Finding degree programs that offer long-term, upwardly mobile jobs in a struggling economy is challenging. Following trends may be beneficial, but they have a tendency to change rapidly and unexpectedly. Fortunately, several fields tend to be on the rise, with no sign of a decline in sight. For example, long before the highly publicized “hacking” of the 2016 presidential election, demand for cybersecurity professionals was sky-high. The number of work postings for cybersecurity increased by 91% between 2010 and 2014. That’s more than three times the percentage of total IT workers generated in the same time span.
This demand is nowhere near being fulfilled by a supply of adequately educated and qualified graduates, which further favors prospective students. Cyber defense now hires 250,000 staff, with hundreds more planned to be hired in the coming years. It’s worth noting that Maryland, D.C., and Virginia account for just over 10% of these occupations. However, as the possibility of cyber threats increases, both the federal government and private companies will continue to recruit cyber security specialists who have undergone adequate training.

What is a Cyber Security Certificate?
A Cybersecurity Certificate is a 12-hour to 18-hour curriculum that focuses on realistic cyber security awareness and skills. This is an academic certificate granted by universities and schools, as opposed to professional certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH, etc.). Graduate certificates come in a wider range of subjects. These are designed for professionals who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to expand their skills, boost their career opportunities, or begin the process of earning a master’s degree.
Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Georgetown University
The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Georgetown University will teach students how to build and enforce risk governance structures that will help people, agencies, and organizations become more robust. The four-course certificate provides a specialized approach to cybersecurity, with an interdisciplinary and flexible program that allows learners to customize their studies to suit their educational and career objectives.
This program examines cybersecurity from many perspectives, including ethics, communications, risk management, enforcement law, security, computer science, and organizational change. Students will interact with business leaders in the workshop, who will introduce you to the most recent best practices in the cybersecurity landscape. They will also gain hands-on experience designing and implementing comprehensive risk management plans, practices, and protections within an enterprise.
Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture from Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Penn State World Campus, in conjunction with Penn State’s College of Computer Sciences and Technology, provides a 9-credit online Enterprise Information and Security Technology Infrastructure Graduate Certificate that will provide information technology and industry practitioners with specialized knowledge in:
- the enterprise information technology stack
- enterprise architecture gap analysis
- migration planning
- governance and measurement
- security and network management strategy, including intrusion detection, encryption, authentication, and network management
This certificate is intended to provide students with a significant career edge in business infrastructure and security technology architecture.
Online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from Colorado State University
This online graduate certificate program will train students to succeed in the fast-paced world of digital information management and security. Learn how to spot device flaws and how to protect your company from a variety of IT-related threats. Learn how to lead as an IT security specialist by acquiring the necessary skills.
How long does it take to complete the Cyber Security Certificate?
Cyber security certificate programs take less time compared to masters degrees. Usually between 6 – 18 months. The duration may vary depending on courses offered, institution, mode of the program, and students’ effort.
Duration of Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Georgetown University
The program is offered in full-time and part-time format and completed in 6 – 12 months.
Duration of Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture from Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
This online graduate certificate can be completed in less than 12 months.

Duration of Online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from Colorado State University
This fully online graduate certificate in cyber security can be complete in 12 – 18 months.
What do you learn in a Cyber Security Certificate?
What do you learn in the Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Georgetown University?
After successfully completing this certificate, students will be able to:
- Create a cybersecurity governance system and put it in place.
- Create and implement a successful employee recognition and preparation campaign.
- Identify, evaluate, and handle cybersecurity risks in the company.
- Examine the effect of new technology on the security of an organization’s network and infrastructure.
- Integrate cybersecurity policies with rules and enforcement criteria.
- Make a case for and explain cybersecurity investments.
- Effectively communicate with IT experts and other important industry stakeholders.
- Adopt cybersecurity policies that adhere to legal practices.
Courses offered in Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Georgetown University
Students must choose 4 courses from this list.
- Ethics in Cybersecurity
- Information Security
- Cybersecurity Governance Frameworks
- Information Assurance & Risk Management
- Security Architecture & Design
- Information Security Laws & Regulatory Compliance
- Communication Strategy for Information Security Professionals
- Disruptive Technology & Organizational Change
What do you learn in Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture from Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Students will develop a solid knowledge base and technical capabilities in corporate infrastructure and technology with this certificate’s extensive program, offering them the experience they need to succeed in the ever-expanding area of security architecture. If students apply and are admitted into the program, they can apply the credits they receive for this certificate toward a Master in Professional Studies in Enterprise Architecture.
Courses offered in Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture from Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Enterprise Information Technology Architecture
- Architecting Enterprise Security and Risk Analysis
- Network Management and Security
What do you learn in Online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from Colorado State University?
Students can learn how to evaluate vulnerabilities in an organization’s IT processes and make suggestions to increase regulatory enforcement, monitoring, and organizational efficiency by taking the four AACSB-accredited courses in this program. Students will gain useful hands-on experience assaulting and defending computer environments after learning new programming concepts. They will also see how to set up and troubleshoot both hardware and applications for computer networking. These cybersecurity courses combine enterprise and technological approaches and provide students with the most realistic, applicable instruction so they can effectively solve a variety of cybersecurity challenges.
Courses offered in Online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from Colorado State University
- Application Software Infrastructure
- IT Communications Infrastructure
- Cybersecurity
- Information Assurance and Security

