Requirements
Cybersecurity (DSc)
- Master’s degree in information assurance, computer science, information technology or related field from a regionally accredited college or university
- Minimum of three to five years of directly related work experience
- Two letters of recommendation
All Doctoral Programs
- Master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university
- A resume showing a minimum of 3-5 years of directly related work experience
- Two letters of recommendation
Technology Combination Program (MS/Ph.D.)
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university
- A resume showing related work experience
- Two letters of recommendation
Doctoral Application Deadlines
| Start |
Application Deadline |
| Fall |
Aug. 15 (classes start early Sept.) |
| Spring |
Dec. 22 (classes start early Jan.) |
| Summer |
April 20 (classes start Early May) |
Once an applicant’s file is complete, it will be sent to the Admissions Committee for review. Applicant qualifications will be reviewed individually, and an interview may be required. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status via email.
Eligibility for Alternative Admissions Pathway Review
Applicants who do not meet standard admissions criteria (e.g., specific prerequisite work experience) may undergo consideration through an alternative admissions review.
Eligibility requires:
- A completed application for admission
- A denial of admission based on standard admission criteria for relevant work experience or minimum GPA of prior degree
- Additional submitted evidence of relevant academic, professional, or experiential learning to supplement missing work experience
Approval to proceed with Alternative Admissions Pathway submission is granted by the Dean of Graduate School or designee.
Review Requirements
All alternative admissions pathway reviews must include:
- A current curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
- A statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals (admissions essay)
- A reflective narrative describing prior learning or experience and its relevance to the intended program
- Supporting documentation (e.g., certifications, publications, projects, professional work products)
- At least two letters of recommendation
Graduate School Review Expectations
Alternative Admissions Pathways for Master’s or Doctoral applicants must demonstrate readiness for graduate-level study and applied or theoretical engagement within the discipline.
Examples of acceptable evidence include:
- Professional work products demonstrating applied knowledge
- Research papers, reports, or technical documentation
- Evidence of leadership or progressive responsibility in a relevant field
- Certifications or continuing education aligned with the discipline
- Published or unpublished research (articles, white papers, theses)
- Conference presentations or professional speaking engagements
- Evidence of advanced leadership, policy development, or innovation
- Significant professional accomplishments demonstrating subject matter expertise
- Prior graduate-level academic work
Evaluation Criteria:
- Demonstrated foundational knowledge in the discipline
- Critical thinking and problem-solving ability
- Written communication skills appropriate for graduate study
- Alignment between professional experience and program outcomes
- Capacity for success in a structured academic environment
- Evidence of advanced theoretical and/or research knowledge
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, original inquiry
- Scholarly writing and communication at a doctoral level
- Leadership and contribution to the field or discipline
- Clear alignment with doctoral program expectations, including research focus
Decision Outcomes
Applicants may receive one of the following decisions:
- Admit (full admission)
- Conditional Admit (e.g., pending completion of prerequisite degree)
- Admission Denial
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