Lead the way in securing our digital future.
Technological innovations have enhanced our lives in countless ways, but they’ve also left us vulnerable to cyber-attacks. From governments to large corporations to individuals, no one is immune. This has resulted in huge demand for cyber security experts who can prevent or mitigate these threats to our computing infrastructure and personal data.
The need for cyber security professionals increased by 30% in 2021, according to the nonprofit cyber security association International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. And the demand is growing faster than the supply. (ISC)2 further reports there is a shortage of 2.7 million cyber security professionals globally, with nearly 400,000 in the United States alone.
By earning an online Cyber Security Certificate from the University of North Dakota, you can gain the specialized skills to emerge as a leader in this growing field. You can choose from one of four graduate certificates, and your credits can be applied toward the future completion of a master’s in cyber security.
Prepare to sit for industry certification exams
Earn your certificate in as little as 1 year
Apply with no GRE required for admission
Earn credits that can be applied toward a master’s in cyber security
Explore our suite of online cyber security graduate certificates.
As the cyber security field becomes more complex, having a general understanding of computing networks is no longer enough. Today’s employers seek specialists who have an enhanced expertise on topics such as security analysis, forensics, hacking and network security.
That’s why we’ve created a suite of certificates that can prepare you to excel in these areas. Each nine-credit certificate consists of three 14-week courses and can be completed in as little as one year.
The credits you earn can also be applied toward our online Master of Science in Cyber Security.
Choose from the following four graduate certificates:
Computer Forensics Certificate
As instances of cybercrime increase and malicious hackers become savvier, organizations are making a greater investment in strengthening the security of their networks to mitigate or prevent threats. Coursework in this certificate program is designed to prepare you for Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification and covers topics including intrusion detection algorithms and tools, computer forensics and insider threat analysis.
Learn More
Cyber Security Analyst Certificate
With emerging threats from around the globe, it’s important for cyber security professionals to have a baseline knowledge from which to help defend against malware, hackers and other threats to infrastructure. This certificate can prepare you for Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA) certification and covers topics including human factors in cyber security, vulnerability assessment and emerging threats and defenses.
Learn More
Ethical Hacking Certificate
Understanding how a hacker thinks is the first line of defense to help thwart those who seek to paralyze critical infrastructure that governments, corporations and other organizations rely on for financial and data security. This certificate can prepare you for Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification and covers topics including penetration testing, ethical hacking and secure software engineering.
Learn More
Secure Networks Certificate
Protection protocols are necessary in today’s hyperconnected and technology-integrated world. When systems become compromised, it puts sensitive personal and financial data at risk. Coursework in this certificate program can prepare you for Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. It covers topics including applied cryptography, application layer security and communication protocols (OSI model and TCP/IP protocol stack).
Learn MoreAre you considering a career change to cyber security?
The University of North Dakota welcomes students from all backgrounds into our graduate certificate program. Depending on your prior educational and professional experience, you may be required to take up to two foundation courses: Analytical Foundations of Cyber Security and/or Computing Foundations of Cyber Security. Speaking to an enrollment advisor can help you determine whether you meet these prerequisites.
Why choose the University of North Dakota for your online Cyber Security Graduate Certificate?
As information technology continues to change our society, you can prepare for the future by learning innovative ways to defend and protect organizations against cyber-attacks.
You can benefit from comprehensive coursework taught by industry experts in the College of Engineering & Mines (CEM) — one of the most well-respected engineering schools in the upper Midwest — so you will feel confident knowing that you can graduate prepared for what’s next in cyber security.
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and ranked the Number 2 Best Online Cyber Security Degree in 2021 by Best Value Schools. We also consistently rank among the best for educational value, affordability and career outcomes by several top-ranking organizations.
That means when it comes to quality, you can be confident in UND.
Learn cutting-edge skills from distinguished faculty
Our faculty members are leading scholars and practitioners who have years of experience in the cyber security field and are eager to share their expertise with you.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for the online Cyber Security Graduate Certificates, you must meet the following prerequisites:
- Hold a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent in cyber security, computer science or a related discipline from an accredited institution*
- Achieve a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
In addition, you must provide the following:
- Online application and $35 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from every institution attended
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation**
For international students:
- Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English language proficiency requirements
- International applicants who have received their bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognized institution where English is the primary language of instruction in the United States and U.S. Territories, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), England, Ireland, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Scotland, Wales, Commonwealth Caribbean or New Zealand are not required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS.
*Applicants who don’t meet this requirement can receive provisional admission into the program and be moved to approved-admission status upon successful completion of courses EE 601 (Analytical Foundations of Cyber Security) and/or EE 602 (Computing Foundations of Cyber Security).
**Your recommenders will be notified by email after you complete your online application.
Application Deadlines
Start Term | Application Deadline |
| Summer 2023 | 5/1/2023 |
| Fall 2023 | 7/31/2023 |
Ready to get started?