Eligibility/Admissions and Program Requirements

Eligibility

Applicants will be evaluated based on academic transcripts, awarded degrees, letters of recommendation, and comprehensive statements of career goals and objectives. The specific criteria include:

  • A 3.0 minimum GPA in their undergraduate studies or 3.5 minimum GPA as a student currently enrolled in the MS Cybersecurity, MS Computer Science, or MS Data Science programs (and have not completed more than 15 credit hours of MS coursework.)
  • Demonstration of legitimate interest in, and commitment to, pursuing IA-related careers after graduation.
  • Compliance with all program requirements, including US citizenship or permanent residence and eligibility for obtaining a US Government security clearance.
  • Documented interest in, and dedication to, public service.
  • Strength and resiliency of professional character to be gleaned through an interview (held either in person or remotely via a VoIP session).

The eligible candidates can apply directly to any of the three MS programs at UAB, but should note that they are interested in the UAB SFS program in their statement of career goals and objectives.

Program Requirements

The student enrolled in the UAB SFS program will have to complete the following requirements:

  1. Be enrolled in one of the three Master’s programs at the Department of Computer Science (MS in Cyber Security, MS in Computer Science, MS in Data Science).
  2. As part of the MS degree, complete the SFS related coursework. This includes 30 hours of SFS curriculum, 1 hour of directed reading, and 3 hours of practical training (internship) as shown below.
  3. The Core curriculum includes four cyber security and AI courses, 3 hours of practical work experience (internship) at an approved federal, state, local, or tribal agency, and 1 hour of directed reading and research under an SFS faculty member. Note that the five courses in the SFS core curriculum will also satisfy the UAB Cyber Security Analytics certificate.
  4. Complete a summer internship at a federal, state, local or tribal government.
  5. Commit to working work for a federal, state, local or tribal government organization in a position related to cybersecurity for a period equal to the length of the scholarship after graduation.
  6. Actively participate in other SFS program activities as directed by the UAB SFS program director.