Studying cybersecurity in the USA will give you the skills to design and analyse algorithms, computer architectures as well as advanced software programs. As a result of the increase in the demand for computer security, cybersecurity is one of the technology careers in demand. The United States is at the forefront of technology and has the relevant facilities and technology to impact the right knowledge in this field. As a result, most aspiring cybersecurity professionals prefer to study in the USA.
In this piece, I will walk you through the requirements that will guide you in your preparations for making applications to study cybersecurity in the USA.
Requirements for Studying Cybersecurity in the USA
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Complete your Higher Secondary Education
You need to complete your secondary education to be able to study cybersecurity in the USA. Furthermore, you must have a minimum of credits in subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Computer Science, and other science subjects. Additionally, your minimum score should be about 60% to 80%. However, some universities may have higher or lower requirements.
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English Language Proficiency
International students are required to take and pass an English language proficiency test for admission to most US universities. You can take tests such as the IELTS and TOEFL. Additionally, the minimum required scores vary depending on the university. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.0 – 7.0. Additionally, the minimum score for TOEFL is 90 – 100.
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Submit a Letter of Recommendation
You need to have at least two recommendation letters. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected.
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Personal Statement
You must submit a personal statement or essay outlining why you want to study cybersecurity in the USA. Additionally, you should explain what your career aspirations are, and how your academic and personal history has prepared them for this field of study.
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Submit your Academic Transcripts
You need to submit your academic transcripts while submitting your application. This should include all your previous education as well as all the grades and the courses. Additionally, your transcript should be written in English.
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Take Standardized Tests
Some universities might require you to take standardized tests such as ACT, and SAT. You need to make sure that you have a high score that meets the requirements for the university you are applying to. Therefore, you should verify from the university the required score that is required by the university
Requirements for Studying a Masters Degree in Cybersecurity in the USA.
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Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
You must have a bachelor’s degree before you can study master’s in cybersecurity in the USA. This bachelor’s degree must be a 4-year program from a recognized university. Your degree can be in computer engineering, management information systems, software engineering, industrial engineering, computer science or a related field. Additionally, you must have a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in your GPA.
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English Proficiency Test
You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. You can write tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. The minimum scores are 6.0 to 7.0 on the IELTS or 90–100 on the TOEFL.
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Submit Standardised Test Scores
Some universities in the USA may require you to submit test scores such as GMAT and GRE. The average required score for GMAT is 550 – 675. Additionally, the average required score for the GRE is 280 -330.
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Write a Statement of Purpose
You must write a statement of purpose explaining your qualifications, your plans as well and the reason why you are choosing to study cybersecurity in the USA. Additionally, this essay is usually 1-2 pages long. However, you should verify from your school of interest to know the required amount of words to write.
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Letters of Recommendation
You must submit at least three recommendation letters during your application. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected.
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Submit your CV
Your CV should contain all the relevant work experiences you have in this field. Additionally, you should include your skills and every research experience you have in this field.
How to Apply
You can apply to study cybersecurity in the USA by filling out an online application. Therefore, you need to visit the university’s website and fill out the online application. Additionally, you should make sure that you submit all the documents while filling out the online application.
Duration
The duration of studying cybersecurity in the USA depends on the degree you are applying to. The undergraduate degree takes about three to four years. Additionally, the postgraduate degree takes about one to two years.
Tuition Fee
Generally, the tuition fee for studying cybersecurity in the USA ranges between 18,000 – 50,000 USD per year. However, this may vary based on the degree and the university that you choose to study in. Additionally, international students pay higher than home students.
Universities in the USA that offer Cybersecurity
- New York University, New York City, New York
- Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
- Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Millersville University, Millersville, Pennsylvania
- Maryville University, St. Louis, Missouri
- Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut
- Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York
- Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
- Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
- Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts
- Pace University, New York City, New York
- Keiser University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri
- George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
- St. John’s University, New York City, New York
- Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
- Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas
- Robert Morris University, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
- The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Webster University, Webster Groves, Missouri
- The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
- Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Baylor University, Waco, Texas
- University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
- University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, Kentucky
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
In Conclusion, you need to prepare ahead before you make your application to study cybersecurity. Furthermore, you need to make your applications early enough before the deadline. Therefore, you need to be qualified to enable you to have a chance of getting admitted. Feel free to reach out for further inquiries or assistance.
Good luck!
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