Cybersecurity Analysis FAQ

HOW MANY COURSES PER SEMESTER MAY I TAKE?

We do not have any limits on the number of courses that a student may take each semester. However, we recommend students with a full-time work schedule take no more than two courses per semester.

IS THERE ANY PARTICULAR COURSE SEQUENCE I SHOULD FOLLOW?

While the courses in the Cybersecurity Analysis certificate are structured primarily in a way that provides maximum flexibility to allow students to start any term. We recommend students to start with the 3000-level courses before enrolling in any of the 4000-level elective courses.

ARE ALL OF THE COURSES IN THE CERTIFICATE IN CYBERSECURITY ANALYSIS OFFERED ONLINE?

Yes.

CAN I ENROLL IN JUST A FEW COURSES? I'M NOT INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR 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 toward 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 C or better in all courses required for the certificate to be awarded. Should a grade fall below a C, 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?

A background in cybersecurity or information technology is not required to be successful in the program.  Applicants should have critical thinking ability, analytical skills, and a strong desire to enter the field of cybersecurity.

HOW DOES THIS CERTIFICATE ALIGN WITH THE NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY WORKFORCE FRAMEWORK?

Upon completion of the Certificate in Cybersecurity Analysis, students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework core knowledge areas:

  1. Securely Provision - Conceptualizing, designing, and building secure information technology systems
  2. Operate & Maintain - Providing support, administration, and maintenance necessary to ensure effective and efficient information technology system performance and security
  3. Protect & Defend - Identification, analysis, and mitigation of threats to internal information technology systems or networks
  4. Investigate - Investigation of cyber events and/or crimes of information technology systems, networks, and digital evidence
  5. Collect & Operate - Specialized denial and deception operations and collection of cybersecurity information that may be used to develop intelligence
  6. Analyze - Highly specialized review and evaluation of incoming cybersecurity information to determine its usefulness for intelligence
  7. Oversight & Development - Leadership, management, direction, and/or development and advocacy so that individuals and organizations may effectively conduct cybersecurity work
DOES THIS PROGRAM LEAD TO A DEGREE PROGRAM?

The Certificate in Cybersecurity Analysis is designed to be a stand-alone certificate program, however certificate courses may be transferred into the BIS Cybersecurity Analysis concentration. 
Students interested in pursuing the BIS Cybersecurity Analysis concentration are encouraged to contact their advisor.

WHAT ARE THE JOB PROSPECTS IN THE FIELD OF CYBERSECURITY?

There is currently unprecedented demand for cybersecurity professionals, as shown by the following studies:

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the information security analysts’ employment growth rate to be 32% from 2022 to 2032, making it the fastest growing occupation in the computer and math occupations group.
  • The Cyberseek heatmap shows the number of cybersecurity job openings and the supply of cybersecurity workers.  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.

 

Still have questions?  We're here to help!

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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.