How much does a Cyber Security Certificate cost?
The cost of a cyber security certificate may vary by many factors like institution, curriculum offered, students’ residential status, and the model(on-campus or online) of the program students enrolled in. Usually, the total cost can range between $6,000- $20,000.
Tuition cost of Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Georgetown University
Total number of credits – 12
Cost per credit – $1,483
Total tuition cost – $17,796
Tuition cost of Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture from Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Total number of credits – 9
Cost per credit – $924
Total tuition cost – $8,316
Tuition cost of Online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from Colorado State University
Total number of credits – 12
Cost per credit – $867
Total tuition cost – $10,404
What are the career benefits of doing a Certificate in Cyber Security?
Many people who are new to cybersecurity believe that certificates are only for the sake of earning income. Although this is valid in several cases, certificates may also offer some additional advantages to your profession.
- Certificate will make you stand out from the crowd.
Certificate will make you stand out from the crowd when it comes to competing for the same job. candidate with a credential or multiple Certificates edged out an equally eligible but non-certified candidate purely on the basis of the certificate. In both situations, the credential was the determining consideration for the employer.
- Certificates reflect a high degree of achievement and perseverance.
Everyone recognizes that earning a certificate requires time and effort, so getting one shows your loyalty to your field and knowledge base. This is particularly true when you begin your career and have fewer tools to draw on or share with prospective employers. Having a certificate demonstrates that you are dedicated to your chosen profession.
- Certificate will help you get a raise or promotion at work.
Money must become a consideration in any career decision at some stage, and here it is. A certificate can help a cybersecurity expert gain negotiating power for a salary or promotion. This is why so many certificate suppliers want to relate their certificates to pay scales. Of course, there are many more considerations to weigh when determining whether or not a qualification will lead to a promotion, so it might be worthwhile to continue to use a certificate as a bargaining chip for better pay.
What is an Online Cyber Security Master’s Degree?
The probability of cyberattacks grows in tandem with the sophistication of today’s computing systems. Cybersecurity is a solution to this threat, with the goal of safeguarding information and the organisations that obtain it. A master’s degree in cybersecurity will help practitioners build more effective security systems while still understanding stakeholders and regulation. When risks to data privacy change, so do the safeguards put in place to counteract them. Students who pursue a master’s degree are more prepared to respond to new technology and better integrate them into their daily jobs.
Online Masters of Science in Cyber Security from Syracuse University
Via cutting-edge research, curricular advances, and multidisciplinary teamwork, Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science’s M.S. in Cybersecurity curriculum train students to detect, avoid, and counteract cybercrime. This online program requires 30 credits in total, with 15 credits in core courses and 15 credits in electives, nine of which are academic electives. Each week, students interact with their classmates and faculty in live online classes with HD video, as well as in-person immersion opportunities on the Syracuse University campus. Find out all about the course.
Online Masters of Science in Cyber Security from University of Delaware
Professionals with a specialization in engineering, computer science, information technology, or similar areas will benefit from UD’s online M.S. in cybersecurity. The program’s expert faculty members have considerable expertise in the government, military, and industrial fields, and their lectures are focused on real-world situations and universal theory. This will allow you to create and implement sophisticated solutions to safeguard global networks and infrastructure.
Online MS in Computer Science in Cyber Security from The University of Tulsa
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Cyber Security program at the University of Tulsa is built for working professionals who want to progress and excel in this rapidly growing sector.
This curriculum is built for the working individual in mind, and it offers students a detailed understanding of the basic principles of cyber security. Students communicate with peers as well as real-life teachers who work in the area of cyber defense.

