Secure Networks Certificate

Help keep our communication networks connected — and secure

Computer technology has connected the world in ways that were once unimaginable. But when communication networks become compromised, it puts everything from our finances to our most closely guarded information at risk.

That’s why network security experts are so crucial to our society’s well-being. Earning an online Secure Networks certificate from the University of North Dakota can prepare you to play an important role in protecting our technology infrastructure.

By completing this nine-credit certificate program, you can:

Develop techniques for enhancing security in distributed and multi-user standalone computer systems to defend against threats such as ransomware attacks, worms and phishing.
Learn to implement cryptography algorithms to help protect data storage and communication streams.
Enhance your understanding of how the OSI model and TCP/IP protocol stack enable communication between computers and networks, as well as the functions and security risks within each layer of these models.
Prepare to sit for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification exam.
Apply the credits you earn from this certificate toward our online Master of Science in Cyber Security program — that’s 25% of the credits you’ll need for the full master’s.

Expected completion time: This certificate program consists of three 14-week courses, which can be finished in as little as one year, including breaks between terms.

Course descriptions

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CSCI 589	Application Layer Security	3 Credits
This course introduces techniques for achieving security in multi-user standalone computer systems and distributed computer systems. Coverage includes secure operating systems, worms, firewalls, ransomware attacks, phishing attacks, risk assessment and security policies.

EE 614	Applied Cryptography	3 Credits
Modern cryptography algorithms are necessary for protection of data storage and communication streams from disclosure and manipulation of information to distrusted or malicious parties. This course explains the inner workings of cryptographic primitives and how to implement them. Assignments will be both theoretical and application based. Experience with a high-level programming language is required.

EE 640	Communication Protocols: OSI model and TCP/IP Protocol Stack	3 Credits
Communication between computers and networks uses protocols. This course introduces students to the OSI model and TCP/IP protocol stack. Functions of each layer in the network are explained and their security analyzed.

Are 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.