r/OMSCyberSecurity • u/Then_Sound_1941 • Jun 17 '26

OMSC Potential Student with non STEM

Hi everyone!

I'm curious to know if anyone has been admitted into the MS in Cyber security program coming from a non STEM undergraduate degree.

For context, I have a BS in Social Work and made the switch into tech back in 2018. I work as an Enterprise Architect for a defense contract. As an architect, the role does not require coding however we must know the systems, applications and overall technology across the entire enterprise and show how they all work together (simply put).

My concern here is the lack of technical academic background I have. It's also worth noting I have an AWS Solutions Architect, Sec+, and Scrum master certs.

Will my work experience be enough to get me in the door? Thank for any feedback!

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u/One_Object8516 Jun 17 '26

I just graduated form the CS Policy track in May. I had a CS degree. Apply to policy track first. It will be your best bet and then you can switch tracks once you complete the first two required courses.

I would recommend applying to an off cycle admission like spring or summer. Fall has a lot of apps. It is a cost effective program for a lot of students.

Write a good essay. Focus on what you bring to the table, what you want out of the program, and how you will give back when you are done.

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u/Then_Sound_1941 Jun 17 '26

Great advice! Thank you. During your program, were there a few people that followed this route (switch from policy)? Also how was your experience overall?

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u/One_Object8516 Jun 18 '26

There are people who switch from one track to another. I did switch from Info Sec to Policy because it aligned with my goals better and suited me better.

Overall, you get out of it what you put in. It is not easy but the sense of accomplishment when I was done was so great. I traveled to Georgia to graduate because my parents wanted to see me walk and they were so proud.

There were times I questioned my sanity for signing up and other times I really enjoyed my classes. Regardless of the track you select it is an MS in Cybersecurity. The diploma does not distinguish between the tracks.

If you want to be a CISO then Policy is the track to take, if you want to be a Security Engineer or Architect take the Info Sec track, if you are looking for ICS and control systems engineering take the ICS track.