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Why this certificate?
The Cyber Defense Undergraduate Certificate, offered through the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, is available to both degree and non-degree-seeking students. The certificate prepares students to analyze, develop, investigate, protect, and defend computer and information systems.
Who is eligible?
- Applicants must have a strong foundation in CSSE (or equivalent courses):
- COMP 1210 Fundamentals of Computing I
- COMP 2210 Fundamentals of Coding I
- COMP 3220 Principles of Programming Languages
- COMP 3270 Introduction to Algorithms
- COMP 3500 Introduction to Operating Systems
- COMP 3700 Software Modeling and Design
- COMP 4320 Introduction to Computer Networks
- COMP 4370 Computer Ethics
- COMP 5120 Database Systems
- COMP 4300 Computer Architecture
- Applications for the Cyber Defense Undergraduate Certificate program are considered on a competitive basis.
- Minumum GPA requirements are not advertised because the admissions committee uses a holistic approach when reviewing a candidate's application package.
Program Requirements
- Complete the following six courses (15 credit hours) in computer science and software engineering:
- COMP 5350 Digital Forensics
- COMP 5370 Computer and Network Security
- COMP 5530 Secure Cloud Computing
- COMP 5700 Secure Software Process
- COMP 5830 Cyber Threats and Countermeasures
What can you expect?
- Students who complete the undergraduate certificate should gain an understanding of fundamentals of cybersecurity.
- Students will learn to identify prevalent cybersecurity threats, threat models (such as Man-in-the-Middle), and canonical defenses.
- Students will be able to identify, assess, and defend against cybersecurity threats; develop defendable and resilient network and software mechanisms; and detect and investigate cybersecurity breaches.
- Students will learn techniques for gathering and preserving digital forensic evidence relating to a cyber event.
- Students will build on their existing foundation in computer science (e.g., algorithms, operating systems, computer architectures, and ethics) and have the ability to leverage this knowledge for a deeper understanding of cybersecurity.
- Students will communicate cybersecurity issues effectively.
- Students will have the ability to apply their cybersecurity capabilities in an integrated manner to address specific cybersecurity problems.
How do I apply?
- Contact Clint Lovelace, manager of academic programs in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, at jcl0014@auburn.edu or 334.844.6313.