Program Overview

Introduction to the Cybersecurity Certificate Program

The Computer Information Systems (CIS) Department offers a 30-credit online certificate in Cybersecurity. This program enables students to enter careers in Cybersecurity while earning CIS stackable credits. Upon completion, students will be well-positioned to apply for entry-level jobs, take various industry certification exams, or enroll in one of the AAS degree programs offered through the CIS Department.

Program Details

• The program utilizes stackable credits, allowing students to complete their degrees in an accelerated fashion.
• Individuals who earn the certificate will have the flexibility of entering the workforce directly or continuing their studies to earn advanced credentials, including a college degree.
• The certificate program offers current college cybersecurity courses for delivery online, accommodating individual schedules and travel limitations.
• To help participants gain knowledge about the industry, the certificate program includes enrichment activities, such as summer bridge courses, industry certification workshops, and panel discussions with career professionals.

Curriculum Requirements

Cybersecurity Certificate Program Maps

The program requires the completion of 30 credits. The courses include:

• CSC 101: Principles in Information Technology and Computation
  • This course introduces the principles and theories of computation and information processing, including hardware and software organization, data representation, algorithm development, and networking principles.
• CIS 115: Introduction to Computer and Information Security
  • This course provides an introduction to computer and information security, including the significance of information integrity, availability, and confidentiality, and practical skills on how to recognize threats and correct vulnerabilities.
• CIS 165: Introduction to Operating Systems
  • This course introduces the concepts and organization of operating systems and the management of hardware and software resources of a computer, with emphasis on memory, process, device, and file management.
• CIS 316: Introduction to Digital Forensics
  • This course introduces students to the purpose of digital forensics and investigations, using industry-standard software and hardware tools to learn the fundamentals of computer forensics and effective investigative strategies.
• CIS 345: Telecommunication Networks I
  • This course covers the fundamentals of networking concepts, such as networking media, topology, switching, and management, including an introduction to Open System Interface (OSI) layered organization.
• CIS 359: Information Assurance
  • This course introduces the fundamentals of information security in the context of computer vulnerabilities/threats and how to safeguard computers and networks.
• CIS 362: Cloud Computing
  • This course introduces students to the principles, foundations, and applications of Cloud computing, including different types of features, standards, services, and security issues.
• CIS 440: UNIX
  • This course introduces the UNIX operating system, its external commands, internal structures, and text processing capabilities.
• CIS 455: Network Security
  • This course provides a comprehensive overview of network security, including general security concepts, common network attacks, and methods for safeguarding against attacks.
• CIS 459: Ethical Hacking and System Defense
  • This course provides an in-depth look at network security concepts and techniques, introducing students to the fundamentals of ethical hacking and employing a hands-on approach to examine networking security techniques.

Total Requirements Credits

The total requirements credits for the Cybersecurity Certificate Program are 30 credits.