Cybersecurity Undergraduate Certificate

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!

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.

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Certificate