Cybersecurity Management FAQ

HOW MANY COURSES PER SEMESTER MAY I TAKE?

There are no restrictions on the number of courses a student can take per semester. However, because these courses are 3-credit hour graduate-level classes, condensed into an 8-week format, we recommend students with full-time work schedules take no more than two courses per semester

IS THERE ANY PARTICULAR COURSE SEQUENCE I SHOULD FOLLOW?

We recommend starting with BUS 5010 Cybersecurity Management, which serves as an introductory course for the program. This is especially beneficial if you’re new to the cybersecurity field. BUS 5010 is offered each Spring and Fall

ARE ALL OF THE COURSES IN THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN CYBERSECURITY MANAGEMENT OFFERED ONLINE?

Yes.

CAN I ENROLL IN JUST A FEW COURSES? I'M NOT INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO AND EARNING THE CERTIFICATE.

Yes.

CAN I TAKE COURSES BEFORE APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM?

Individuals must apply to and be offered admission to earn a certificate. A maximum of two courses that will count towards satisfying the requirements for the certificate may be taken at SCPS prior to admission. 

CAN I TRANSFER CREDIT INTO THIS PROGRAM FROM ANOTHER INSTITUTION?

Individuals can transfer one course for academic credit from a regionally accredited college or university. The transfer course will count towards one elective course in the certificate program, and must have been taken within the last three years. Transfer courses are not accepted for required courses in the certificate. Official transcripts and course syllabus are required for an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the transfer course, as well as the quality of the student’s performance with a grade of B- or better.  Official transcripts with a request for transfer of credits can be sent to SCPSregistration@virginia.edu or School of Continuing and Professional Studies, 104 Midmont Lane, PO Box 400764, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4764 Attn: Admission Services 

WHAT GRADES MUST I EARN TO BE AWARDED THE CERTIFICATE?

Students must earn a B- or better in all courses required for the certificate to be awarded. Should a grade fall below a B-, the student has the option of retaking the course in order to complete the requirements and be awarded the certificate.

I DON'T HAVE A BACKGROUND IN CYBERSECURITY OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. CAN I STILL APPLY TO THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?

The ideal applicant for our Certificate in Cybersecurity Management has a background in information technology and/or some exposure to cybersecurity concepts in one form or another.  However, this background is not required to be successful in the program.  Often, our applicants have an academic background (e.g., a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or information systems) or have practical experiences (e.g., networking, programming, or intelligence analysis) or a combination of both.  Occasionally, we have accepted applicants who have backgrounds in political science with evidence of critical thinking ability, analytical skills, and a strong desire to enter the field of cybersecurity.

DOES THIS PROGRAM LEAD TO A DEGREE PROGRAM?

The Certificate in Cybersecurity Management is designed to be a stand-alone certificate program. However, if you think you might be interested in pursuing a master’s degree at some point you are encouraged to contact those institutions for their specific policies on the acceptance of transfer credit.

WHAT ARE THE JOB PROSPECTS IN THIS FIELD?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand will be especially high in the federal government to protect the nation’s critical information technology systems, and in the healthcare industry to protect the expanding use of electronic medical records.

Through a partnership between NICE, CompTIA, and Burning Glass, CyberSeek provides a visual representation of cybersecurity supply and demand across the nation. CyberSeek also features a Career Pathways tool which provides information on different types of positions to help students, job seekers, and workforce trainers visualize career advancement in cybersecurity. The Map and Career Pathway tools both incorporate the job categories, specialty areas, and knowledge, skills, and abilities from the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EARNING A CERTIFICATE AND GAINING CERTIFICATION?

Earning a certificate is a way for you to earn credits in a structured, discipline-specific way. A certificate can prepare you to advance in your career, or to gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up-to-date in your field. There are many fields, however, that have professional certifications that may be recommended or required (ex. certified financial planning, project management, accounting). A certificate program does not lead to a professional certification. Yes, the courses you take in a certificate program could help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO EARN A CERTIFICATE?

Certificates offer discipline-specific courses that can help you acquire new skills for professional advancement or for a career transition. Our certificates are offered online, making them accessible from anywhere. Completion of the certificate demonstrates evidence of specialized education achievement. It is recognized on a University of Virginia transcript.

WILL THE CREDITS FROM A CERTIFICATE PROGRAM TRANSFER TO ANOTHER COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY?

Certificate programs are designed to be stand-alone programs. Select courses, however, may be eligible for transfer. Colleges and universities may recognize these courses for transfer, but these decisions are made independently by the receiving institution.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE TO EARNING A CERTIFICATE VS. A DEGREE?

Students like to earn certificates because they are affordable, they take less time to complete than a full-fledged degree, and they are practical. Often the knowledge gained in the classroom can be put to use the very next day. In the competitive job market, a certificate can provide the crucial margin needed for individuals to change careers, qualify for a promotion, or qualify for professional accreditation.

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* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.