Purdue University Northwest

What you'll study

The curriculum emphasizes information assurance, penetration testing methodologies, security control design and risk analysis. Sample courses listed by the program include:

• ITS 55100 Principles of Information Assurance
• ITS 55000 Biometrics for Cybersecurity

On completion students should be able to analyze system vulnerabilities and business security risks, perform penetration-testing techniques, and develop information security plans that include policies, controls and business continuity/disaster recovery elements.

Entry requirements

• B.S. from an accredited technology program or a related field.
• Graduate application for certificate.
• TOEFL or IELTS required for international applicants whose first language is not English.

Career prospects

The program prepares graduates for a range of technical and investigative roles in cybersecurity. Positions cited by the program include cybersecurity specialist, penetration and vulnerability tester, cybercrime analyst and investigator, IT auditor, and network and system administrator. Alumni work with public- and private-sector employers, including healthcare, banking, government and defense organizations.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program description highlights completion of a respected credential at a manageable price and positions certificate-based workforce development as a means to fill unfilled cybersecurity openings. Prospective students should consult the university for specific tuition, scholarships, assistantships or employer-sponsored funding options.