Cybersecurity has become a major priority for organizations looking to protect themselves from the massive cost of security breaches. Despite the crucial need to protect information systems, employers are having a hard time finding qualified and educated cybersecurity workers. In the U.S. alone there are more than 500,000 open jobs in cybersecurity. SOU’s cybersecurity certificate program addresses that shortage while providing students with an opportunity to learn about network security, software security, and systems management.

The Cybersecurity certificate program is open to all students (undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate) as well as industry members.

The certificate will equip learners to develop and maintain secure networks and software. Students will learn about common threats and vulnerabilities and how to protect information systems from attacks. The program teaches secure software development as well as secure network design and management, security principles, cryptography, risk management, access control, wireless networking, and network device configuration.

Programming experience is required to enter the certificate program. Students must have taken CS 257  or equivalent.

The certificate requires completion of 36 credits, consisting of required and elective courses. All courses taken for the certificate must be completed with a grade of C or better.