Application deadline
Credits and costs
Learn to Prevent, Detect, and Neutralize Cyber Attacks
With an ever-expanding reliance on digital technology in many people's professional and personal lives, there is a sharp increase in the risk of cyber attacks on personal information, financial security, and physical safety. Skilled cybersecurity professionals are in demand now, more than ever before, to prevent the catastrophic damages that can be caused by cyber threats and cyber terrorism.
Who Should Apply?
The online MPS in Homeland Security - Cyber Threat Analytics and Prevention (CTAP) option, offered in partnership with Penn State Great Valley, is ideal for professionals who are either working in or would like to transition to a career in homeland security or cyber threat analysis and prevention. Individuals who are responsible for technical analysis and solutions to hacking, espionage, security, and counterterrorism over networks and the internet may be particularly interested in this program.
Penn State's MPS in Homeland Security - CTAP Curriculum
The course work in the MPS in Homeland Security - CTAP option can help you acquire a broad base of knowledge relevant to the current policies and programs of the homeland security administration. It can further provide you with a focus on preventing cyberattacks and understanding cyber laws, as well as addressing network vulnerabilities, system threats, and cyber terrorism. With this curriculum, you can build on your expertise in these key areas:
- social and ethical issues relating to homeland security
- domestic and global views of violence and terrorism
- data collection and analysis
- security and privacy in the digital age
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.
Courses
The Cyber Threat Analytics and Prevention (CTAP) option within the 33-credit online Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security program may help students acquire a broad base of knowledge relevant to the current policies and programs of the homeland and cybersecurity administration. The courses in the option help students focus on preventing cyberattacks and understanding cyber laws, as well as addressing network vulnerabilities, system threats, and cyber terrorism.
All students are required to complete the HLS Orientation (non-credit) as part of the HLS core curriculum before the end of their first semester. This orientation provides an overview of the HLS program and the field of homeland security.
Required Courses (9 credits)
Cyber Threat Analytics and Prevention Option Prescribed Courses (select 12 credits)
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or:
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Electives (select 9 credits)
Capstone Experience (3 credits)
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,017 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,203 per semester |
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,027 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,325 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all application materials, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.
Recommended deadlines:
Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis — please begin your application early. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
For current and future course registration deadlines, visit the Registrar's website to view the academic calendar by semester.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA and Test Scores — Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (3) — you will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.
Statement of Purpose — A statement of no more than 500 words explaining to the admissions committee how your professional experience and goals relate to the program to which you are applying. Your statement could include aspects such as the following: Your reasons for pursuing the degree; why you feel you are a good candidate for the program; and any information you would like the admissions committee to know about you personally and/or professionally.
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
- Choose "HOMELAND SECURITY" as the major
- Choose "MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (MPS)" as the degree
- Choose “CYBER THREAT ANALYTICS AND PREVENTION" as the option
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security — Cyber Threat Analytics and Prevention Option, offered in partnership with the Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies, please contact:
For questions about the program:
Robin G. Qiu, Ph.D.
Professor of Information Science
[email protected]
For general questions about Penn State World Campus:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]
Faculty
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Youakim Badr
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DegreeH.D.R., University of Lyon
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DegreePh.D., Computer Science, National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA-Lyon)
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DegreeM.S., Mathematical Modeling and Scientific Software Engineering, Francophone University Agency
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DegreeM.S., Computer Science, Lebanese University
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DegreeB.S., Computer Science, Lebanese University
Dr. Youakim Badr, professor of data analytics, teaches courses in analytics programming, analytics systems design, data mining and predictive analytics. His research interests include smart service computing, IoT, information security, big data, machine learning, and built-in analytics. Dr. Badr is a professional member of IEEE, a lifetime member of ACM, and associate member of the ACM special interest group on knowledge discovery and data mining (SIGKDD).
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Adrian S. Barb
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DegreePh.D., Computer Science, University of Missouri
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DegreeMBA, Finance and Management Information Systems, University of Missouri
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DegreeB.S., Industrial Engineering, University of Bucharest
Dr. Adrian S. Barb, associate professor of information science, teaches databases, data mining, and big data courses. He has worked as a database programmer analyst as well as a web developer at University of Missouri. His research interests include data mining, knowledge discovery in databases, knowledge representation and exchange in content-based retrieval systems, semantic modeling and retrieval, conceptual change, ontology integration, and expert-in-the-loop knowledge generation and exchange.
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Joanna F. DeFranco
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DegreePh.D., Computer and Information Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology
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DegreeM.S., Computer Engineering, Villanova University
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DegreeB.S., Electrical Engineering and Math, Penn State
Dr. Joanna F. DeFranco is an assistant professor of software engineering. She has worked as an electronics engineer for the Navy and as a software engineer at Motorola. Her research interests include software engineering teams, effective teamwork, Internet of Things, and software-intensive critical systems.
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Robin G. Qiu
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DegreePh.D., Industrial Engineering, Penn State
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DegreePh.D., (Minor), Computer Science, Penn State
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DegreeM.S., Numerical Control, Beijing Institute of Technology, China
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DegreeB.S., Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, China
Dr. Robin G. Qiu is a professor of information science at Penn State. He teaches courses on data analytics, information science, software engineering, and cyber security. Dr. Qiu's research includes smart service systems, IoT, big data, data/business analytics, information systems and integration, supply chain and industrial systems, and analytics. He served as the editor-in-chief of INFORMS Service Science. He is an associate editor of IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics and IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, and has more than 160 publications.
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Raghvinder S. Sangwan
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DegreePh.D., Computer and Information Sciences, Temple University
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DegreeM.S., Computer Science, West Chester University
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DegreeB.S., Genetics and Plant Breeding, Haryana Agricultural University
Dr. Raghvinder S. Sangwan is a professor of software engineering. His teaching and research involve analysis, design, and development of software-intensive systems and their architecture, and automatic/semi-automatic approaches to assessment of their design and code complexity. He actively consults for Siemens Corporate Technology in Princeton, New Jersey, and holds a visiting scientist appointment at the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a senior member of the IEEE and ACM.
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Satish Srinivasan
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DegreePh.D., Information Technology, University of Nebraska at Omaha
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DegreeM.S., Industrial Engineering and Management, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
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DegreeB.S., Information Technology, Bharathidasan University
Dr. Satish Srinivasan is an associate professor of information science in the engineering division at Penn State Great Valley. He teaches courses related to database design, data mining, data collection and cleaning, design and implementation of predictive analytics system, network and web securities, and business process management. His research interests include social network analysis, data mining, machine learning, big data and predictive analytics, and bioinformatics.
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