SANS Technology Institute

Programme overview

This is a 16-credit Graduate Certificate focused on cybersecurity leadership delivered by SANS Technology Institute. The program is designed for working professionals, offered with 100% online and in-person options, and typically runs 18–24 months. The total program cost is stated as $29,250 USD. The curriculum includes hands-on labs and prepares students to earn multiple GIAC certifications as they complete courses. The program is designated by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and supports DoD 8140 workforce readiness.

What you'll study

The program requires 10 credits of core coursework and 6 credits of electives (total 16 credits). Core courses (10 credits) are:

• ISE 5001: Security Leadership Essentials for Managers (LDR512 + GSLC)
• ISE 6700: Building and Leading Security Operations Centers (LDR551 + GSOM)
• ISE 5601: IT Security Planning, Policy, & Leadership (LDR514 + GSTRT)
• ISE 5605: Business Finance Essentials (SEC405)

Electives (6 credits) can be taken as two leadership electives or one leadership and one technical elective. Leadership elective examples:

• ISE 6001: Implementing and Auditing CIS Controls (SEC566 + GCCC)
• ISE 6553: Cyber Incident Management (LDR553 + GCIL)

Technical elective examples:

• ISE 5201: Hacker Tools, Techniques, Exploits, & Incident Handling (SEC504 + GCIH)
• ISE 6255: Defensible Security Architecture & Engineering (SEC530 + GDSA)
• ISE 6578: Cyber Threat Intelligence (FOR578 + GCTI)
• ISE 6595: Applied Data Science and AI/Machine Learning for Cybersecurity Professionals (SEC595 + GMLE)

Courses emphasize translating technical risk for business audiences, leading incident response and security teams, strategic security planning, governance, and executive-level communication. As you progress, the program integrates GIAC certification opportunities tied to specific courses.

Entry requirements

Applications are accepted monthly; to follow the listed schedule apply by the 15th of any month, receive a decision about 30 days later, and you may begin courses as soon as one month after admission. The program requires professional experience and a current information-security or related role.

Career prospects

SANS reports a median reported salary of $168,000 USD for program graduates. The curriculum is aimed at preparing experienced practitioners for leadership positions such as security managers, SOC leaders, incident response leads, and other senior security roles where strategic planning, governance, and executive communication are required.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The school offers SANS.edu academic pricing on SANS courses and GIAC certifications and provides dedicated student advising and success coaching. Prospective students should inquire directly about specific scholarship, employer-reimbursement, or financial-aid options during an admissions or info session.