This is an archived copy of the 2020-21 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.utexas.edu/.

Admission and Degree Requirements

Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy

A student seeking to enter the Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy (MSISP) program must complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States or proof of equivalent education at a foreign institution.  MSISP applicants must submit an application for admission to The University of Texas at Austin Graduate School including:

  • UT Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) Application for admission and Admission Fee. The electronic application is available here.
  • One official transcript from each college or university attended.
  • Satisfactory letters of reference from three persons attesting to the applicant’s scholarly ability, character, and professional promise.
  • Résumé/CV.
  • Personal Statement addressing how the MS ISP program aligns with their intellectual, educational, and career pursuits. If the applicant wishes any special consideration of their past academic, personal, or career experiences, their statement of purpose is an appropriate place to make those requests.
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students only) International Students must submit official test results from either the TOEFL or IELTS exams, according to the guidelines provided by GIAC.

GRE test scores are not required for admission to the MS ISP program.

Students in the MSISP program must complete 30 hours of required coursework, including a three-hour Professional Experience and Project (PEP) course, under Information Security and Privacy 388L.  The PEP Information Security and Privacy 388L will be undertaken during the student’s final semester in the program and overseen by an Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy faculty member.

Applicants for MSISP degree candidacy are required to have an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 in their MSISP coursework.  Information Security and Privacy courses to be listed on the program of work for the MSISP degree may not be taken on the credit/no credit basis, with the exception of Information Security and Privacy 388L.2