Online Cybersecurity Certification Programs
There are two reasons for online cybersecurity certification programmes. Certification programmes are excellent tools for advancing careers by keeping business awareness current for people who already have a degree or job experience in the field. Certification programmes may also help people who work in similar fields break into the cybersecurity sector.
There are significant distinctions between the types of credential programmes that professionals can pursue and the types of certifications that will be more beneficial to students and entry-level professionals.
Academic Certifications vs. Professional Certifications
Professional certifications are intended to supplement business professionals’ existing expertise and knowledge. Typically, they are aimed at advanced topics in cybersecurity, or at upgrading existing hands-on experience and technological expertise.
Current information security professionals use these certification programmes, as well as the tests that frequently follow, to improve their level of professionalism and advance their careers, as well as to stay current in an ever-changing industry.
Academic cybersecurity certifications are largely aimed at those looking to break into the information security field, whether from academia or another field. As a result, academic credential programmes are more broad in scope and introductory in nature. Some academic programmes, on the other hand, can be used as a more expedient and cost-effective short-term replacement for undergraduate and graduate college degrees.
These types of certification programmes can help aspiring cybersecurity professionals get a head start on their careers or simply provide a better understanding of what life is like in the information security sector. Academic cybersecurity certification programmes are plentiful and rising all the time, so do your homework and look at all of your choices.
Cybersecurity Certification Programmes Offered Online vs. On-Campus
Campus-based or real-world continuing education services necessitate a significant time commitment. Due to regional constraints, they can also necessitate compromises in terms of which schools and services are available. Some people learn better in a typical classroom setting, and campus-based formats are typically the best option for them.
Today, however, there are hundreds of excellent online educational options available. The primary goal of online courses is to provide students with more versatility. Though asynchronous online programmes are the most convenient, synchronous programmes often have benefits over campus-based programmes. Due to the absence of the commute associated with classroom-based classes, all forms of online qualification courses reduce the amount of time and effort spent avoiding traffic.
Since synchronous systems have fixed times for class instruction and, in many cases, student discussion, time and schedule flexibility is restricted. Asynchronous systems, on the other hand, are completely free of time constraints, allowing students to set their own schedules and advance at their own rate. Although online education has a tainted reputation in the past, high-quality courses from high-quality institutions are now widely accessible and rapidly expanding.
SANS Technology Institute is the largest provider of cybersecurity training and certifications in the world. SANS provides synchronous and asynchronous online instruction, with two different choices for each. Each student/professional will have different needs and barriers to training, so they must choose the type of online coursework that best fits them and their lives.
What to Look for in Online Cybersecurity Certification Programmes
Professionals in the field of information security must be continuously evolving, adjusting, and increasing. Since technology advances and security threats evolve at a rapid pace, the industry as a whole is constantly changing. The rule of thumb in every technology-related area is to develop or die.
As a result, cybersecurity practitioners must maintain a constant state of interest and knowledge throughout their careers. If professionals want to remain competitive in this field, they must continue to learn.
Keeping up with innovations and developments can be done by using a variety of methods. Industry associations are a great place to meet new people and share your experiences with those in your field. They often frequently host meetings, conferences, workshops, and other gatherings that provide unique educational opportunities. Standardized certification schemes, on the other hand, offer concrete evidence of unique educational achievements that anyone in the industry can understand and recognise.
Certifications and training can be extremely beneficial for students seeking to join the information security field as well as professionals seeking to advance their careers in cybersecurity. When looking for and selecting online cybersecurity certification programmes, keep the following requirements in mind:
- What is the difference between a synchronous and asynchronous formats, and how do they integrate into a professional’s life?
- The amount of time it takes to complete certification
- The qualification program’s price
- Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement
- Exams for equivalency that can be taken before the course are available.
- Applicability of topic to desired entry point/career path
- Credits for degree programmes are available.
Professional Online Cybersecurity Certification Programmes
Technical cybersecurity certification programmes are designed to meet market demands for skilled professionals’ expertise and knowledge, as well as professionals’ desire to increase their value and employment in the field. Topics and curricula are deliberately chosen to have the greatest possible positive effects. Individuals in all types of specialties may find credential programmes, as well as general skills and knowledge certifications aimed at specialised, high-level professionals.
