Build In-Demand Cybersecurity Skills.
Between 2018 and 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Internet Crimes Complaint Center (IC3) documented a whopping 3.26 million complaints which totaled a loss of 2.76 billion dollars. From this statistic alone, it is easy to see why highly trained cybersecurity professionals are needed now more than ever.
Cybersecurity is the important practice of protecting computer systems, networks, programs, and data from digital attacks. Some of the most common attacks include ransomware, phishing, malware, and more sophisticated threats from hackers and cyber criminals. These attacks are aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes.
Cybersecurity, then, is crucial in today's interconnected world where businesses, governments, and individuals rely heavily on digital data and services. And with Michigan Technological University’s Online Graduate Certificate in the Foundations of Cybersecurity, you'll build job-ready expertise and skills to work as a cybersecurity professional.
Why Learn About Cybersecurity at MTU?
Compact Certificate
Earn your Online Foundations of Cybersecurity Certificate in as few as one semester.
Or, if you're a working professional, take three semesters to complete it.
Countable Credits
If you decide to take more courses and do a deeper diver into cybersecurity, you can apply your certificate toward Michigan Tech's MS in Cybersecurity or to our MS in Computer Science.
Accelerated Options
Accelerated options exist for current Michigan Tech undergraduate students in good standing, those who have achieved at least junior-level standing or recent bachelor’s graduates of Michigan Tech (less than two years). Discover if you qualify for an accelerated certificate or an accelerated MS in Cybersecurity ot Computer Science.
Academic and Research Reputation
Michigan Tech’s cybersecurity research program has been recognized nationally for its academic and research excellence. In fact, MTU has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R) by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) This CAE-R designation, which recognizes Michigan Tech as meeting rigorous requirements set forth by the NSA, extends through the 2029 academic year.
Explore the Curriculum.
In this 9-credit certificate, you will learn how to identify and describe the foundational principles of securing a computer system and securing a computer network; and the foundational principles of secure software development and apply them effectively.
To acquire these expertise and skills, you will enroll in three required courses.
Build Foundational Skills for Lucrative Careers.
Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field with diverse job roles requiring a range of skills and expertise. And because of the importance of cybersecurity to so many organizations, these jobs pay well. That is, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (US BLS), the median 2023 salary of information security analysts, one type of cybersecurity professional, was $120,360.
And the projected job outlook for 2022-2023 is 32%, too, which is much, much faster than average.
But this is just one example of a career. That is, employment opportunities for cybersecurity expertise vary in their specific responsibilities and required skills depending on factors such as industry, organization size, and the level of specialization within cybersecurity domains like network security, application security, cloud security, and more.
Regardless of their position, cybersecurity professionals require a combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices.
Some Career Paths
- Compliance Analyst
- Cryptographer
- Cybersecurity Researcher
- Forensic Analyst
- Incident Responder
- Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
- Security Analyst
- Security Architect
- Security Consultant
- Security Engineer
Reach Out to Our Admissions Advisor.
At any stage of the inquiry or application process, we recommend that you contact Amanda Irwin, the graduate admissions advisor for the Michigan Tech Global Campus. You'll
- Learn more about the curriculum and online learning environment,
- Gain an understanding of the admissions process,
- Receive a recommendation on whether to move forward with the admissions process based on your educational background.
Amanda is not only gracious, funny, and kind, but also passionate about online learning. She has been helping students navigate the admissions process for over a decade.
If she can't answer your question, she'll direct you to someone who can.
- Call her at 906-487-1000
- Email her at globalcampus@mtu.edu
- Make an appointment on her calendar
Get Started on Your Online Certificate in the Foundations of Cybersecurity.
Take the next steps on your online educational journey at Michigan Tech. We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program.