Why ODU for Cybersecurity?

This online cybersecurity certificate program teaches web professionals working in computer science and related fields the additional skills needed to manage, analyze, and secure cyber data.

You will take one core course, then choose three courses to complete the program. Your core course teaches the fundamentals of cybersecurity, introducing:

  • networking and the Internet protocol stack
  • vulnerable protocols such as HTTP, DNS, and BGP
  • an overview of wireless communications, vulnerabilities, and security protocols
  • cryptography
  • cyber threats and defenses
  • firewalls and IDS/IPS
  • and more.

Complete this graduate certificate in as little as one year by taking two courses in the spring semester and two courses in the fall semester.

If you decide to continue your studies, credit for these courses may also apply toward ODU's Master of Science in Computer Science degree program.

When you graduate, you will earn a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity.

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NSA National Center of Academic Excellence

Old Dominion University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) in all three focus areas:

  • National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
  • National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO)
  • National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R)

Learn More About NCAE Designations

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Program Information

Total
12 Credit Hours

After taking one core course, you will choose three of these four courses to complete the certificate:

  • Cryptography for Cybersecurity - Learn mathematical foundations, including information theory, number theory, factoring, and prime number generation; cryptographic protocols; and cryptographic techniques (including key generation and key management) and applications. Cryptographic algorithms are also covered.
  • Networked Systems Security - Covers authentication, authorization, and accounting in cyber systems including SSO and password-, address-, and biometrics-based systems. Learn how to secure wired and wireless networks and applications like e-mail and e-commerce. Security and privacy in cloud environments is also covered.
  • Information Assurance for Cybersecurity - In this course, you will learn about metrics, planning and deployment; identity and trust technologies; verification and evaluation, and more. This course also covers human factors such as regulation, policy, and enforcement, and legal, ethical, and social implications.
  • Data Analytics for Cybersecurity - Learn classical and advanced models and techniques in machine learning and deep learning, and how to apply these techniques to activities such as anomaly detection, network security, and malware detection. Cyber-attacks on machine learning and AI systems and the possible consequences are also covered. Advanced applications such as self-driving cars and IoT systems are discussed.

Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Total
12 Credit Hours

After taking one core course, you will choose three of these four courses to complete the certificate:

  • Cryptography for Cybersecurity - Learn mathematical foundations, including information theory, number theory, factoring, and prime number generation; cryptographic protocols; and cryptographic techniques (including key generation and key management) and applications. Cryptographic algorithms are also covered.
  • Networked Systems Security - Covers authentication, authorization, and accounting in cyber systems including SSO and password-, address-, and biometrics-based systems. Learn how to secure wired and wireless networks and applications like e-mail and e-commerce. Security and privacy in cloud environments is also covered.
  • Information Assurance for Cybersecurity - In this course, you will learn about metrics, planning and deployment; identity and trust technologies; verification and evaluation, and more. This course also covers human factors such as regulation, policy, and enforcement, and legal, ethical, and social implications.
  • Data Analytics for Cybersecurity - Learn classical and advanced models and techniques in machine learning and deep learning, and how to apply these techniques to activities such as anomaly detection, network security, and malware detection. Cyber-attacks on machine learning and AI systems and the possible consequences are also covered. Advanced applications such as self-driving cars and IoT systems are discussed.

Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$620 per credit hour*
Out-of-state Students
$642 per credit hour

Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarship & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 

Careers in Cybersecurity

Information Security Analysts
Growth
32.7%
Median Salary
$120,360
Digital Forensics Analysts
Growth
10.8%
Median Salary
$104,920
Penetration Testers
Growth
10.8%
Median Salary
$104,920
Computer Network Architects
Growth
13.4%
Median Salary
$129,840
Computer Systems Analysts
Growth
10.7%
Median Salary
$103,800

ODUGlobal Graduate Admissions Team

Elaine Ross, Assistant Director of Graduate and International Admissions

Contact us at globalgradadmit@odu.edu about admission requirements, deadlines, or anything else you need to know about the application process!

Angel Baker
Applications Coordinator
Angela Schlender
Applications Coordinator

Ready to Apply?

To apply for this graduate certificate program, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution with a computer science-related major. You'll need to be accepted into ODU as a non-degree graduate student before you apply to the certificate program with the department.

If you decide to pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science at ODU and are admitted into that program, courses from this certificate may also apply towards that degree.