Cybersecurity (graduate certificate)

Program Overview

This eight-month graduate certificate program equips students with the skills to secure network technologies, computing hardware, and operating systems. Through hands-on labs, case studies, and industry-connected professors, students develop expertise in identifying threats, implementing safeguards, and conducting security audits. Graduates are prepared for high-demand careers in cybersecurity, including roles such as security architect, information security administrator, and penetration tester.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Overview: This eight-month, full-time graduate certificate program provides students with the security background needed in network technologies, computing hardware, operating systems and protocols to harden and further secure such systems from attack.
Students develop, evaluate and support information technology (IT) security solutions by creating cost-effective and secure computing environments that will safeguard networked computer systems, including both on-premise and cloud-based systems. This program helps students become skilled in formulating and organizing security policies and procedures to protect corporate information assets including legal, regulatory and governance issues and teaches how to detect various hacking and penetration attacks. Students also learn from leaders and industry-connected professors in industry-standard labs.
• Program Objectives: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
• Identify business assets in need of protection.
• Implement appropriate safeguards to protect businesses.
• Measure the effectiveness of the protection and safeguard methods used.
• Implement vulnerability and remediation of threat vectors.
• Learn detailed, practical aspects of security such as risk analysis, vulnerability testing, writing security policies, implementing access controls and performing security audits.
• Emphasis will be placed on interpersonal, organizational, technical, communication and troubleshooting skills applied to enhance the effective implementation of information systems.

Outline:

• Course Schedule:
• Semester 1:
• Cybersecurity Careers and The Digital Portfolio (CYSC 1100)
• Network Systems and Components (INFT 1100)
• Wireless Network Security (INFT 1101)
• Information Security (INFT 1102)
• Operating System Security (INFT 1103)
• Law and Ethics In Forensic Investigations (LAWW 1201)
• Business Processes and Security Policy (MGMT 1100)
• Semester 2:
• Computer Forensics (INFT 1200)
• Hacking and Exploits (INFT 1201)
• Network Monitoring and Penetration Testing (INFT 1202)
• Access Controls (INFT 1203)
• Special Topics In Cybersecurity (INFT 1204)
• Incident Handling and Response (MGMT 1212)
• Security Auditing and Governance (MGMT 1216)

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Assignments
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Projects
• Presentations
• Participation

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program is delivered through a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Labs
• Workshops
• Guest speakers
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their field.
• Unique Approaches: The program includes a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, such as:
• Hands-on learning in industry-standard labs
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Guest speakers from the industry

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of careers in the field of cybersecurity, including:
• Chief information security officer
• Security architect
• Information security administrator
• Network and systems security analyst
• Security auditor
• Penetration tester
• Computer forensics analyst
• Threat-risk/vulnerability specialist
• Career Outcomes: Graduates of the program will be in high demand in the job market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for information security analysts is expected to grow 31% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.