This online certificate program is designed to train professionals working in computer science and related fields the additional skills needed to manage and secure cyber data. You can complete this certificate in as little as one year by taking two courses in spring semester and two courses in fall semester. These courses can also apply toward ODU's Master of Science in Computer Science.
Program Highlights
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Can be completed in one year: 12 credit hours (four courses)
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Complete as full or part-time student
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Flexibility to do it online
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Friendly to non-CS major students
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Information Security Analysts
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.
Computer Systems Analysts
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Database Administrators
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Requirements
Candidates for the program must at least have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution. The program requires a student to take four (or 12 credits) courses. Each course has a normal letter grade and a student is expected to obtain a C or better in each course and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Everyone is required to take one required course CS 562. Students can choose any three of the remaining courses of CS 563, 564, 565, 569. The courses offered under this program may be taken by current ODU students or new students. A student must first apply to the certificate program and be admitted to the program to be eligible to receive the certificate. A student admitted to this program may subsequently apply for MS in CS. If admitted, the courses taken during the certificate program may be considered towards the MS program.
For Admission to the Cybersecurity Program
1. Complete the Graduate Certificate Declaration Form.
2. Form is submitted to Graduate Admissions.
3. Admissions contacts the Certificate Coordinator to seek a review.
4. Certificate Coordinator reviews student information to determine admission into the program (ideally within 1-2 days).
5. Certificate Coordinator sends admission decision to Graduate Admissions.
6. If admitted, certificate program will be placed in the student's DegreeWorks under the drop-down Degree tab.
7. Graduate Admissions notifies student of decision.
8. Certificate Coordinator follows up with student.
Students who finish the requirements of the certificate program should submit the Notification of Completion - Certificate Program Form to the Certificate Coordinator.
Featured Courses
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.