Graduate Admissions

Ready to apply? Here’s how.

1

Make sure you meet the minimum program requirements.

• For all graduate programs (except the graduate certificate in software supply chain security), have at least 12 months of professional work experience in information security or information technology. For the graduate certificate in software supply chain security, have at least 12 months of experience in a technical role focused on scripting/programming, cloud-native tools, or web application development, and/or a cybersecurity role inclusive of software and cloud infrastructure.
  • Note that internships and fellowships do not count as professional work experience for our graduate programs. If your only work experience in information security, IT, software development, or coding is through an internship or fellowship, consider applying to our undergraduate certificate program in applied cybersecurity, which is for students of any age (18+) seeking to launch a cybersecurity career.
• Be employed or have current access to an organizational environment that allows you to apply the concepts and hands-on technical skills learned in our graduate programs.
  • If you are currently unemployed or not employed in the field, we may be able to consider waiving this requirement on a case-by-case basis. Please send the admissions team an email at info@sans.edu so we can discuss your situation with you
• Have earned a baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university, or equivalent international education, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.80

2

Complete your application form.

You can find the application form online at application.sans.edu/apply.

• If you don’t have a SANS account, follow the instructions to create one to access the application. Keep track of your password for future use of the SANS portal.
• Your application will be reviewed for admission after all supporting documents described below are submitted.
  

3

Have your school(s) send us official transcripts.

Submit official transcripts for all schools where a degree was conferred. To ensure you can meet your intended application deadline, we strongly recommend you start this process immediately.

All transcript submissions must be official, which means they must be sent directly from your prior school(s) to SANS.edu with no student contact involved.

Request to have your official transcripts emailed directly to transcripts@sans.edu.

If electronic delivery is not an option, please mail official, sealed copies to:

SANS Technology Institute
2093 Philadelphia Pike #4606
Claymont, DE 19703

IMPORTANT: If transcripts will be submitted from a college or university outside of the United States, please first review the requirements for international students.

 

4

Upload your application materials.

For applicants to all graduate programs, upload your resume.

Upload your resume online at application.sans.edu/apply. Highlight your current experience and showcase your career history. Provide details on your responsibilities in your current role and previous roles to help understand your experience in information technology/information security. Make sure to include all industry certifications and your educational background.

If you are applying to the master's degree program, you must also do the following:

Ask for a letter of recommendation.

• An employer recommendation is required to provide a candid viewpoint of an applicant’s personal characteristics, performance and experience, strengths, capabilities, and professional promise. The optimal recommendation is written by someone who has supervised your work, served as a mentor, or worked closely with you, and has been in a position to observe your performance. Through the application portal, you'll submit an electronic request and your recommender will receive an email with a form to complete.

Write your Goals and Outcomes Statement.

• Applicants to the master’s programs are required to submit one short essay. This essay will enable us to evaluate the match between your goals and skills and the type of graduate we seek to develop: a person who wants to design and implement security defenses in their organization, and has the technical proficiency, along with the team management, communication and persuasion skills, to be effective. More details can be found in the application overview PDF.

Submit your video presentation.

• Your video gives the Admissions Committee insight into the your oral presentation skills, especially your ability to communicate powerfully and convincingly. 
  
  Please record a 2-minute to 5-minute video in the application portal on the following prompt: 
  Tell us about a passion of yours or something that you do well (technical or nontechnical). Create a video that is somewhat educational. This can be a tutorial or a how-to video. 
  
  Video Requirements
  Professional recording equipment is not required. When you are ready to record your video, you will do so in the application portal under the Video Presentation checklist requirement. (You can only see the checklist after you submit the application form.) You will have 3 attempts to record your video within the platform.
  
  More details can be found in the application overview PDF.

5

Take our aptitude assessment.

All applicants to the SANS Technology Institute are required to complete a 2-hour online assessment which covers areas such as networking and operating systems, and measures general information security aptitude.

You can find a link to complete the aptitude assessment in the application portal after you submit your application form.

PRO TIP: We recommend taking the assessment when you have the full 2 hours to devote to it without being interrupted, since you will have only 1 attempt.

IMPORTANT: If you have previously completed an aptitude assessment with SANS as part of a prior application to SANS.edu or to a SANS Immersion Academy, please notify us at info@sans.edu. 

6

Submit your application fee.

Pay the non-refundable application fee of $35 for graduate certificate programs and $100 for the master’s degree program through our application portal.

Next Steps for Admitted Students

If you are admitted, you will receive a formal Offer of Admission and be asked to confirm your enrollment in the SANS Technology Institute.

New Student Orientation

We'll provide instructions for attending the mandatory New Student Orientation (NSO), where you’ll be introduced to our programs, resources and communications tools. You’ll also meet your student advisor, who will discuss your goals and give you personalized support throughout your studies at SANS.edu.

You'll need to complete New Student Orientation before you can register for your first course.