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Digital Forensics
Cyber Security
Cyber Security Professional Certificates
A Professional Certificate in Cyber Security is a department-issued certificate showing that students have completed approved coursework in Cyber Security. It involves acceptance to the professional certificate program and graded course work. It is designed for working professionals who wish to enroll in a focused set of classes, but do not currently have a four-year undergraduate degree.
The Professional Certificate in Cyber Security is designed to be done completely online so that professionals may fulfill the requirements for this degree from anywhere.
Necessary Background
The Professional Certificate program is not an entry level program, and is not recommended for students who do not have a strong background in working with computers and networks. The program assumes that students have an 'Net+' level of understanding of computer networks and how they work. However, it does not assume that students know anything about Cyber Security, and the program is designed to teach students everything they need to know about the different areas of Cyber Security. For more information on whether or not you meet the background requirements, or how to prepare for starting the program please visit this page.
Course Requirements
In order to complete a Professional Certificate in Cyber Security, students must complete 4 courses. Available courses are sorted into three course groups: Starting Core Courses, Mandatory Core Courses, and Concentration Courses.
Starting Core Course
The Starting Core course must be taken before students can take any additional courses. This courses can be taken in conjunction with CSF 430 - Introduction to Information Assurance, but can not be taken in conjunction with any other courses.
- CSF 432 - Network and Systems Security (Fall; 4 credits)
Mandatory Core Courses
The 'Mandatory Core' courses must be taken towards completion of the certificate program. These courses can be taken at any time during the program including before, after, or in conjunction with courses from the Starting Core Courses or Concentration Courses as long as all course prerequisites are met.
- CSF 430 - Introduction to Information Assurance (Fall; 4 credits)
- CSF 434 - Topics in Network and Systems Security (Spring; 4 credits)
Concentration Courses
Students must take one additional course from the Concentration Courses to complete their certificate program. These courses must be taken after completion of the Starting Core Courses, however can be taken in any order. Students can choose to take these courses before, after, or in conjunction with courses from the Mandatory Courses as long as all course prerequisites are met.
- CSF 524 - Advanced Incident Response (Fall; 4 credits)
- CSF 536 - Advanced Intrusion Detection and Defense (Spring; 4 credits)
- CSF 538 - Penetration Testing (Summer; 4 credits)
Sample Options and Completion Times
There are many options available for students to complete the Professional Certificate in Cyber Security, below are some sample options and how long they take to complete.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | CSF 430 & CSF 432 | CSF 434 | CSF 538 | 12 months | ||
| Option 2 | CSF 432 | CSF 434 | CSF 538 | CSF 430 | 16 months | |
| Option 3 | CSF 432 | CSF 434 | CSF 430 & CSF 524 | 16 months | ||
| Option 4 | CSF 432 | CSF 434 | CSF 430 | CSF 536 | 20 months | |
Program Requirements
Read more about the program requirements for the Cyber Security Professional Certificates.
Apply Now!
Our Graduate and Professional programs start in September. The deadline for applications is July 1st.
Industry Certifications
Our courses will help you prepare for standard industry certifications such as: Net+, Security+, SSCP, and CISSP.
