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Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Science in Security Technologies (MSST) enrolled its first class at the University of Minnesota and the College of Science and Engineering’s Technological Leadership Institute in June 2010. The following are some frequently asked questions about the MSST program.

• Who is this program for?

  Designed to develop security industry leaders and systems management professionals across a range of public and private enterprises, the 14-month MSST program takes a systemic approach to security, allowing students to specialize in either policy and management or a science and engineering discipline.

  The program generally attracts two types of students:

  • Recent graduates seeking a technical career in the design or manufacture of security systems and technologies.
  • Seasoned professionals with 5-10 years of work experience in a field where security and risk management and policy are becoming increasingly critical.
• Is this program unique?

  While not unique in the nation or even the region, this is the first graduate program in security technologies in the Midwest and its comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and systemic approach to the topic sets it apart from others. Students have the opportunity to learn the subject matter from a scientific perspective (encompassing cyber and information security as well as bio/food safety, security of our infrastructure, and emerging technologies) integrated with a "360 systems view" of the legal and policy ramifications, and human factors of security.

• What is the focus of the program? What is the curriculum?

  During the 14-month Master of Science Degree program, students follow a core-learning track, a synthesis of four key areas:

  • Security Methods and Foundations
  • Application Expertise
  • Systems Science
  • Social and Policy Dimensions

  Through elective courses, students also choose one of two learning tracks:

  • Security Systems Technologies (engineering/development)
  • Security and Risk Management (administration/policy)

  The program culminates with a Capstone Project, an independent applied investigation on a relevant issue in the area of Security Technologies or homeland security.

  The MSST program offers the flexibility to focus deeply to build expertise in one area of specialization (over a third out of the total 32 credits). The areas of focus include cyber security, food safety, public policy, and related sub areas in science, technology and social sciences, while gaining a comprehensive systems understanding.

• Who are the faculty members?

  Taught by an interdisciplinary senior faculty from science, business, ethics, public policy, engineering, law, public health, veterinary medicine and food safety, the courses build a foundation of leadership and management expertise.

• What are the admissions prerequisites?

  The MSST admission prerequisites include: a four-year undergraduate degree (i.e. baccalaureate-equivalent) degree from an accredited school, a 3.0 grade point average, evidence of interest and ability to work in the security technology field.

• When does the program start? When is the application due?

  The program starts summer semester only and the application is due 15 May 2012.

• What is the program cost?

  The cost of the MSST program is $1,060.00 per credit. The program is 32 credits and can be completed in 14 months.

• How do MSST students work full time and complete their master’s in 14 months?

  Classes are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. and an occasional Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The program’s structure includes formal study groups, small class size, and low student-to-faculty ratio.

• How much time per week do students spend studying?

  Depending on the courses, assignments, and each student, study time varies from 15 to 30 hours per week.

• Is the GRE or GMAT required?

  No, neither the GRE and GMAT are required. The director may suggest the GRE if the applicant’s undergraduate degree GPA falls below a 3.0.

• Are there fellowships and scholarships available through the MSST program?

  Currently the Technological Leadership Institute is not offering any fellowships or scholarships. Please check the Graduate Student Funding Resource for more information on how to finance your education.

• Can I transfer credits from another graduate program?

  Students admitted to the MSST program will be allowed to transfer up to 6 credits.  These credits must qualify as elective credits in the program.

• What kind of job opportunities will the MSST degree prepare me for?

  Virtually every crucial economic and social function depends on the safe, secure and reliable operation of our national infrastructures. Critical infrastructures such as energy and electric power, banking/finance, oil/gas/water pipelines, government/policy, transportation, food/agriculture, health services, manufacturing, and telecommunications information networks including Internet and digital systems rely increasingly on effective security.

  "Security is one of the fastest-growing professional careers worldwide.... The security industry in the U.S. is a $100 billion a year business and growing." (Career Opportunities in Security, ASIS International, 2005, p.3.)

  A July 24, 2008 e-mail from the Homeland Security Research Corporation entitled “The 10 Fastest Growing Homeland Security Market Sectors” noted, in part:

  “We forecast that the private sector will procure $28.5 Billion in HLS [Homeland Security] products and services from the HLS industry during 2007-2011. These markets are analyzed and segmented by industry sector (e.g. banking & finance, chemical & HAZMAT, energy, water) and products/services category procured (e.g. perimeter protection systems, cyber terror security, biometric systems).

  
  

  “We forecast that ten HLS industry sectors will each total over $8.5 Billion in revenues over the five-year period … (e.g. Airport Security, Port & Maritime Security, Information Technology, Perimeter & Border Protection, and Cyber-security).

  
  

  “We forecast that the revenues of ten HLS industry sectors will grow by 60% to 400% during 2007-2011… (e.g. RFID Systems, Nuclear Screening Portals, Communication Interoperability, Bio-Chem Agents Detection & Mitigation)…”

  Surveys and focus groups conducted by TLI in assessing the value of the MSST indicated that, in addition to the needs of the public sector, there is a need for more and better-trained individuals in security technologies in:

  • Large private security system manufacturers and sensor development companies
  • Audit and compliance companies
  • Sensor development companies
  • Financial institutions
  • Food production companies
  • Healthcare organizations
  • Defense Industry contractors
  • Security Consulting firms
  • Retail companies
  • Medical device manufacturers
  • Information providers

  Examples of companies in Minnesota that represent these sectors include: 3M, American Defense, ATK, BAE, Best Buy, Boston Scientific, Cargill, Ernst & Young, GE Security, General Dynamics, General Mills, Honeywell, MedNet, Medtronic, Minnesota Defense Alliance, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, St. Jude, Target, Thomson Reuters, United Healthcare Group, US Bank, Wakenhut, Wells Fargo.

• Is this program right for me? Can I apply for this summer?

  You are the best person to answer that question! For more information about the program or when and how to apply, or to RSVP for an upcoming MSST information session, contact Jenna Egan at (612) 624-4380 or tliss@umn.edu.