Undergraduate Cybersecurity Analysis Certificate

The online undergraduate Cybersecurity Analysis Certificate provides essential training for career changers, liberal arts graduates, and other professionals seeking entry-level positions in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity protection is critical in today's constantly evolving world where new threats and attacks occur frequently, meaning these skills are in-demand by organizations broadly. This certificate program allows you to develop a detailed understanding of security vulnerabilities, attacks, threats, and mitigation solutions in the context of current cyber and information technology networks. You will build skills, knowledge, and experience to help you confidently implement, understand, or design cybersecurity responses across a variety of industries.

Key Takeaways

• 18 undergraduate credits / 6 courses / 12 months on average to complete
• Start dates in January, May, August
• Flexible course load with synchronous online (evening classes) and select asynchronous classes
• Gain essential cybersecurity training in an accessible online format and a hands-on approach to learning
• Courses are mapped to the National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework as part of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies
• Gain a broad knowledge base of the industry from faculty who are experts and practitioners in their areas of instruction
   

Key Industry Information

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Initiatives states, "There is no better time to pursue a career in cybersecurity, as you will potentially have a wide variety of career options when you are ready to enter the workforce."

According to the ISC2 annual Cybersecurity Workforce study, 92% of professionals polled reported having cybersecurity skills gaps within their organizations.

Information Security Analysts help businesses to identify ways of securing their information technology systems. The need for this type of job is expected to grow at rate much faster than other jobs in the next ten years. 

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor: Information Security Analysts.)

SCPS’ Program Offers Advantages:

• Flexible programming: with core courses offered regularly, you can stay on your desired learning journey.
• One tuition rate: you’ll pay the same tuition whether you reside in Virginia or out-of-state.
• Expert Faculty who understand adult learners: learn from Faculty who are experts in their industries and are experts at teaching. They understand the demands adult learners need to juggle and structure courses so you can balance your personal and professional life while learning.
• Synchronous learning opportunities: you’ll join online classes and can ask questions, dig deeper, and learn from instructors and classmates.

Tuition & Fees

• Estimated cost: $499 per credit hour or $8,982 for the entire program. Students pay per course, per semester.
• Pay the same tuition rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
• This program is not eligible for financial aid
• You may take advantage of an optional, interest-free semester-based payment plan offered by the University to help spread the cost of eligible charges over monthly payment.
• This program is eligible for Active Duty Military Rate of $250 per credit hour
• Additional fees may apply, including course materials. Tuition rates are adjusted annually.

See Tuition Details

Scholarships

Fall Term Scholarship Opportunity
As part of our commitment to helping adult learners achieve their educational goals, the School of Continuing and Professional Studies is pleased to announce that we have scholarship funds available for the fall 2025 semester. Scholarships will vary based on merit and financial need. 

See details and apply by July 8

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

New and returning students in certificate or degree programs in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are eligible to apply for the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship Program. 

Admissions Requirements & Deadlines

DEADLINE INFORMATION

• To begin in the fall (August): application must be submitted by July 1
• To begin in the spring (January): application must be submitted by November 1
• To begin in the summer (May): application must be submitted by April 1

APPLICATION INFORMATION

This is an undergraduate-level certificate course. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

To apply:

1. Complete an online application, including:
   1. Submit your unofficial transcripts. Offers of admission are not binding until official transcripts are received and verified.
   2. Application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges to establish residency.

START YOUR APPLICATION

Required Courses (4)

SEC 3010 - SECURING THE CYBER WORLD

Provides a global perspective on cybersecurity and the impact of cyber threats. Addresses a variety of topics that are all part of the cyber ecosystem, to include current threat trends, defense in-depth techniques, attack case studies, risk management, disaster recovery, security policy, and awareness training. Examines current best practices, compliance requirements, and evolving security architectures.

SEC 3020 - CYBERSECURITY POLICY, LAW & ETHICS

Provides an overview of security policies, laws, regulations, and ethical considerations that can be used to help protect and improve an organization’s security posture. Explores related topics including ethics, security policy requirements, compliance, implementation issues and security policy controls. Examines modern cybersecurity regulations and frameworks, and the various policies and procedures that may be used in  an organization’s security strategy.

SEC 3030 - HUMAN FACTORS IN CYBERSECURITY

Explores human aspects of cybersecurity  – including security training and awareness, cyber ethics,  hacktivism, hacker culture – with emphasis on human motivations and responses. Examines common human-centered attacks, such as phishing, social engineering, and other psychological manipulation.

SEC 3040 - WRITING & COMMUNICATIONS IN A TECHNICAL FIELD

Develops strong writing competencies for technical fields, including communication of complex information to a variety of audiences through various print and online media. Teaches students to write, organize, edit, and design information with clarity and accuracy. Covers organizing, managing, communicating, and facilitating technical information. Topics will include conciseness, simplicity, information arrangement and presentation, and readability.

Elective Courses (2)

SEC 4010 - DIGITAL FORENSICS & CYBERCRIME

Examines cybercrimes and the digital forensics processes and techniques needed to discover, prosecute, and mitigate cybercrime. Explores the threats of cybercrime and mitigating countermeasures. Topics include discovering, preserving, and presenting digital evidence for legal prosecution; digital forensics tools and techniques; and anti-forensics techniques.

SEC 4020 - MOBILE SECURITY & FORENSICS

Explores mobile device architecture and cyber threats. Examines the security strengths and weaknesses of mobile devices and platforms, as well as corporate mobile security policies and procedures. Topics include mobile device operating system software architecture, mobile application architecture, mobile device and application vulnerability assessment testing, and mobile device forensic analysis.

SEC 4030 - ETHICAL HACKING

Explores the tools and techniques used to assess the security posture of a target system. Topics include footprinting, reconnaissance, vulnerability discovery, and malware. Covers vulnerability discovery in a variety of systems, including web applications, mobile platforms, and cloud computing. Aligns with the EC-Council ANSI accredited Certified Ethical Hacker exam 312-50.

IT 3000 - CLOUD COMPUTING FOUNDATIONS

Provides an overall understanding of cloud computing concepts, independent of specific technical roles. Covers cloud concepts, Amazon Web Services (AWS) core services, security, architecture, pricing, and support. Helps students prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. 

IT 3130 - CLOUD SECURITY

Introduces several Amazon Web Services (AWS) services that can be used to improve security posture. Covers the different security design principles that help with planning the security approach. Covers the fundamentals of AWS cloud security concepts, including AWS access control, data encryption methods, and how network access to AWS infrastructure can be secured. Focuses on additional topics such as AWS Security, Identity, and Compliance. Prerequisite: IT 3000 or permission from instructor. 

IT 3600 - DATA ANALYTICS & DECISION-MAKING

Introduces the analytics process from question formulation to data gathering, processing, and decision making. Utilizes statistical software and applies analytical methods through exercises, case study examination, and a team project. Highlights and explores differences between methods using large data sets and case studies from various industries to illustrate and understand concepts. 

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

Meet the Instructors