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Graduate Certificate in Secure Computing                  Request Information

 

 

The Graduate Certificate in Secure Computing rigorously prepares graduate students for careers in cybersecurity research and development. It provides students with both a solid foundation of cybersecurity principles and hands-on practice of cutting-edge technologies. It offers practical experience in techniques for detection and analyses of cyberattacks, and for effective prevention, response, and recovery. The human aspects of security and privacy are addressed along with cyber operation including crime investigation and digital forensics. Students will also be exposed to business aspects of security and privacy, specifically aspects of cybersecurity risk and compliance, through a collaboration with the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah.

At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.

Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:

  • Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
  • Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
  • Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.

Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:

  • Communicate directly with the instructor via email.
  • Participate in and guide online discussions.
  • Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
  • Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; for some courses we offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.

Graduate Certificate in Secure Computing

The certificate courses are for those with a BS in Computer Science or an equivalent field from an accredited institution. Those with significant experience in the computer industry, even with BS degrees in other fields, may also enroll in the certificate courses.

Enrolled students must complete 15 credit hours of the specified course work. Students can choose to enroll in individual courses and can obtain the certificate once they complete all 5 required courses.
 
Required Courses:
CS 6490 – Network Security
CS 6491 – Software and Systems Security
CS 6959 – Human Aspects of Security and Privacy
CS 6967 – Security Operations 
CS 6968 – Business Aspects of Security and Privacy
 
They must also meet the following requirements:
  • Receive at least a 3.0 GPA for the entire program.
  • Receive a B- or better in each certificate course.

The following courses will be offered in Fall 2024:

CS 6968 Business Aspects of Security and Privacy
CS 6945 Human Aspects of Security and Privacy
CS 6967 Security Operations
 

Step 1: Apply for Non-Degree Seeking Admission

Applicants who are not current, matriculated University of Utah students will need to submit a non-matriculated (non-degree seeking) application for admission. (Note: the non-matriculated application is the same as the undergraduate application. Once the application is started, applicants can elect to apply for non-matriculated status).

Eligibility

To be eligible for non-matriculated admission, applicants must:

  • Have graduated from high school at least 3 years ago.
    • For GED-holders, a minimum 550 composite score with no individual score below 500 is required.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
    • International students requiring an F-1 visa are not eligible for non-matriculated admission.
    • Note that permanent residents and other international applicants must meet English-proficiency requirements.
  • Be in good standing with the last college or university attended and have a minimum 2.6 GPA. (Please note that while the university requires a 2.6 GPA, the certificate requires a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.)
  • Find more information about non-matriculated admission.

Graduate non-degree seeking students do not need to re-apply every term as long as they are continuously enrolled and attending at least one class every semester, not including summer. If they do not enroll and attend a term, excluding summer, students are discontinued and will need to submit another application and fee.

Step 2: Apply for the Graduate Certificate

Once you’re admitted as a non-matriculated student, please fill out the program declaration form 

Non-matriculated students are required to apply for non-matriculation admission prior to applying to the certificate program. For students not currently enrolled in a graduate degree program, admission into the Secure Computing Graduate Certificate is contingent upon admission to the University as a non-matriculated student.

Students will not be able to register for online classes until they have been admitted and filled out the program declaration form.

We live in an increasingly digital world. Computing is transcending all aspects of our lives and we must secure it. The global cybersecurity market is projected to grow 86 percent from around $145 billion in 2018 to $270 billion by 2026. According to labor market research by Burning Glass Technologies, demand for cybersecurity workers will be greatest in areas related to building secure digital infrastructure which is one of the primary skills that the students in our programs will learn. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 31% growth in Information Analyst positions from 2019-29. CyberSeek reports that there are over 300,000 job openings in cybersecurity related fields and that it takes 21% longer to fill these positions than other IT jobs. CyberSeek also reports 4,125 open positions in cybersecurity in Utah. With the skills acquired in our certificate program, students are expected to become immediately employable in industry for cybersecurity positions.

The cost of tuition is $872/credit*.

This program qualifies for the U of U employee reduced tuition benefit.

*Subject to change without notice  

Last Updated: 9/18/24