SANS Technology Institute

Programme overview

This 12-credit Graduate Certificate is designed to build practical incident response capabilities for professionals who already work in information security or related roles. The program combines a required foundational course, three advanced graduate courses and one elective. Delivery options include 100% online (OnDemand or Live Online) and in-person formats. The program is NSA-designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, supports DoD 8140 workforce readiness, includes GIAC certifications as you complete courses, and lists a reported median salary of $139,000 USD from program graduates. Total program cost is stated as $22,800 USD, and typical completion is 18–24 months.

What you'll study

The curriculum proceeds in a set order starting with a core then advancing through graduate-level incident response topics. Core and elective course listings (course codes and associated SANS course/GIAC cert) are provided below.

• Required Core Courses (9 credits): ISE 6500: Windows Forensic Analysis | FOR500 + GCFE; ISE 6508: Advanced Incident Response, Threat Hunting, and Digital Forensics | FOR508 + GCFA; ISE 6608: Enterprise-Class Incident Response & Threat Hunting | FOR608 + GEIR.
• Elective (3 credits) — choose one: ISE 5503 SEC503 + GCIA; ISE 5504 SEC504 + GCIH; ISE 6509 FOR509 + GCFR; ISE 6518 FOR518 + GIME; ISE 6572 FOR572 + GNFA; ISE 6577 FOR577 + GLIR; ISE 6578 FOR578 + GCTI; ISE 6585 FOR585 + GASF; ISE 6595 SEC595 + GMLE; ISE 7610 FOR610 + GREM.

Entry requirements

Applications are accepted monthly; apply by the 15th of any month to receive a decision about 30 days later and potentially start within one month of admission. The published entry expectation notes that applicants must have professional experience and hold a current infosec or related role.

Career prospects

The program emphasizes immediately applicable skills: incident detection and triage, evidence collection and analysis, containment/eradication/recovery techniques, and incident documentation with post-incident reporting. Courses include GIAC certification paths employers recognize; the page reports a median graduate salary of $139,000 USD based on alumni-reported earnings.

Scholarships & funding angle

The site references SANS.edu academic pricing on SANS courses and GIAC certifications and offers dedicated student advising and success coaching. Specific scholarship, loan or employer-funding details are not provided on the course page; prospective students are encouraged to contact admissions for funding options and guidance.