Cybersecurity Undergraduate Certificate
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Cybersecurity Undergraduate Certificate
Boost your cybersecurity career with this online certificate program designed for working professionals. Gain expertise in defense strategies and technical proficiency for success in the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Summary
In a world where cyberthreats are on the rise, companies are prioritizing the protection of their customers and employees. As a result, the cybersecurity field is experiencing rapid growth, creating a demand for skilled professionals in the technology sector and other industries.
As the need for cybersecurity experts continues to escalate, the demand for qualified professionals with advanced skills and credentials is higher than ever. Iowa State University’s online undergraduate certificate program is designed for working professionals like you, offering the flexibility to earn your cybersecurity undergraduate certificate at your own pace in just one or two years. Learn from industry experts at your convenience whether you prefer an accelerated pace or need a more flexible schedule.
Cybersecurity is more than just a career. It’s a chance to make a difference in the world and protect valuable personal and professional data. As a cybersecurity professional, you have the power to safeguard sensitive information and prevent malicious attacks. Join the fight against cyber threats and be a hero in the digital world.
Tailored for those currently working in security or IT-related roles with an Associate’s degree, this program is your gateway to knowledge expansion and upskilling in the growing field of cybersecurity.
Depending on how quickly you want to complete the program, you can take just one class at a time. All but one of the courses take just eight weeks from start to finish (the other is a standard 16-week semester class).
Employers are looking for mid- to advanced-level cybersecurity employees. This certificate will bridge the knowledge gap between a two- and a four-year degree.
We bring the classroom to you, delivering a series of short courses totaling 21 credits. Our curriculum aligns seamlessly with the esteemed National Institute of Standards and Technology’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NIST/NICE) framework, ensuring you’re equipped with the latest and most relevant cybersecurity expertise.
This certificate program isn’t just an educational milestone; it’s your passport to gaining a competitive edge and propelling your career to new heights in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Seize the opportunity and join us in shaping the future of cybersecurity!
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
Our program focuses on the theories, concepts, and techniques of modern information assurance and network defense. Stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape with coursework that covers essential topics.
- Advanced Cybersecurity Knowledge: Students will gain in-depth knowledge in various aspects of cybersecurity, including network security, data security, web security, and more.
- Practical Skills and Competencies: Students will develop practical skills and competencies required for mid to advanced-level positions in the cybersecurity field.
- Effective Communication: Students will be trained to communicate complex cybersecurity concepts to a diverse professional audience effectively.
- Adversarial Thinking: Students will learn to anticipate and mitigate cyber threats by understanding cybersecurity from an attacker’s perspective.
- Comprehensive Understanding of Cybersecurity Architecture: Students will be able to develop and apply a comprehensive cybersecurity architecture in real-world scenarios.
Required Courses:
- Professional Communication for IT & Cyber
- Fundamentals of Network Security
- Adversarial Thinking and Cybersecurity Architecture
- Fundamentals of Data Security and Privacy
- Fundamentals of Web Security
- Cybersecurity Capstone
Elective Courses (choose four):
- Threat Hunting and Intelligence
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
- Applications of Cryptography
- Fundamentals of Operating Systems Security
- Fundamentals of Cloud Security
- Fundamentals of Software Security
- Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Scripting
- Fundamentals of Cyber Resilience
- Fundamentals of Cyber-Physical and Critical Infrastructure Security
Courses can be taken in any order (with the capstone at the end).
Admissions Requirements
- Associate’s degree (or equivalent) in cybersecurity or networking
- Minimum 2.00 transfer GPA
Learn from the Best in the Field
Doug Jacobson is preparing learners to address critical infrastructure defense issues in the Midwest by growing local talent, fostering collaboration, and cultivating a new generation of cyberdefenders.
Jeff Franklin is one of the state’s leading cybersecurity experts and leads cybersecurity trainings to industries throughout Iowa. He is the Senior Information Security Officer with Heartland Business Systems and professor of practice at Iowa State University.
At a Glance
- Total Credits: 21
- Time to Complete: 1-2 years
- Format: 100% Online
- Enroll: Anytime
- Rapid Admission: 7-10 days
Contact Information
Dr. Doug Jacobson
515-294-8307
dougj@iastate.edu
Iowa State Online
515-294-3916
iowastateonline@iastate.edu
Sign up and be the the first to know when applications are available for Fall 2024!
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Industry Growth
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$120,360
Median annual wage for information security analysts in May 2023
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660,000+
Cybersecurity job openings in the U.S. in 2023
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32%
Projected U.S. employment growth through 2032 for information security analysts
Diverse Career Paths
Graduates of the online cybersecurity professional certificate are set apart from their competition and are well-positioned to advance their careers in various fields due to their industry-recognized expertise and practical skills.
Top Industries:
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- Management & Consulting Research
- Government Information
- Storage/Databases
- Data Processing, Web
- Hosting, and Related Services
- Financial Services
- Government Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Retail
Specializations:
- Financial and Risk
- Analysis Information
- Security
- IT Support
- Networking
- Security Intelligence
- Software Development
- Systems Engineering
Cybersecurity goes beyond being just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a real impact by protecting what matters most: people’s lives and their data. As a cybersecurity expert, you play a crucial role in defending sensitive information and stopping malicious attacks. Step into the digital battlefield and become a hero in the fight against cyber threats.