Program Description

Cyber threats and attacks are increasing in frequency and severity. The MS degree in Cyber Security, Technology and Policy provides the opportunity for both students with prior computer science experience and those coming from nontechnical backgrounds to learn strategic, policy and analytic aspects of cybersecurity. In addition to courses in informational systems, computer science and cognitive psychology, this program provides public policy courses regarding privacy, ethics, data security and regulations, in relation to cybersecurity.

Career Opportunities

Our interdisciplinary degree is intended for individuals who will systematically analyze cybersecurity and technologies issues, implementation and analysis, within an interdisciplinary and strategic approach, and according to the mission of the organization. Graduates will be prepared for managerial and analyst positions in a wide array of professional settings in the public and private sectors, specifically as security, intelligence, or cybersecurity analysts or managers.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Additional Information

Students must complete 36 credit hours to earn a Master of Science in Cyber Security, Technology and Policy. This includes:

• 12 semester credit hours of the cybersecurity computer science core
• 12 semester credit hours of the cybersecurity public policy core
• 6 semester credit hours of the cybersecurity management informational systems core
• 3 semester credit hours of cybersecurity cognitive psychology essentials core
• 3 semester credit hours of cybersecurity capstone

Students who meet the individual course prerequisites for the cybersecurity systems computer science graduate classes may petition the computer science director of graduate studies to substitute those courses. Detailed information is available at epps.utdallas.edu.

For complete admission and degree requirements, view the Graduate Catalog at catalog.utdallas.edu.

About the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Every new generation inherits a world more complex than that of its predecessors, which prompts a need for new thinking about public policies that impact people’s daily lives. In the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS), we examine the implications of innovation and change for individuals and communities. The social sciences are where the world turns to for answers to the important issues of today and the future such as education and health policy, financial crises, globalization, policing, political polarization, public management, terrorism, and the application of geographical information sciences to study social, economic and environmental issues.

As an undergraduate in EPPS, you will have the opportunity to work with professors who are probing issues that will affect your future. You will develop the vital skills you need to thrive in a rapidly evolving, highly competitive job market. EPPS will prepare you for careers in government, non-profits and the private sector that enable you to make a real difference in the world of today and tomorrow. EPPS is at the forefront of leadership, ethics and innovation in the public and nonprofit sectors. Our students and faculty look forward to new opportunities to study and address the complex and evolving issues of the future. Research informs much of the instruction. The school has four centers of excellence:

• Center for Global Collective Action
• Texas Schools Project
• Institute for Urban Policy Research
• The Negotiations Center

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts: Criminology, economics, geospatial information sciences, international political economy, political science, public affairs, public health, public policy, sociology

Master of Science: Applied sociology, criminology, economics, geospatial information sciences, international political economy, social data analytics and research

Master of Arts: Political science

Master of Public Affairs: Public affairs

Master of Public Policy: Public policy

Doctor of Philosophy: Criminology, economics, geospatial information sciences, political science, public affairs, public policy and political economy

Certificates

EPPS offers the following 15-hour graduate certificates, which generally can be completed in one year of part-time evening classes:

• Economic and Demographic Data Analysis: focusing on the understanding and application of quantitative analysis of demographic and economic data.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): focusing on the application of GIS in government, private sector and scientific areas.
• Geospatial Intelligence: focusing on the application of geospatial ideas and techniques to national security and other intelligence activity.
• Local Government Management: designed to broaden knowledge of important issues and approaches employed by professional local public administrators.
• Nonprofit Management: designed to provide an overview of the nature and context of nonprofit organizations and develop competencies needed by nonprofit managers.
• Program Evaluation: designed to provide students the opportunity to gain competencies in the design and implementation of program evaluations in fields such as education, health care, human services, criminal justice and economic development.
• Remote Sensing: focusing on remote sensing and digital image processing.