Information Security and Privacy (MSISP)
Department website: https://msisp.ischool.utexas.edu/
This program, offered in partnership with the Center for Identity educates professionals who engage in information security and privacy at all levels of responsibility. The Department of Information and the Center for Identity manage the program and cooperate in its planning and execution. The degree 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.
This program 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. Curriculum 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.
Graduate Handbook
Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.
Admission
A student seeking to enter the program must complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States or proof of equivalent education at a foreign institution. Program applicants must submit an application for admission to The University of Texas at Austin Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies including:
- UT Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA) 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 OGA.
GRE test scores are not required for admission to the program.
The program requires accepted applicants to submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit to secure enrollment in the program. This deposit is applied to Fall tuition.
Total Hours Required: 30
Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | ||
| Program curriculum (may not be taken on the credit/no credit basis) | 27 | |
| ISP 388L | Professional Experience and Project ((taken in the final semester and overseen by a program faculty member; may be taken on the credit/no credit basis)) | 3 |
| All students in this program must also follow these requirements and policies: | ||
| Graduate Natural Sciences Requirements | ||
| Graduate University Requirements | ||
Additional Requirements and Policy
All students are required to attend an orientation session before beginning their first semester.
Applicants for degree candidacy are required to have an overall program grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00.