Program Overview

Applied Cyber Security Graduate Certificate

Overview

This graduate certificate offers comprehensive courses in four fundamental pillars of cybersecurity, equipping professionals with essential skills needed to safeguard critical systems and data. It is tailored for individuals working in, or supporting, U.S. federal agencies, providing valuable academic preparation beyond the bachelor's level. While ideal for those seeking to enhance their cybersecurity expertise without committing to a full master's degree program, it offers the flexibility to transition seamlessly into an MS AIT program in the future, presenting an advantageous pathway for career advancement.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.00 or higher in the last 60 credits.

Students not enrolled in a graduate degree program at Mason should apply for the certificate program through the Office of Graduate Admission. Students already enrolled in a Mason graduate degree program should apply to the department for admission into the certificate program. Admission to the certificate program does not guarantee admission to any MS program.

Policies

For policies governing all graduate certificate programs, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Certificate Requirements

Total credits: 12

This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.

Coursework

• Select twelve credits from any of the following:
  • AIT 542: Fundamentals of Computing Platforms
  • AIT 660: Cyber Security Fundamentals
  • AIT 670: Cloud Computing Security
  • AIT 672: Identity and Access Management
  • AIT 681: Secure Software Development
  • AIT 682: Network and Systems Security Total Credits: 12

Related Programs

• Applied Information Technology, MS
• Information Sciences Graduate Certificate
• Information Systems, MS (IST)