UMD Cybersecurity

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UMD MC2

Summary

The University of Maryland (UMD) offers a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity through its Maryland Cybersecurity Center (MC2), which provides undergraduate and graduate education, research, and community partnerships.

Key programs include the Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students (ACES), a living-learning honors program, and a Master’s Certificate in Engineering. UMD is also a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research, with research areas spanning technical, behavioral, and policy-related aspects of cybersecurity.

OnAir Post: UMD Cybersecurity

About

Gemini AI Overview

Education and programs

  • Undergraduate: The ACES program is an honors living-learning experience that includes an academic minor, research opportunities, and professional connections. Students can also pursue a specialization in cybersecurity within the Computer Science major.
  • Graduate: MC2 supports a Master’s Certificate in Electrical and Computer Engineering, along with graduate students in computer science and electrical and computer engineering programs.
  • UMD Global Campus (UMGC): Offers a separate online Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity Management & Policy and other online degrees, designed with industry input and career support. 

Research and initiatives

  • Interdisciplinary approach: MC2 focuses on “more-than-tech” solutions by bringing together experts from computer science, engineering, and other campus departments.
  • Key research areas: Includes a wide range of topics like blockchain, big data analytics, machine learning for cybersecurity, systems and network security, risk assessment, and supply chain security.
  • National recognition: UMD is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research by the NSA and a Center of Academic Excellence by the DHS.
  • Maryland Global Initiative for Cybersecurity (MaGIC): This initiative connects students, faculty, and partners from government and industry to collaborate on practical cybersecurity applications and research.
  • Research cybersecurity: The Division of Information Technology has a program to help researchers meet security requirements for their data and grants, including compliance with federal mandates. 

Community and partnerships

  • Industry and government collaboration: MaGIC actively works with corporate, government, and international partners to foster research and drive practical applications.
  • Internal partnerships: The MC2 center collaborates with departments across campus to establish broad cybersecurity initiatives. 

Source:

Gemini AI Deep Dive Overview

Education

UMD offers a variety of academic programs, from undergraduate to doctoral levels, that focus on both the technical and “more-than-tech” aspects of cybersecurity (including policy, economics, and behavior): 
  • Undergraduate: The university offers a specialization in cybersecurity within the computer science and computer engineering majors. A unique Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students (ACES) program, housed in the Honors College, is a living-learning program that provides an academic minor in cybersecurity to exceptional students from all majors.
  • Graduate: Master’s and doctoral programs in engineering, computer science, and computer engineering provide opportunities for specialization. A specific Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity program is offered in collaboration with the Maryland Cybersecurity Center and the A. James Clark School of Engineering.
  • UMGC: University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Cybersecurity Management & Policy and Cybersecurity Technology, as well as bootcamps and various graduate certificates, many of which help prepare students for industry certifications like CISSP and CEH. 

Research and Centers

UMD is home to several world-class research centers and groups that drive innovation in cybersecurity: 
  • Maryland Cybersecurity Center (MC2): The focal point for UMD’s cybersecurity efforts, it engages in research, education, and outreach, bringing together experts from diverse fields.
  • Maryland Global Initiative for Cybersecurity (MaGIC): Promotes and coordinates efforts across UMD to expand cyber education, research, and development activities, fostering cooperation with corporate and government partners.
  • Other Centers: UMD houses numerous other related centers, including the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM) and the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), that explore the policy, economic, and behavioral aspects of cybersecurity. 

Student Life and Resources

Students have access to valuable resources, including:
  • Cyber Competition Team: An award-winning team that competes in nationwide events, providing hands-on experience in a virtual security lab environment.
  • Strategic Location: UMD’s location just outside Washington, D.C., offers unique opportunities for collaboration, research, and internships with federal agencies and labs like the NSA, U.S. Cyber Command, and DARPA. 

Source: Gemini AI Deep Dive Overview – 11/11/2025

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