Keep in mind that, due to the constant evolution of technology and security threats, technical certifications must be updated on a regular basis to remain current and legitimate. Infosec professionals can find qualification programmes to upgrade and develop their expertise in any specialty within cybersecurity. There are several research and education organisations, as well as industry trade associations, that serve the certification needs of the industry.
The following are some of the most well-known and well-respected specialist cybersecurity certification providers on the internet:
- GIAC
- SANS
- ISC2
Academic Online Cybersecurity Certification Programmes
The scope, intent, and effect of academic cybersecurity certification programmes vary greatly. Individual colleges deliver all of these programmes, and the programmes are as unique as the colleges themselves. Some, on the other hand, are provided by industry continuing education organisations and other stakeholders involved in raising cybersecurity awareness and expanding the workforce census. In university online credential programmes, there are a few categories to be aware of.
- Programs for introductory/training certification
- Certification services for undergraduates
- Certification services for graduates
Introductory/Training Certification Programmes
As the world starts to comprehend the full weight of making so many networks and information warehouses vulnerable through online connections, the emphasis on and interest in cybersecurity is rising daily. Every day, more people consider whether cybersecurity is the right career path for them. There are a variety of low-cost or even free solutions for those interested in learning more about information security. SANS Institute has a range of online courses that can help you do just that. SANS offers free introductory courses as well as more advanced courses through its Cyber Aces programme.
Introduction to IT and Cybersecurity is an online course offered by Cybrary, another provider of business training and certifications. This free course teaches the four primary principles of IT and cybersecurity to help beginners determine which career path within the industry is right for them.
For students and professionals interested in switching professions to cybersecurity, baseline awareness and skills certifications are a great place to start once the decision to move forward has been made. CompTIA Security+ is the most well-known and well-recognized of CompTIA’s entry-level cybersecurity certifications. CompTIA is an industry continuing education association. It’s tailored to those who are already involved in IT and want to move into cybersecurity. It’s available from CompTIA and a few other places online.
Some colleges have cybersecurity training programmes for new students. Each one is custom-made by the school that offers it. Essentials of Cybersecurity is a credential programme established by the University of Washington. This course gives aspiring information security professionals an overview of cybersecurity departments in the real world, including how they function and how they’re structured. It also introduces students to cybersecurity terms and definitions, as well as assisting them in determining how well their experience and skills relate to the field.
The Cybersecurity MicroMasters Program, established by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), is a certification training series. Starting with Cybersecurity Fundamentals, RIT gives students a glimpse into the field of information management, network and system administration, information assurance principles, and simple cryptography. After completing the course, there is a road to certification. There’s a lot more in the MicroMasters Program in terms of courses and certifications for more advanced training, such as network security, forensics, and risk management.
Undergraduate Certification Programmes
Students can, of course, earn a complete bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity online. However, we’re talking about training and qualification programmes that don’t lead to degrees. A benefit of the cybersecurity programmes is that the majority of credits received can be applied toward a degree if students wish to continue their education.
The following are some examples of online undergraduate cybersecurity certification programmes. There are a plethora of other online undergraduate degree programmes. A more comprehensive list can be found at the bottom of this page.
- Utica College Cyber Technologies Certificate
- CSU Global undergraduate certificate in cybersecurity
- American Military University undergraduate certificate in cybersecurity
- Thomas Edison State University undergraduate certificate in cybersecurity
- Champlain College online cybersecurity certificate
Graduate Certification Programmes
Graduate cybersecurity certification programmes, like undergraduate cybersecurity certification programmes, usually earn student points that can be applied toward a graduate degree. These programmes, like undergraduate options, differ greatly in emphasis, scope, time commitment, and cost.
Following are a few examples of graduate cybersecurity certification programmes offered online by some of the country’s most prestigious universities. There are plenty more to choose from. A more comprehensive list can be found below.
- George Washington University Master’s of Engineering in cybersecurity
- Boston University Certificate in Cybercrime Investigation Cybersecrity
- University of Maryland offers three graduate certificates in cybersecurity
- Purdue University graduate certificate in cybersecurity
A List of Online Academic Cybersecurity Certification Programmes
The information in the following list of certification programmes is current. It isn’t a rating in every sense of the word. Instead, it is provided to provide training and qualification opportunities to those who are interested, as well as a comparison point between the options.
