Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Open to students of any major — now with an AI Specialization Track
Overview
The Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABM) program in Cybersecurity lets students from any undergraduate major earn URI’s Professional Science Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity (PSM) in just one extra year beyond their Bachelor’s Degree. Whether your background is Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Criminal Justice, Biology, or any other field, there is a path into the ABM for you. Students with strong CS backgrounds enter directly; students from non-technical majors complete URI’s OnRamp To Cybersecurity bridge program first to build the necessary foundation.
URI’s PSM in Cybersecurity is now offered in two tracks: the Standard Track covering core cybersecurity skills, and the new AI Track for students who want to specialize in machine learning security and AI-driven cyber defense. The ABM supports both tracks.
Students double-count up to 12 credits (three courses) from their undergraduate degree toward the PSM, reducing the total additional coursework needed to complete the Master’s. The exact courses that double-count depend on the student’s undergraduate background and chosen PSM track. Additional program requirements are listed on the Curriculum page.
Who Can Apply?
Students from any undergraduate major are welcome to apply for the ABM. The path into the program depends on your background:
Path 1 — CS or Technical Majors (Direct Entry)
Students currently enrolled at URI pursuing a B.A. or B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related technical field may apply directly. Applicants must:
- Have earned a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits
- Have at least a 3.0 GPA as a CS or technical major
- Have received a grade of B or better in CSC 211 – Computer Programming (or equivalent)
- Have received a grade of B or better in CSF 432 – Introduction to Network and Systems Security (or CSF 410 or CSF 430 with advisor approval)
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have completed a CSABM application in the GradCAS system
Path 2 — All Other Majors (OnRamp Entry)
Students with a Bachelor’s degree in any other field including Business, Criminal Justice, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, and more can enter the ABM by first completing URI’s OnRamp To Cybersecurity bridge program. OnRamp consists of three online undergraduate courses:
- Python programming
- System fundamentals for cybersecurity
- Introduction to Network and Systems Security (CSF 432) — this course counts as the first PSM course, so you are already building your Master’s degree credits during OnRamp
Acceptance into the OnRamp program provides conditional acceptance to the PSM. Upon successful completion of OnRamp, students may apply to the ABM program. The same 3.0 GPA and U.S. citizenship/residency requirements apply. Learn more: web.uri.edu/cs/academics/onramp/
Both Paths: Enrollment Milestone
Regardless of entry path, students may be formally enrolled in the ABM only after they have met Graduate School admission requirements and completed 90 undergraduate credits. Once accepted, students must earn a grade of B or better in two PSM curriculum courses prior to receiving their Bachelor’s Degree. Only 500-level courses and 400-level courses designated for graduate credit are eligible for double-counting.
NEW: ABM AI Track
Students completing URI’s CS AI Specialization (Machine Learning, Large Language Models, Neural Networks, Math for AI) have a direct pipeline into the ABM AI Track. Your undergraduate AI electives count as double-counted PSM courses, and your graduate year adds two new courses: CSF 592 Machine Learning Security and CSF 470 Applied AI for Cybersecurity. You graduate in five years with a CS degree, an AI specialization, and a Master’s in Cybersecurity.
Not a CS major?
Start with OnRamp. URI’s OnRamp To Cybersecurity bridge program is your entry point. Three online courses that are available each summer give you the technical foundation you need, and the third course counts directly toward your Master’s degree. You could be in your first PSM course before you even start the ABM. Learn more at web.uri.edu/cs/academics/onramp/