Shenandoah University’s Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity will teach you advanced techniques for identifying cybersecurity threats.
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. Shenandoah University’s Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity is designed for students desiring careers in the management of cybersecurity. Required course topics align with the CompTIA Security+ Exam. Readings, hands-on assignments, practice questions and other activities embedded in the courses prepare students for their exams as well as their career.
CompTIA Security+ is a certification that validates foundational, vendor-neutral IT security knowledge and skills. It covers best practices in IT security and the essential principles for network security and risk management.
Students learn techniques for decision making in the cybersecurity world using intermediate technical knowledge gained from the program including when to develop a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) vs Disaster Recovery Plan, motivations of threat actors and implications in government, manufacturing, healthcare, financial markets and the energy sector.
Learn More About This Program
Shenandoah University enjoys a strong reputation locally, regionally and nationally. Our graduates are recognized within the business community as knowledgeable, capable, and able to excel in the workplace.
Our program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB International accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management and business education. It represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide, and it recognizes that the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business offers high-quality business programs. Processes are in place to ensure continuous improvement in the future. Therefore students and alumni can be proud of earning a degree from an institution that has taken its place among other world-wide leaders in business education.
Career and Salary Possibilities
Expected Salary for Cybersecurity graduates:
- $98,350 per year
- $47.28 per hour
Career paths for Cybersecurity graduates:
- Security Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Security Architect
- Security Administrator
- Security Software Developer
- Cryptographer
- Cryptanalyst
- Security Consultant
Growing Cybersecurity job market:
- Over 35,000 Cybersecurity positions will be created in the next decade
- The industry will grow 32% by 2018. Much faster than average growth
Cybersecurity positions are understaffed:
- 69% of firms say their cybersecurity team is understaffed
- 58% of firms have unfilled (open) cybersecurity positions
Organizations will increase their investment in Cybersecurity:
- 55% of surveyed firms say their cybersecurity budget will increase
- 57% have increased training investments in order to help decrease this cybersecurity skills gap
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Cybersecurity News State of Cybersecurity Report 2019
The Career Services Office provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Classes
Attend evening or alternating weekend classes at our Winchester location or online via Zoom from the comfort of your home or office.
Readings, hands-on assignments, practice questions and other activities embedded in the courses prepare students for their exams as well as their career.
IST 488/ MIS 588 – Business Foundations in Cybersecurity
Hybrid Course
This course introduces the student to theory and reading related to several aspects of cybersecurity such as security attacks, intrusions, threats, security requirements and controls, cryptography and encryption, physical vs. cybersecurity, network security, security-enhancement software and secure protocols and management of security risks.
Although a STEM background is beneficial, no pre-requisites exist for the IST 488 Foundations in Cybersecurity as the course is meant to explore, at a foundational level, the concepts of cybersecurity and how it shows up in businesses.
IST 490/ MIS 590 – Intermediate Cybersecurity for Business
Hybrid Course
This course covers techniques for decision making in the cybersecurity world using intermediate technical knowledge gained from the program including when to develop a Continuity of Operations (COOP) vs. Disaster Recovery Plan, motivations of threat actors and implications in government, manufacturing, healthcare, financial industries and the energy sector. This course is designed to provide intermediate content to support the student’s ability to understand and successfully pass the CompTIA Security+ Exam.
IST 411/ MIS 515 – Data Communications and Networking
Hybrid Course
This course focuses upon the fundamentals, standards and trends in data communications. Data transmission devices, circuits and types of media are emphasized. Networking concepts, topology and network management are discussed. Not open to students who took IST 411.
IST 492/ MIS 592 – Advanced Cybersecurity for Business
Hybrid Course
This course covers advanced techniques for decision making in the cybersecurity world. This course is designed to provide advanced content to support the student’s ability to understand and successfully pass the CompTIA Security+ Exam. Additionally, students learn leadership in terms of cybersecurity and IT personnel and resources. This course offers insights in Hiring of cybersecurity and IT personnel and how to determine worth of experience, certifications, etc.
Required course topics align with and prepare students to sit for the CompTIA Security+ Exam. However, CompTIA not only recommends competence in these knowledge areas but also two (2) years of experience in IT administration with a security focus.
Faculty
There’s a special bond between Byrd School students and their professors. Students enjoy close professional relationships with academically and professionally experienced faculty who mentor them in and out of the classroom. This remains a hallmark of a Shenandoah University business education. Students also benefit from our executive-in-residence who works with both professors and students to broaden the student’s focus beyond the classroom.
Application Information
Application coming soon!