Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy

For More Information

Campus address: UT Administration Building (UTA) 5.202, phone (512) 588-3511; campus mail code: C4300

Mailing address: The University of Texas at Austin, Center for Identity, 2501 Speedway, C4300, Austin TX 78712

E-mail: msisp@utexas.edu

URL: msisp.ischool.utexas.edu

Facilities for Graduate Work

Facilities for students in the School of Information include an Information Technology Laboratory, two computer classrooms, conservation and preservation laboratories, a video-editing suite, multimedia teaching stations in all classrooms, access to a usability and accessibility laboratory, an information retrieval and crowdsourcing lab, and a digital archeology lab, a computer vision lab, and a virtual reality lab. Students have access to advanced computer equipment and software for instructional and research use. Students receive a full-service Internet account and have access to various computer operating systems, such as Macintosh, Windows, and Linux.

Areas of Study

The Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy (MSISP) at the School of Information and the Center for Identity educates professionals who engage in information security and privacy at all levels of responsibility. The School of Information and the Center for Identity manage the program and cooperate in its planning and execution. The degree program offers a holistic, interdisciplinary curriculum ensuring that professionals from multiple market sectors, roles, and levels of responsibility acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective stewards of information. Graduates of the program will be leaders of technological, policy, legal, and societal initiatives to advance information security and privacy.

The 21-month executive program provides graduate education for professionals while they continue their careers, as well as others with an interest in information security and privacy. Classes meet on one Friday and Saturday each month for five semesters. Students complete a capstone Professional Experience and Project course integrating their experience and their coursework to complete a project of their choice under faculty supervision. Students may participate in classes on campus or via distance learning, using synchronous online technologies. All students are required to attend an orientation session before beginning their first semester.

The Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy (MSISP) uses the depth and breadth of expertise that exists both within the School of Information and academic units throughout The University of Texas at Austin in order to provide an interdisciplinary program that addresses all aspects of information security and privacy. Coursework includes courses in technology, law, public policy, communications, social and cultural perspectives on identity, and business. All courses required for program completion are offered in accordance with University policies that govern non-formula-funded (Option III) programs.

The following faculty members served on the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) in the spring 2023 semester.

Suzanne Barber Philip Doty Kenneth Robert Fleischmann

Matthew S McGlone Soo Young Rieh Huseyin Tanriverdi

Admission Requirements

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 MSISP program.

The MSISP program requires accepted applicants to submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit to secure enrollment in the program. This deposit is applied to Fall tuition.