
Cybersecurity, Critical Infrastructure, Risk Management
In Person or Remote: Become a Next-Generation Security Leader with a Master of Science in Security Technologies
Cybersecurity and Risk Management
Few fields are growing faster or jobs more essential than ensuring the safety of our communities. Now more than ever, the world needs leaders trained to keep our communities safe in all 16 sectors of critical infrastructures, including cyber, physical and virtual security systems. The Technological Leadership Institute uses a holistic approach to train the next generation of security leaders with the critical skills and foresight needed to address real-world challenges as they arise through the Master of Science in Security Technologies (ST) degree program.
ST is specifically designed to teach security professionals to understand and design resilient systems in order to identify and mitigate issues related to inter-dependencies in critical infrastructure. This program provides students the skills and perspectives to identify weaknesses in response planning and to take actions that ensure an organization is ready and able to effectively cope with issues like cyber incidents and pandemics.
Investing in risk management and security mitigation requires an understanding of the whole system, not just the technical parts. ST applies business leadership understanding to security challenges that can ensure appropriate investments are made to secure an organization's future.
Application Deadline
Consider applying early and give yourself the best chance to join TLI's Master programs and be considered for a scholarship!
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Application Deadline
The priority deadline for admission and scholarship consideration is January 15, 2024. After January 15, 2024, TLI will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis. The final date to apply to our programs is July 15, 2024. Those who require a visa to complete the program are encouraged to apply as early as possible, preferably by the priority date.
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Technological Leadership Institute Merit-Based Scholarships
The Technological Leadership Institute has a limited number of merit-based scholarships. TLI automatically considers applicants for these scholarships based on their program application. Therefore, no special application is required for these scholarships. We encourage candidates to submit their applications for admission by January 15 for priority consideration for these funds. Applications received after the priority deadline will still be considered for scholarships if funding is still available, however, those applications submitted by the priority deadline will be given first consideration. If you receive a scholarship, you will be notified via your acceptance letter. Learn more about TLI scholarships, tuition, and fees here.
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How to Apply
In order to get started, you will need to create an online application. This will be used to submit all required documentation to apply to any of TLI's three degree programs, which are part of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. The link below will walk you through each section of the application.
Are You a Non-Degree Seeking Student?
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Strategic Leader

The ST degree program is designed to prepare engineers, scientists and other professionals to meet the rapidly growing needs of the security industry.
Qualified applicants, including new graduates and industry professionals, can fulfill the following admissions requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
- Demonstrated leadership potential or experience
- All students are required to consent to and successfully pass a background check in order to enroll in ST courses
*Applicants not meeting these criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis and are encouraged to provide additional information supporting the application.
In just 21 months, the ST degree program will give you the opportunity to confront and solve real-world challenges as you secure tomorrow’s critical infrastructure systems. Few degree programs are geared toward making our world a safer place, and the demand for professionals to fill security-related roles is at an all-time high.
Scholarships are available. Learn about requirements and deadlines.
ST graduates have advanced their careers by using essential skills and knowledge gained through the program.
READ MORE about how our students and alumni are driven to lead the growing security technologies industry.
Expert Faculty
The ST faculty roster includes many nationally renowned security experts, like Dr. Amy Kircher who leads the food safety component of the degree program. Watch the video to learn how Dr. Kircher's work is aiding the effort to protect America's food supply.
Security Asset

Whether you are a recent graduate seeking a technical career or a seasoned professional looking to gain additional expertise, the ST degree program will provide you with the necessary skills to move forward professionally:
- Work full time while completing your degree
- Cohort-based model with 30 students
- Class is scheduled 2-3 times a week in the evenings
- Take classes in-person or remotely
- Complete the program in just 21 months
View a complete list of degree courses by viewing the ST Curriculum. TLI also offers graduate minors in security technologies, and cybersecurity, with some of the minor courses open to non-degree seeking students.
Attend an Information Session
Learn more about the ST program by attending an information session.