Best Cybersecurity Certifications Online
School | Location | Link to Program Website |
---|---|---|
Albany Law School | Albany, New York | Online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy |
Alexandria Technical and Community College | Alexandria, Minnesota | Cybersecurity Certificate |
American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia | Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime |
American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia | Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics |
American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia | Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance |
American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia | Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Security |
American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia | Undergraduate Certificate in Cybercrime Essentials |
American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia | Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia | Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Forensics |
American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia | Undergraduate Certificate in Information Security Planning |
American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia | Undergraduate Certificate in Information Systems Security Essentials |
American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia | Undergraduate Certificate in IT Infrastructure Security |
Angelo State University | San Angelo, Texas | Online Cybersecurity Certificate |
Bellevue University | Bellevue, Nebraska | Cybersecurity Certificate of Completion – Graduate |
Bellevue University | Bellevue, Nebraska | Cybersecurity Certificate of Completion – Undergraduate |
Boston University | Boston, Massachusetts | Online Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity |
Boston University | Boston, Massachusetts | Online Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics |
Boston University | Boston, Massachusetts | Online Graduate Certificate in Information Security |
Brookhaven College | Farmers Branch, Texas | Information Security Certificate |
California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino, California | Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) Certificate |
Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
Champlain College | Burlington, Vermont | Computer Forensics & Digital Investigation Certificate |
Champlain College | Burlington, Vermont | Cybersecurity Certificate |
Champlain College | Burlington, Vermont | Enterprise Security Fundamentals Certificate |
Champlain College | Burlington, Vermont | Information Security Graduate Certificate |
Champlain College | Burlington, Vermont | Security Fundamentals Certificate |
Champlain College | Burlington, Vermont | Software Security Certificate |
Colorado State University-Global Campus | Greenwood Village, Colorado | Online Certificate of Completion/Degree Specialization in Cyber Security |
Craven Community College | New Bern, North Carolina | CTI-Cybersecurity Diploma |
Dakota State University | Madison, South Dakota | Graduate Certificate in Banking Security |
Dakota State University | Madison, South Dakota | Graduate Certificate in Ethical Hacking |
DeSales University | Center Valley, Pennsylvania | Online Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics |
Drexel University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Information Privacy Compliance |
Elmhurst University | Elmhurst, Illinois | Certificate in Cyber Security |
Fairleigh Dickinson University | Madison, New Jersey | Computer Security and Forensic Administration |
Fontbonne University | Saint Louis, Missouri | Cyber Security Certificate |
Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston Salem, North Carolina | Certificate in IT- Systems Security |
Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston Salem, North Carolina | Certificate in IT-Cyber Security |
Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston Salem, North Carolina | Certificate in IT-Systems Security Cyber Defense |
Georgetown University | Washington, District of Columbia | Certificate in Cybersecurity Strategy |
Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, Georgia | Cybercrime Graduate Certificate |
Grantham University | Kansas City, Missouri | Online Advanced Cyber Security Certificate |
Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Online Cybersecurity Certificate |
Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, Hawaii | Professional Certificate in Telecommunications Security |
Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago, Illinois | Certificate in Information Security and Assurance |
Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago, Illinois | Master Certificate in Cyber Security Management |
Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago, Illinois | Master Certificate in Cyber Security Technologies |
Indiana Technology-Purdue University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis, Indiana | Medical Device Cyber Security |
Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion, Indiana | Certificate in Cybersecurity Analysis |
Iowa State University | Ames, Iowa | Information Assurance Graduate Certificate Online |
Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, Indiana | Digital Forensics Certificate |
Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, Indiana | Network Penetration Certificate |
Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, Indiana | Network Security Certificate |
Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, Indiana | Technical Certificate in Cyber Security-Information Assurance |
James Madison University | Harrisonburg, Virginia | Online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Intelligence |
Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, Maryland | Post-Master’s Certificate in Cybersecurity |
Keller Graduate School of Management | New York, New York | Graduate Certificate in Information Security |
Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, Georgia | Graduate Certificate Program in Information Security and Assurance |
Kentucky Community and Technical College System | Versailles, Kentucky | AAS in Computer and Information Technologies – Information Security Track |
Kentucky Community and Technical College System | Versailles, Kentucky | Security+ Certificate |
La Salle University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
Lake Superior College | Duluth, Minnesota | Certificate in Information Security Management |
Linfield College | McMinnville, Oregon | Certificate in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics |
Long Island University-Riverhead Campus | Riverhead, New York | Advanced Certificate in Cyber Security Policy |
Lynchburg College | Lynchburg, Virginia | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
Marshall University | Huntington, West Virginia | Graduate Certificate in Information Security |
Massachusetts Bay Community College | Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts | Advanced Cyber Security Certificate |
Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, Massachusetts | Certificate in Information Assurance and Information Technology Security |
Middle Georgia State University | Cochran, Georgia | Certificate in Cybersecurity |
Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Granite Falls, Minnesota | Certificate in Computer Information Security Management |
Mississippi College | Clinton, Mississippi | Certificate in Cyber Security and Information Assurance |
Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, Missouri | Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate |
Missouri University of Science and Technology | Rolla, Missouri | Big Data Management and Security Graduate Certificate |
Missouri University of Science and Technology | Rolla, Missouri | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security |
Missouri University of Science and Technology | Rolla, Missouri | Information Assurance & Security Officer Essentials Graduate Certificate |
Mitchell Hamline School of Law | St. Paul, Minnesota | Certificate in Cybersecurity and Privacy Law |
Moraine Park Technical College | Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin | Information Technology – Information Security Certificate |
Naval Postgraduate School | Monterey, California | Certificate in Applied Cyber Operations |
Naval Postgraduate School | Monterey, California | Certificate in Cyber Operations Infrastructure |
Naval Postgraduate School | Monterey, California | Cyber Security Adversarial Techniques graduate certificate |
Naval Postgraduate School | Monterey, California | Cyber Security Defense graduate certificate |
Naval Postgraduate School | Monterey, California | Cyber Security Fundamentals graduate certificate |
Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, Kentucky | Cybersecurity Certificate |
Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale, Virginia | Cybersecurity Career Studies Certificate |
Norwich University | Northfield, Vermont | Graduate Certificate in Computer Forensics Investigation |
Norwich University | Northfield, Vermont | Graduate Certificate in Critical Infrastructure Protection & Cyber Crime |
Norwich University | Northfield, Vermont | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Law & International Perspectives on Cyberspace |
Norwich University | Northfield, Vermont | Graduate Certificate in Vulnerability Management |
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance |
Old Dominion University | Norfolk, Virginia | Cyber Security Certificate |
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, Pennsylvania | Certificate in Information Systems Cybersecurity |
Purdue Community Global | Indianapolis, Indiana | Computer Forensics Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
Purdue Community Global | Indianapolis, Indiana | Information Security Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
Quinsigamond Community College | Worcester, Massachusetts | Certificate in Computer Systems Engineering Technology – Cyber Security |
Regent University | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Certificate of Graduate Studies in Cybersecurity |
Regis University | Denver, Colorado | Graduate Cyber Security Certificate |
Robert Morris University | Moon Township, Pennsylvania | Certificate in Mobile Forensics and Security |
Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, New York | Online Advanced Certificate In Cybersecurity |
Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, Texas | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security |
Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, Texas | Graduate Certificate in Data Assurance |
Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, Texas | Graduate Certificate in Digital Investigation |
SANS Technology Institute | Bethesda, Maryland | Cyber Defense Operations Certificate |
SANS Technology Institute | Bethesda, Maryland | Cybersecurity Engineering Certificate |
SANS Technology Institute | Bethesda, Maryland | Incident Response Certificate |
SANS Technology Institute | Bethesda, Maryland | Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking Certificate |
SANS Technology Institute | Bethesda, Maryland | Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity |
St Petersburg College | Clearwater, Florida | Certificate in Cybersecurity |
Stanford University | Stanford, California | Advanced Computer Security Certificate |
Stanford University | Stanford, California | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security |
St. Bonaventure University | St. Bonaventure, New York | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, New Jersey | Graduate Certificate in Systems Security Engineering |
Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, New Jersey | Secure Network Systems Design Graduate Certificate |
Stevenson University | Stevenson, Maryland | Online Certificate in Digital Forensics |
Sullivan University | Louisville, Kentucky | Certificate in Cybersecurity Administration |
Sullivan University | Louisville, Kentucky | Certificate in Network Support Administration and Security |
