Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership

Applicants must provide evidence of the following:

• Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA
  • A degree in computer science or information technology is NOT required
• Demonstrate knowledge of computer network technologies and computer programming language(s).
• Technical proficiency in Networking. Documentation of such can be:
  • Education: An Introduction to Computer Networking course
  • Professional Experience and/or certification in an applicable credential (CISSP, CompTIA, or AWS).
• Technical proficiency in Programming. Documentation of such can be:
  • Education: Intro to programming course in Java, C#, C++, C, or Python
  • Relevant work experience in programming
• At least two (2) years of relevant full-time professional work experience in the technology industry and/or leadership roles. Military personnel are also eligible.
• Meet the minimum admission requirements for the Graduate School at the University of Washington, as detailed in Understanding the Application Process.

Applicants missing one or more prerequisites may be denied admission.

The MCL application is built into the UW Graduate School application. This allows applicants to share additional information about their education, training, and work experience. For more details, see SET Graduate Program Application Process.

Application items include: 

• Personal statement: Your personal statement should discuss your interest in cybersecurity and leadership.
• Resume: Please submit your most current resume online.
• Transcripts: Upload one transcript from each post-secondary school you have attended. The Graduate School will require an official transcript for degree verification after you have accepted an offer of admission.
• Coding Language & Networking Skills: Please describe where you acquired your knowledge of computer networking and programming. It might be from a college course, from work experience, or self-taught.

The GRE is not required for application! In the application, simply skip the "Self-report GRE" section. 

Our MCL degree is in high demand, so it is recommended that you submit your application as early as possible.

Our graduate advisors are here to help at every step of the application process. This includes:

• Resume review
• Personal statement review
• Transcript reviews
• Any support you need!

The Master's of Cybersecurity and Leadership is a STEM-designated graduate program (CIP 11.1003, DHS STEM list). 

F-1 visa students are eligible for 1 year of OPT plus the 2-year OPT-STEM extension. 

Please contact the International Student and Scholar Services Office (uwtiss@uw.edu) with questions about eligibility. 

Classes are offered once per week on Saturdays mornings and afternoons.

Substituting a course with independent study or research

Students may submit a Graduate Course Registration Form to be allowed to use TCSL 600 Independent Study or Research at UWT as a substitute for one of the 8 non-capstone required courses in the Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership (MCL) program. TCSL 600 requires students to work independently exploring specific cybersecurity and leadership topics in greater depth. Students must develop a research proposal and make arrangements with a faculty member to supervise the project prior to course registration.

MCL is a fee-based program; it has different processes for application, registration, and payment compared to UW's more common, tuition-based programs. To learn more about the policies, visit the Fee-Based Programs page and the related FAQ page.

NSF CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) 
Through a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant designed to strengthen the cadre of information assurance professionals who protect the government’s critical information infrastructure, SET is able to offer an annual stipend of $37,000 for graduate students interested in studying information assurance and cybersecurity.

CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) scholars receive support for one or three years, depending on their academic pathway.

To learn more, see CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service page.

MCL offers financial aid for the cost of two certificate programs. Both are excellent opportunities for MCL students to expand their cybersecurity knowledge and bolster their professional credentials.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). CISSP is a globally recognized organization in the field of information and cyber security. CISSP certification demonstrates a professional's ability to effectively design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program.
2. Foundations of Cybersecurity Analytics. Offered through the Milgard Center for Business Analytics at UW Tacoma. This is an entry-level series of live online short courses about critical industry topics like machine learning, risk management, digital forensics, and AI.

The College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) offer a Security specialty in the Ph.D. in Engineering degree program. Through this partnership between UCCS and UW Tacoma, you can obtain the most advanced degree in cybersecurity. 

Program Details:

• Complete your UW Tacoma Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership degree with at least a 3.3 GPA
• Accept Direct admission into the UCCS Ph.D. in Engineering with a concentration in Security
• Apply as many as 21 semester credits from UW Tacoma to the Ph.D.
• Students with CISSP and Research credits can take advantage of additional program waivers

For more details about the Ph.D. pathway, please contact: Dr. Yan Bai at yanb@uw.edu 

MCL graduates leave with a practical understanding of operational cybersecurity, including the principles of data protection, network security, and information assurance, as well as the skills to manage technical professionals and lead strategic change in their organization.

Communication Skills

MCL graduates are effective interdisciplinary communicators who can integrate the technical aspects of cybersecurity with the strategic and managerial concerns of their organization.

• Are fluent in concepts and terminology appropriate for a leader in cybersecurity
• Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing in professional settings

Risk Management Skills

Graduates are diagnostic problem-solvers who can evaluate the information security needs and design strong cybersecurity capabilities for their organizations.

• Use risk assessment concepts and methodologies to determine proactive measures in protecting organizations from critical data exposure
• Able to evaluate a major cybersecurity event, evaluate the business impact, determine risk posture and develop effective responses

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

Graduates are change-savvy managers who can effectively coordinate activities and lead individuals and teams.

• Understand how to launch and assess organizational change initiatives
• Understand how to effectively lead and manage teams
• Work effectively within an interdependent group to achieve common goals