Graduate Certificate Program
Description
Graduate certificates represent a level of achievement of technical competencies and project experience which relate to specialized fields of practice in Information Security. Requirements for earning a graduate certificate cannot be satisfied through transfer credit. Upon acceptance into a University of Fairfax degree program, students who have earned a grade of “B” or better in graduate certificate courses may request that those credits be applied to meet degree requirements.
Program Objectives
This program fosters the development of students who:
- Are recognized as qualified practitioners in a specialized field of study relevant to the cybersecurity community
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to address issues in a specialized area of study in cybersecurity
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the performance of tasks associated with a specialized field of study in cybersecurity
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of a graduate certificate, students will be able to:
- Compile, analyze, and assess the applicability of best practices in addressing information security issues
- Demonstrate mastery of theory, concepts and skills in addressing specialized aspects of information security management
Credit Requirements
Graduate certificates vary from 6 semester credits to 18 semester credits. However, the majority of offerings are 12 credits.
Multiple Graduate Certificates
Students may earn multiple graduate certificates concurrently or sequentially. Credits earned toward a graduate certificate may also apply to one or more additional graduate certificate(s).
Degree Seeking Candidates Earning Graduate Certificates
Degree candidates complete the requirements for graduate certificates as they progress through their programs. Upon completion of the required courses, they may elect to receive the applicable graduate certificate(s).
Graduate Certificate Options
The University of Fairfax offers a variety of graduate certificates to meet the needs of information security professionals.
- Cybersecurity Best Practices (CBP)
- Information Security Professional Practices (ISSP)
- Information Security Analysis (ISA)
- Information Security Auditing (IAU)
- Information System Certification (ISC)
- Information Security Engineering (ISE)
- Information Security for the Enterprise (ISEN)
- Certified Cybersecurity Researcher (CCR)
- Information Security Research Practices (ISRP)
- Knowledge-Based Research for Information Security Practitioners (KRIS)
- Solution-Based Research for Information Security Practitioners (SRIS)
Cybersecurity Best Practices (CBP)
Students explore the ten domains of Information Security and prepare for an industry related certification exam which demonstrates mastery of subject knowledge in the discipline.
Information Security Professional Practices (ISSP)
Students develop competencies in assessing threats and vulnerabilities of information systems, designing security procedures and practices that are executed in the protection of data and information systems, and analyzing the validity and reliability of information to ensure that an information system will operate at a proposed level of trust. Upon completion students are awarded the NSA certifications for Information System Security Professionals (CNSS No. 4011) and Senior Systems Managers (CNSS No.4012).
Information Security Analysis (ISA)
Students develop competencies in implementing an enterprise strategic security plan by integrating effective security policies, standards, procedures and controls.
Information Security Auditing (IAU)
Students develop competencies in forensically analyzing cyber evidence, enforcing data process controls, certifying information protection programs, and managing risk and compliance.
Information System Certification (ISC)
Students develop competencies in supporting a management structure to certify and accredit information systems by developing policies, standards and procedures in accordance with a prescribed set of criteria.
Information Security Engineering (ISE)
Students develop competencies in assessing network vulnerabilities and attack methods as well as in designing and deploying counter-measures and resilient security architectures.
Information Security for the Enterprise (ISEN)
Students explore the ten domains of Information Security and examine effective approaches to implementing security awareness programs within an enterprise.
In addition, students enrolled in doctoral degree programs may earn the following graduate certificates as they progress through their programs.
Certified Cybersecurity Researcher (CCR)
Students examine the emerging trends that pertain to security programs, technology, and regulation while developing skills necessary to implement Information Security research projects.
Information Security Research Practices (ISRP)
Students explore concepts and foundations of applied research, identify a feasible research site, and utilize industry-relevant problems to propose an original field research study.
Knowledge-Based Research for Information Security Practitioners (KRIS)
Students learn how to articulate a research problem, conduct a research literature review, and synthesize relevant research in the development of an original Information Security research project derived from theory and practice. (DSc students only)
Solution-Based Research for Information Security Practitioners (SRIS)
Students learn how to articulate a research problem, conduct a research literature review, and synthesize relevant research in the development of a solution-based Information Security research project. (DIA students only)
Click here for the Graduate Certificates Curriculum.
Click here for the Course Descriptions.
Click here to schedule your complimentary Personal InfoSec Graduate Certificate Teleconference.