Graduate Certificate: Cybersecurity and Defense

The certificate program in cybersecurity and defense prepares computer science professionals to identify, analyze and mitigate technical cybersecurity related vulnerabilities, exploits and attacks against network and critical cyber infrastructure. The coursework emphasizes practical technical skills, analysis and research focused on current cybersecurity issues.

Certificate Eligibility

A bachelor of science or equivalent in computer science is ideal. Applicants with bachelor of science degrees in areas other than computer science will be individually evaluated for adequate knowledge in programming, algorithms and system design, and may be assigned additional courses to take as part of the certificate program to address deficiencies in background. 

Students currently enrolled in the CU Denver bachelor of science in computer science program are eligible for this certificate with the recommendation of their advisor.

Curriculum

Students need to complete a sequence of four separate graduate-level courses:

• CSCI 5742 - Cybersecurity Programming and Analysis
• CSCI 5743 - Cyber and Infrastructure Defense
• CSCI 5573 - Operating Systems
• CSCI 5765 - Computer Networks

Students must take and pass each course with a grade of B- or better and earn a GPA of at least 3.0 to obtain the Cyber Security and Defense Certificate.

Is Cybersecurity a Good Career?

Throughout our world, malicious hackers are causing problems for millions of people. Between 2013 and 2021, vacant job postings for cybersecurity positions rose 350%. Data shows that just 68% of cybersecurity job postings nationwide are filled. In Colorado, 30% of cybersecurity roles remain vacant. Learn more about cybersecurity and career opportunities in this field.