How to Apply

Autumn 2025 admission deadlines

Application now open

  • Priority (international and domestic): February 3, 2025
  • International: March 3, 2025
  • Domestic: May 1, 2025

The Cybersecurity Engineering master’s program enrolls new students for autumn quarter only. Applicants must submit all application materials by the deadline to be considered for admission.

Application Checklist

The application to the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering is submitted online via the Graduate School Application. All Application materials should be submitted online, and are due by the application deadline.

To learn more about the application process to the University of Washington, please read: Understanding the Application Process.

Select a checklist item to navigate for detailed instructions:

Please complete all components of the application checklist:

1. Application & Paid Fee

Complete the application to the UW Graduate School and pay the application fee. All applications must be completed online.

  • Create an applicant profile or log in to an existing applicant profile
  • Create a new application
  • Select your application type (choose from the drop down list: Graduate)
  • Select “Cybersecurity Engineering – School of STEM (Bothell) – MS” from the drop-down list of graduate programs
  • Complete application as directed

2. Unofficial Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded into the online application. Applicants will be asked to submit an official hardcopy transcript only if offered admission. Please do not send hardcopy transcript materials until you are asked to do so.

Applicants with degrees from outside the United States must upload detailed official mark sheets (front and back) and official documentation showing degree earned. It is encouraged to include the grading scale/scheme used if not already listed on the transcript. All documents must be in English, and be the official translation from the institution in which the degree(s) was earned.

3. Application Questions

Short Answer

The personal statement section consists of multiple short answer responses. In total, applicants should submit 3 short answers from the list provided. The first question will address ‘Why Bothell’, and the second and third questions are chosen from the 5 question prompts below. Each answer should be between 100 – 300 words.

Answers should reflect thoughtful consideration of the questions. Applicants are encouraged to view the School of STEM mission and goals for inspiration.

*Question 1. Why is UW Bothell and this program the best place for you to pursue your interests?

*This question is mandatory for all applicants.

Questions 2 & 3: Please choose any 2 questions out of the list below to write your short answer

  1. Give a specific example of a project or assignment you worked on as a team, including the challenges and outcomes.
  2. Describe an obstacle you’ve overcome or a time when you’ve prevailed over adversity. This may include examples from your academic work; community, or life experiences.
  3. Beyond your computer science background, please identify a non-CS academic area of interest or extracurricular activity you are passionate about. How can the activities and interests in this area influence your future work as a software or cybersecurity professional?
  4. What experience do you have working with diverse populations?
  5. Describe a time when you implemented a novel solution to a complicated problem.

Competencies

  1. Software engineering
  2. Data structures and algorithms
  3. High level object oriented programming skills, including the language used (ex. C++ and Java)
  4. Recommended: Networking

4. A Current Resume

Show relevant work experience in detail and include any information relevant to admission prerequisites.

5. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants should have 2 – 3 letters of recommendation. All recommendations are submitted electronically as part of the application process. Once a recommender has been designated in the application recommenders will automatically be sent an email from the University of Washington Graduate School with instructions on how to submit their letter of recommendation.

(Professional references may be substituted for academic ones if academic recommenders are unavailable.)

6. Research Essay (Writing Sample or Essay)

Please write a 300 – 1000 word essay on the following topic.

What areas of computer science research are you interested in? Describe the fit between your interests, and those of the faculty member(s) you identify. Please refer to CSS faculty pages. Robust research essays may include some of the following:

  • Your specific area of academic interest (research topic you want to work on)
  • Connect your area of interest to work being done in the program and your research goals (mention specific faculty members and their current research areas).
  • Refer to academic publications that have informed your interest (use correct citation as needed).
  • How your past education and other experiences have prepared you to be successful in graduate-level research
  • If you’ve conducted research in this area or a related field (academically or professionally) describe any challenges you have experienced with research and how you addressed them.

Applicants should browse faculty profiles and indicate in the application who they are interested in working with. Think about how your scholarly goals align with faculty work. No commitment from a supervisor prior to applying is necessary, and contacting faculty members is not needed.

7. Proficiency in English

Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington as outlined in Policy 3.2. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Proficiency for this program can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

  1. A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States where English is the medium of instruction.
  2. A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, or the United Kingdom and where English is the medium of instruction. While enrolled at the degree-granting school, the student must be in residence on campus.
  3. Official documentation from the applicant’s undergraduate degree-granting institution (if the institution is in a country other than those listed in #2 above) verifying that all instruction is in English. A minimum of three years of enrollment at the undergraduate institution is required. Documentation must be presented to the Graduate School; credential service reports are not acceptable. Acceptable documentation must be one of the following:
    • Official or attested letter from the undergraduate college, University Registrar, or Controller of Examinations office.
    • Official transcripts, attested mark sheets, or degree statements are also accepted if English is stated as the medium of instruction.
  4. Official English Language Test Score. The School of STEM Graduate Programs require the minimum scores listed:
    • 92 on the TOEFL iBT (sent via ETS to institution code 4854)
    • 7.0 on the Academic IELTS (sent via E-TRF to organization code 365)
    • 125 or higher on the Duolingo English Test (sent via Duolingo to University of Washington Graduate Admissions (Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma))

8. Scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) – Optional

Applicants may choose to submit scores on the GRE General Exam. No subject test is required. Official scores are sent electronically through ETS to Institution code 4854 (University of Washington). Mailed copies of score reports are not considered official and will not be accepted. Scores are valid five years from the testing date. We recommend scheduling the GRE early in the year in order to have scores arrive prior to the selected application deadline. There is no minimum score for the GRE.

Information for International Applicants

  • International applicants are those who currently hold or expect temporary U.S. Visas, including holders of H1-B, H-4 or any other non-immigrant classifications.
  • U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders or immigrants) are NOT considered international applicants.
  • International applicants may be required to submit additional documentation, including a statement of financial ability. View more details on additional requirements for International applicants.

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