level major, to ensure that students possess the foundational knowledge for academic success, students admitted to this major are most likely to be successful if they have academic or work experience in the areas of information systems, programming, computer networks, algorithms, and data structures. 

Major Research Areas: 

Cyber, Cybersecurity, Cyber Security, Information Assurance, Information, Analytics, Intelligence, Computer, Network, IT, Software, Testing, Security, Analytic Communication, Data Communications, Information Security, Risk Management, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery. 

Admission Information

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

To be admitted to the major, students

• preferably should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, MIS, or IT,
• preferably should have a background in accounting information systems, database management, and systems analysis and design,

The following is required for application:

• A 250-500 word essay in which the student describes her or his 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
• Scores from the GRE General Test. Applicants with degrees from accredited U.S. universities, however, may request a waiver of the GRE requirement.

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