Cybersecurity Certificate

Program Overview

This 6-course certificate program in Cybersecurity provides foundational knowledge in IT, operating systems, networking, and cybersecurity principles. It prepares individuals for entry-level cybersecurity roles or further education in associate or bachelor's degree programs. The program emphasizes problem-solving, cyber defense strategies, and legal and ethical considerations in cybersecurity.

Program Outline

Outline:

Certificate in Cybersecurity Program Overview

This 6-course, accredited certificate program can help prepare you for an entry-level position in cybersecurity or get you started on your way to an associate or bachelor’s degree like SNHU's AS or BS in Cybersecurity programs.

What You'll Learn

• IT roles, tech tools and software basics
• Operating system fundamentals
• Hardware-software interactions
• How to design a simple network
• Problem-solving through systems thinking
• Tactics and strategies of cyber attackers
• Legal, ethical and defense strategies

Courses & Curriculum

The cybersecurity certificate is designed to stack into SNHU’s AS in Cybersecurity and BS in Cybersecurity degree programs. Courses May Include:

• IT 200: Fundamentals of Information Technology
• IT 202: Computer Operating Systems
• IT 212: Introduction to Computer Networks
• CYB 200: Cybersecurity Foundations

Careers:

Cybersecurity is an attractive area in the technology field with in-demand jobs, higher-than-average salaries and potential remote work opportunities.1 This certificate program builds cybersecurity competencies critical for an entry-level job role or advancing in your career. "For individuals already in the workforce, a cybersecurity certificate can be a stepping stone for career advancement," said Dr. Dennis Backherms, technical program facilitator for cybersecurity at SNHU. "It demonstrates a commitment to staying current in the field and acquiring specialized skills." According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 16,800 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on average, over the next 10 years.2 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force through retirement. While information security analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field, it's possible for some workers to enter the occupation with a high school diploma and relevant industry training, like a cybersecurity certificate.3

Job Growth and Salary

Job Growth

The BLS projects employment of information security analysts could increase 32% through 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.2

Potential Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for information security analysts was $112,000 in 2022.2 According to CyberSeek.org, about 19% of online job listings require less than a bachelor’s degree. These include entry-level and common cybersecurity job titles such as:3

• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Lead security-related technical projects, monitor and report key security performance metrics and maintain security infrastructure and applications.
• Information Security Specialist
• Analyze security logs to detect and remediate threats, aid in incident response procedures and assist with patch management and vulnerability testing.
• Security Specialist
• Analyze and report key security metrics and troubleshoot escalated user issues related to security across all technology and applications.
• Information Security Analyst
• Install and operate firewalls and data encryption programs, identify vulnerable areas and monitor organizations for security breaches.