Online Undergraduate Cybersecurity Certificate Program
Online Undergraduate Cybersecurity Certificate Program
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This certificate offers a strategic pathway for college students looking to enhance their talents. This program does not grant professional certification directly but provides essential tools and experiences to pursue opportunities in the cybersecurity field. The skills taught in this certificate program can help prepare you to work toward pursuing professional certification. It represents an opportunity to enhance your skills, deepen your expertise and strengthen your foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles.
Embark on your cyber defense journey with a flexible and instructor-led online certificate program in information security foundations. This virtual program offers flexible online education for busy professionals and students, allowing you to study from anywhere with an internet connection while balancing your commitments. Whether you're looking to enter the cybersecurity field or enhance your existing IT skills, this online format offers flexibility without compromising the quality of instruction.
Our faith-integrated curriculum based on a Christian worldview offers an emphasis on ethical practice and principles. These are critical for decision-making and developing offensive and defensive cybersecurity strategies that adhere to a moral code and course of action.
In today’s world, where hackers pose increasing threats to critical data, companies rely on skilled cybersecurity professionals to safeguard their assets.1 The Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Foundations at Grand Canyon University supports aspiring information technology (IT) and cybersecurity professionals. The program is designed to equip you with essential knowledge and hands-on experience in cybersecurity tools, technologies and procedures, to help you prepare to combat and prevent cyber threats in your career.
Cybersecurity involves protecting entities and individuals from cyber threats and attacks by safeguarding computers, networks, sensitive data, hardware and software programs, and developing essential defensive skills.1
In this program, you will be taught the following competencies:
You will have the opportunity to develop essential skills in investigating, combatting and mitigating global cyber threats and attacks. Our knowledgeable educators reinforce your understanding of network technologies and information security, to help you gain current strategies for enhancing the security of global network systems.
Since 1968, GCU has maintained institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring the quality and rigor of its educational programs. The College of Engineering and Technology shares the university’s commitment to providing students with a reputable and respected academic experience across various disciplines.
Online: $500 per credit [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Each course is designed to build upon the knowledge learned in the previous course in sequence and provide a networking and security foundation. This can equip you with the skills necessary for potential opportunities in cybersecurity following completion of the program.
Program domain areas include:
If you're considering becoming a student at GCU, take a look at our entry requirements to determine your eligibility for admission, as these requirements vary by program. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on application deadlines, required documents and specific eligibility criteria, please read the University Policy Handbook.
The requirements for this information security program involve participating in online cybersecurity certificate classes. These classes include discussions on relevant cybersecurity topics and hands-on exercises to demonstrate knowledge and understanding. Certificate programs generally take less time to complete than degree programs.
If you’re interested in helping others stay safe online, this certificate may be right for you!
Along with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, this certificate program may help prepare you for various cybersecurity careers. For those who wish to develop deeper skills in the field of cyber defense, GCU also offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity.
Career possibilities include:
Computer and information systems manager
Information security analyst
Computer network support specialist
Database administrator
Computer network architect
Database architect
Network and computer systems administrator
Estimated job growth for information security analysts from 2022-20322
Median annual wage for information security analysts as of May 20233
1 Kaspersky. (n.d.). What Is Cyber Security? Retrieved Aug. 4, 2023.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, retrieved July 19, 2024.
3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Information Security Analysts, as of May 2023, retrieved July 19, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as information security analysts, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
4 Seiter, C. (2024, Feb. 19). Check Out the 10 Best Cybersecurity Certifications. Forbes. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
5 Griffiths, C. (2024, Jan. 7). The Latest 2024 Cyber Crime Statistics. AAG. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
Whether you're considering advancing your IT skills or entering the cybersecurity field, answers to these frequently asked questions can help provide clarity on what our program offers and how it can benefit you.
We offer an undergraduate online cybersecurity certificate, providing you with an education in a format that is convenient and flexible. Resources and support are available to help you navigate our online learning system while you pursue your information security education.
Before deciding which one is best, it’s important to note the differences between a certificate and certification. Certificates such as this Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Foundations will focus on specific skills and advancing your knowledge in the area. Certifications typically involve passing an exam to validate broader expertise in cybersecurity and often result in receiving a credential or certificate.
The best certificate depends on your career goals and current skill level. Professional certificates and certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)® and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are highly regarded in the industry.4 It's essential to research each certificate's requirements, content and relevance to your career path before choosing the one that best aligns with your goals.
As global organizations face growing threats, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly vital. A significant majority of small and medium sized businesses recognize the urgency of addressing cybersecurity concerns, with many planning to bolster their investment in this critical area over the next year.5
Pursuing an education in cybersecurity, along with obtaining a bachelor’s degree, may be worthwhile, equipping you with essential skills to tackle evolving cyber threats and contribute effectively to organizational security measures. Additionally, the median annual wage for information security analysts is $120,360 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.3
The speed at which you can learn cybersecurity depends on various factors such as your prior knowledge of IT and security concepts, your dedication to learning and the intensity of the program or courses you undertake. With focused effort and commitment, you can make significant progress in mastering cybersecurity skills. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor to determine how long it takes to earn a certificate in cybersecurity.
This cybersecurity certificate program integrates practical, hands-on activities that go beyond theory. Courses will focus on the deployment of advanced techniques in exploitation, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, policy management, security program design and cyber defense activities. You will also have the opportunity to delve into the realm of professional communications and conduct skills associated with a career in technology.
Course topics include:
LANs, WANs, service providers, protocols and more
Cloud technologies
Scalability planning
Deployment of enterprise applications
Relationship between cybersecurity and ethical hacking
Incident management and data loss prevention
Cyber technologies for forensic investigations
