Program Overview

Program Overview

The MSISP program is a part-time program with primarily part-time working professionals as students. However, there are a limited number of full-time openings each year for qualified candidates.

Admissions

Prerequisites

There are no course or major requirements for admissions into the MSISP degree program. The program's interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to engage and educate professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines. Qualified applicants will demonstrate a substantial interest in understanding and improving the issues surrounding information security and privacy.

Admissions Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or proof of equivalent training at an institution outside the United States
• A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in upper division work (junior and senior-level courses) and in any graduate work completed
• Adequate undergraduate preparation (applicants with GPAs below 3.0 that have significant and relevant professional experience may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis
• Demonstration of career interests in the field of information security and privacy as evidenced in the applicant’s
• 3 affirming letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
• A statement of purpose describing (1) the applicant’s academic and professional experience, (2) the applicant’s interest in the MSISP program and how it aligns with their career goals and interests, and (3) why the candidate believes they are a good candidate for the MSISP program
• A professional resume or CV
• GRE or GMAT scores are not required, but an applicant may submit
• Application fee
• For international applications that are not from an exempted country, IELTS or TOEFL score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English
• Full-time international applicants should have a minimum of 3 years relevant professional experience.

Admissions Dates and Deadlines

• Enrollment for Fall 2025 closed. Enrollment for the Fall 2026 begins on October 1, 2025.
• Application deadlines for the Fall 2026 cohort are listed below.
  • Round 1:
    • Applications Due: January 16, 2026
    • Decision Date: February 16, 2026
  • Round 2:
    • Applications Due: April 17, 2026
    • Decision Date: May 15, 2026
  • Round 3:
    • Applications Due: June 2, 2026
    • Decision Date: June 15, 2026
• April is the final deadline for full-time international applicants.

Acceptance of Admission

If admitted to the program, a $1,000 deposit is required to reserve your space in the upcoming cohort. The deposit will be applied towards Fall tuition and is non-refundable.

International Admissions

• International students that wish to take the standard part-time program from their home country can take the entire program online--there is no requirement to visit the university or take any classes in-person.
• In addition to completing the prescribed graduate admissions process, international students applying to The University of Texas at Austin must submit either an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English.
  • TOEFL: 79 on the Internet-based test (iBT)
  • IELTS: An overall band of 6.5 on the Academic Examination
• International students intending to study in the U.S. under an F1 or J1 Visa are required to enroll in an additional 3-credit hour independent study course each semester (not including summer) in order to reach the full-time enrollment status required for the Visa.
• Full-time students studying on an F1 or J1 visa must attend ALL classes in-person.
• The tuition cost for full-time students is $70,000. Please note that health insurance fees—which are required for international students—and an international student support service fee are not included and will be billed separately.
• MSISP students are not eligible for TA, AI, GRA, AA, or A(G) appointments or departmental fellowships, nor for university financial aid, except federal guaranteed loans and some private sector loans.
• The MSISP program is STEM-designated, and full-time MSISP students are eligible to apply for OPT (12 months) and then for the 24-month STEM OPT extension at the end of their OPT period, provided that they have an employer/employment that meets the STEM eligibility requirements.