Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity (2024)

For information on Georgia Tech’s institutional accreditation see gatech.edu/accreditation.

The Institute has been approved by the state of Georgia to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establish comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. SARA is overseen by a National Council and administered by four regional education compacts.

Information Security Track

• A Bachelor of Science from an accredited institution in Computer Scienceor Computer Engineering.*
• A good understanding of computer science fundamentals such as processor architectures, operating systems, and networking protocols.
• At least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in discrete mathematics.
• Strong programming skills.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

*Qualified applicants with other degrees and relevant work experience in cryptography, secure computer systems, and/or network security are also encouraged to apply.

Cyber-Physical SystemsTrack

• A Bachelor of Science from an accredited institution in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering.
• Basic familiarity with energy systems fundamentals and systems and controls is preferred.
• Strong programming skills.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

*Qualified applicants with degrees in related fields and relevant work experience in cyber-physical, power, and/or embedded systems are also encouraged to apply.

Policy Track

Technical backgrounds:

• A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in Engineering or Computer Science.
• Relevant experience in information system security management in a government, military or business setting.
• Two-to-three college-level courses in political science, law, public policy, economics, or international relations.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

Non-technical backgrounds*:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Business, Economics, International Relations, Political Science, or Public Policy. Pre-law or law degrees.
• Practical experience in information management and programming.
• At least one college-level course in computer science or programming.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

*Applicants who are accepted into the program, and lack a sufficient technical background, will be required to take a free online computer science courseto prepare for CS 6035.

View upcomingapplication deadlinesand more details about application requirements for each track: Information Security, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Policy.

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

• Official transcripts from each institution attended. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
• Lawful Presence Document (U.S. Citizens Only). Applicants must verify their lawful presence in the United States prior to enrollment.
• English Proficiency (International Students Only). Thelanguage of instruction at Georgia Tech is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum test scores and expectations are found on our International Applicants tab.
• References.Youwill initiate the process through the online application by entering the name and email addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to the recommender requesting a brief online recommendation. Please inform your references that they must submit the form for your application to be complete.
• Test Scores (Optional).Youmay choose to submit standardized test scores, most commonly GRE or GMAT. This is not required for admission into the program.

Program-Specific Questions/Materials

• Personal Statements.Describeyour specific career goals and objectives, the decision to pursue an advanced degree, and other information that may be useful to the admissions committee. 
• Professional Resume. Alisting of your professional experience and uploaded to the online application.

You can check the status of your admission online at theGeorgia Tech Graduate Studies website.

The courses are typically taught asynchronously, which means learners access and study content anytime, anywhere.

However, there may be synchronous virtual office hours with faculty and teaching assistants or for group project meetings, which students may need to attend in real time. These sessions are often recorded for later access.

Exams, in general, are open for a period of time, during which students take the exam in a shorter time period. For example, you would have two hours within a 48-hour period to take the exam.

View thecurrent tuition and fees.

At Georgia Tech, you are considered an international applicant if you are:

• Living outside of the United States and will require an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States,
• Living in the UnitedStates on a nonimmigrant visa,
• Going through the process of becoming a United States permanent resident,
• Living outside of the U.S. and planning to apply to an online master's degree program as a non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. permanent resident

Please review the Admissions Checklist for International Applicants provided by Graduate Education for specific information regarding the application process for international students.

Our program-specific accepted tests and minimum score requirement for admission are listed below. Please note that meeting Georgia Tech’s minimum score does not guarantee admission since some programs (such as this one) have higher score requirements.

• Official IELTS Academic test score (send scores to Georgia Institute of Technology, "Graduate")
  • IELTS ≥ 7.5 overall (with a minimum band score for Reading, Listening, and Speaking of 6.5; minimum band score for Writing is 6.0)
• Official internet based (iBT) TOEFL score (send scores to Georgia Institute of Technology, "Graduate", institute code 5248)
  • TOEFL iBT ≥ 100 overall (with each section also scoring 20 or higher)

We recommend that you achieve acceptable scores prior to submitting your application. Scores must be no more than two years old on the day you are scheduled to begin your graduate studies. Failure to satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement will impact our ability to review an application.

Additional information can be found on the English Language Proficiency page from Graduate Education.

The benefits of Georgia Tech's Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity are many, but some of the highlights include:

• Learning from the same comprehensive on-campus curriculum without interrupting your career.
• Flexibility to choose the number of courses to fit your schedule and complete your degree at your own pace.
• Earning a degree recognized worldwide, and from aU.S. News & World Reporttop 10-ranked university.