Sullivan University | Louisville, Kentucky | Cybersecurity Professional Certificate |
SUNY Westchester Community College | Valhalla, New York | Cybersecurity Certificate |
Syracuse University | Syracuse, New York | Certificate of Advanced Study in Information Security Management |
The University of Montana | Missoula, Montana | Cyber Security Professional Certificate |
The University of West Florida | Pensacola, Florida | Certificate in Intelligence Analysis |
Troy University | Troy, Alabama | Online Cyber Security Certificate Program |
Tulane University | New Orleans, Louisiana | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Technology Fundamentals |
Tulane University | New Orleans, Louisiana | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Defense |
Tulane University | New Orleans, Louisiana | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Leadership |
University of Alaska Southeast | Juneau, Alaska | Healthcare Privacy & Security Certificate |
University of Arizona | Tucson, Arizona | MISonline – Enterprise Security Certificate |
University of California-Irvine | Irvine, California | Information Systems Security Certificate Program |
University of Dallas | Irving, Texas | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
University of Denver | Denver, Colorado | Information System Security Certificate |
University Of Fairfax | Roanoke, Virginia | Cybersecurity Best Practices (CBP) – CISSP Graduate Certificate |
University of Fairfax | Roanoke, Virginia | Information Security Professional Practices (ISPP) Graduate Certificates |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, Illinois | Computer Security Certificate |
University of Louisville | Louisville, Kentucky | Online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
University of Maine at Fort Kent | Fort Kent, Maine | Information Security- Certificate |
University of Maryland-University College | Adelphi, Maryland | Certificate in Computer Networking |
University of Maryland-University College | Adelphi, Maryland | Certificate in Homeland Security Management |
University of Maryland- University College | Adelphi, Maryland | Certificate in Information Assurance |
University of Maryland-University College | Adelphi, Maryland | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Policy |
University of Maryland-University College | Adelphi, Maryland | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Technology |
University of Nebraska at Omaha | Omaha, Nebraska | Executive Certificate in Cyber & Cyber Security Law |
University of Nebraska at Omaha | Omaha, Nebraska | Information Assurance (IA) Certificate |
University of New Haven | West Haven, Connecticut | Certificate in Cybercrime Investigations |
University of New Haven | West Haven, Connecticut | Certificate in Digital Forensics Investigations |
University of Phoenix | Phoenix, Arizona | Advanced Cyber Security Certificate (Undergraduate) |
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | CAS in Security Assured Information Systems (SAIS) |
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Cybersecurity Professional Education Program |
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity, Policy, and Law |
University of Rhode Island | Kingston, Rhode Island | Cyber Security Graduate Certificate |
University of Rhode Island | Kingston, Rhode Island | Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics |
University of Florida-Main Campus | Tampa, Florida | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity – Awareness and Education |
University of Florida-Main Campus | Tampa, Florida | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity – Cyber Intelligence |
University of Florida-Main Campus | Tampa, Florida | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity-Digital Forensics |
University of Florida-Main Campus | Tampa, Florida | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity-Information Assurance |
University of Vermont | Burlington, Vermont | Certificate in Computer Software – Cybersecurity Track |
University of Virginia | Charlottesville, Virginia | Certificate in Cybersecurity Management |
University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, Washington | Certificate in Cybersecurity |
University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, Washington | Certificate in Ethical Hacking |
University of Washington, Tacoma Campus | Tacoma, Washington | Certificate in Information Security & Risk Management |
University of West Georgia | Carrollton, Georgia | Online Certificate – Fundamentals of Computer Forensics |
University of West Georgia | Carrollton, Georgia | Online Certificate – Fundamentals of Cybersecurity |
Villanova University | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Certificate in Information Systems Security |
Villanova University | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Master Certificate in Information Security Management |
Villanova University | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Master Certificate in Information Security Management – Government Security |
Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, Virginia | Graduate Certificate in Information Security and Analytics |
Walden University | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Graduate Certificate in Fundamentals of Cyber Security |
Webster University | Saint Louis, Missouri | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Threat Detection |
Wichita State University | Wichita, Kansas | Certificate in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity |
Worcester Polytechnic College | Worcester, Massachusetts | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
Wright State University | Celina, Ohio | Cyber Security Analytics Certificate |
University of Maryland- Global Campus (formerly UMUC) | Adelphi, Maryland | Cybersecurity Technology |
University of Maryland- Global Campus (formerly UMUC) | Adelphi, Maryland | Cybersecurity Management and Policy |
PC Age | Jersey City, New Jersey | Certified IT/Cybersecurity |
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