Program Overview

Cybersecurity Advanced Certificate

Overview

Gain the fundamental knowledge and expertise in network security and forensics that is necessary for security in networked environments. In the advanced certificate in cybersecurity, you’ll learn to make computers and networks resistant to attack by monitoring intrusions and closing off vulnerabilities.

The application of forensics allows successful attacks on computer systems to be detected. This involves gathering information on the nature and extent of the attack for presentation in a court of law, as well as assessing the extent of the damage to an organization. Courses taken as part of this certificate can transfer into the MS in cybersecurity.

What is a Graduate Certificate?

A graduate certificate, also called an advanced certificate, is a selection of up to five graduate level courses in a particular area of study. It can serve as a stand-alone credential that provides expertise in a specific topic that enhances your professional knowledge base, or it can serve as the entry point to a master's degree. Some students complete an advanced certificate and apply those credit hours later toward a master's degree.

Curriculum

Cybersecurity, advanced certificate, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • Choose four of the following courses:
    • CSEC-603 | Enterprise Security
    • CSEC-730 | Advanced Computer Forensics
    • CSEC-733 | Information Security Risk Management
    • CSEC-742 | Computer System Security
    • CSEC-743 | Computer Viruses and Malicious Software
    • CSEC-744 | Network Security
  • Total Semester Credit Hours | 12

Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Cybersecurity Adv. Cert. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in computing security, computer science, software engineering, information technology, networking, computer engineering, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or computer engineering technology (exceptional students from other fields may be admitted on a contingent basis). A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit one letter of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE optional for Fall 2025 applicants. No minimum score requirement.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

• TOEFL | 88
• IELTS | 6.5
• PTE Academic | 61

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree.

Additional Information

Prerequisites

Applicants must satisfy prerequisite requirements in computing (computer networking theory and practice, and systems administration theory and practice).

Bridge Courses

Based on the evaluation of an applicant's academic and relevant experience, the graduate program director may require some applicants to complete a bridge course to fulfill any gaps in the required prerequisites needed for admission to the program. The bridge course, Introduction to Computing Security (CSEC-600), is not part of the 12 credit hours required for the advanced certificate.