Cybersecurity - Online Graduate Certificate
Open doors by unlocking your potential.
Expand your skills into an area with high demand. The online Cybersecurity graduate certificate builds on your existing knowledge of software and systems, preparing you for a career pathway that involves designing, maintaining, and protecting secure computing infrastructure as well as anticipating and responding to cybersecurity incidents. Coursework for the certificate blends theory and hands-on practice in topics that include cryptography, security protocols, system and software security, intrusion prevention, intrusion detection, and incident response.
Note: Students in the Cybersecurity graduate certificate program can enroll in the Master of Science in Computer Science with emphasis in Cybersecurity Engineering or Master of Science in Cybersecurity with emphasis in Security Engineering programs at UW-Whitewater if they meet the program criteria, and certificate courses that are part of a degree program may count toward completion of that degree at a later date.
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Asynchronous program lets you learn day or night
- Build connections through online assignments and discussion boards
- Project-based courses give you practice in real-world scenarios
Fully Online
No requirements to come to campus.
Flexible
Attend full-time or part-time.
Specialized
Design technology solutions to secure systems and data
Cybersecurity- Online Graduate Certificate
Certificate Requirements
The graduate certificate in Cybersecurity requires completion of four courses (12 credits) that are available online. For course list and descriptions, visit the Graduate Catalog.
Required Courses (9 credits)
- COMPSCI 750: System and Software Security (3 credits)
- CYBER 754: Intrusion Prevention and Detection (3 credits)
- COMPSCI 755: Cryptography and Security Protocols (3 credits)
Select one of the following courses (3 credits):
- CYBER 759: Topics in Cybersecurity (3 credits)
- ITSCM 760: Topics in Information Technology and Management - Topic needs to be in cybersecurity (3 credits)
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission to the certificate program, students must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and meet graduate admission criteria.
Applicants must also complete the following undergraduate courses or their equivalents before starting this certificate:
- At least one year of programming coursework, equivalent to an intermediate-level or “Computer Science 2” course
- Discrete mathematics or discrete structures
- Computer organization and assembly programming
Students who do not have this preparation can take Introduction to Java (COMPSCI 172), Intermediate Java (COMPSCI 220), and Systems Fundamentals for Cybersecurity (CYBER 701) to prepare to start the certificate.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
Tuition
Our online graduate certificate programs at UW-Whitewater are a superior value at $678 USD per credit for the 2023-24 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or international student.
If you compare our graduate tuition to others, you will find that this per-credit price is quite reasonable.
What creates this value?
- All faculty complete specific training for online teaching.
- Faculty lectures are recorded in a state-of-the-art media studio and included with each course.
- An external team reviews online courses.
- High levels of student/faculty interaction are standard.
- Helpdesk technical staff are dedicated to assisting graduate students with online technology.
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
Students enrolled in the Graduate certificate programs are not federal aid eligible.
Students completing a certificate with a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. For more information, please reach out directly to the Financial Aid department.