How long does it take to complete the Online Cyber Security Master’s degree?
The time to complete a masters degree in cyber security may vary by many factors like curriculum offered, how many hours a student dedicates, and also the model (part-time or full-time) students enrolled in. Normally students who enrolled in a full-time program may complete the degree in 2 years or 3 – 4 years if they enrolled in a part-time program. And with an accelerated program students can complete the cyber security masters degree in less than 2 years.
Duration of Online Masters of Science in Cyber Security from Syracuse University
Students can complete this masters degree in cyber security in as few as 15 months.
Duration of Online Masters of Science in Cyber Security from University of Delaware
The online master of science in cybersecurity from the University of Delaware takes just 30 credit hours (10 courses) and can be completed in two years.
Duration of Online MS in Computer Science in Cyber Security from The University of Tulsa
Students can obtain their cybersecurity degree in as little as 20 months or as much as four years, depending on their requirements as full-time professionals. They are free to go at their own pace when completing the curriculum.
What do you learn In an Online Cyber Security Masters Degree?
What do you learn in Online Masters of Science in Cyber Security from Syracuse University?
This essential course covers algorithm architecture and analysis. Divide and conquer algorithms, greedy algorithms, matrix algorithms, social network algorithms, computational biology, optimization algorithms, randomization, and algorithm analysis will be taught to students.
The program emphasizes the following learning goals to ensure students excel in high-demand positions and adapt in a constantly changing field:
- Design of modern, intrinsically stable computer and information systems
- System security on the internet, smartphone, and other information portals
- Assurance of systems by the use of mathematical logic
- Malware, data leaks, and other cyberattacks are analyzed and detected.
- Data mining and anomaly analysis are used to track unusual cyber activity.
Courses offered in Online Masters of Science in Cyber Security from Syracuse University
Core Courses
Students will take all five core courses.
- Computer Security
- Internet Security
- Assurance Foundations
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- Principles of Operating Systems
Technical Electives
Students are required to take three technical elective courses.
- Machine Learning
- Introduction to Cryptography
- Biometrics
Electives
Students have the option of two elective courses.
- Fundamentals of Data and Knowledge Mining
- Advanced Computer Architecture
- Mobile Application Programming
- Software Engineering
- Software Modeling
- Structured Programming and Formal Methods
- Object Oriented Design

What do you learn in Online Masters of Science in Cyber Security from the University of Delaware?
Students will learn the following skills as part of this 30-credit degree program:
- Learn how to use a systematic approach to develop safe applications, networks, and structures.
- Utilize virtual machine systems to adapt forensic tools to real-world situations that involve emerging threats.
- Learn from faculty who are active professionals and scholars with business and military structure expertise.
Courses offered in Online Masters of Science in Cyber Security from University of Delaware
- Introduction to Cybersecurity (CYBER I)
- Advanced Cybersecurity (CYBER II)
- System Hardening and Protection (DEFENSE)
- Digital Forensics
- Pen Test and Reverse Engineering
- Secure Software Design
- Computer Networks
- Applied Cryptography
- Search and Data Mining
- The Smart Grid
What do you learn in Online MS in Computer Science in Cyber Security from The University of Tulsa?
This curriculum, designed with the working specialist in mind, gives students a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of cyber security. Students engage with their peers as well as live professors who are interested in the area of cyber defense. As a graduate of the online M.S. in Cyber Security program, you can understand the theory, principles, and strategies of information assurance and network protection in real-world settings.
Courses offered in Online MS in Computer Science in Cyber Security from The University of Tulsa
- Defensive Cyber Security Technologies
- Foundations of Cyber Security
- Information Systems Assurance
- System Security and Cryptography
- Technical Elective 1: Security Audit and Penetration Testing
- Leadership Elective 1: Cybersecurity Law and Policy
- Network Security Concepts and Applications
- Secure System Administration
- Technical Elective 3: Hardware Security
- Leadership Elective 2: Organizational Cyber Security
How much does an Online Cyber Security Master’s degree cost?
The cyber security masters program tuition cost may vary depending on whether the university is private or public, students’ residential status, number of credits offered, and model(part-time or full-time) of the program. Normally the cost of private universities costs more compared to public universities. And the total tuition cost of the degree can range between $30,000 – $80,000.
Tuition cost of Online Masters of Science in Cyber Security from Syracuse University
Total number of credits – 30
Cost per credit – $1,683
Total tuition cost – $50,490
Tuition cost of Online Masters of Science in Cyber Security from University of Delaware
Total number of credits – 30
Cost per credit – $1,237
Total tuition cost – $37,110
Tuition cost of Online MS in Computer Science in Cyber Security from The University of Tulsa
Total number of credits – 30
Cost per credit – $1,310
Total tuition cost – $39,300
What are the career benefits of doing an Online Master’s in Cyber Security?
The amount of data security openings is outpacing the number of individuals who can occupy them. By 2019, the market for cyber security specialists is estimated to reach 6 million, although there will be a shortage of over 1.5 million information security professionals. According to the Cisco 2014 Annual Security Report, there will be a lack of information security personnel even as data breaches and cyber-attacks rise. An online data security master’s degree, on the other hand, will train you for a career in this fast-growing field.
Students who must work while pursuing their education will benefit from pursuing a cyber security master’s degree online. Many employers will also encourage their workers to take time off from work to continue their studies. Some employers go so far as to pay for their ambitious workers’ tuition. As a result, the advantages of obtaining a master’s degree in cyber security could outweigh those of conventional education.
Which one should I take – Cyber Security Certificate or a Cyber Security Masters Degree?
Both graduate certificates in cyber security and master’s degrees have advantages and disadvantages depending on the objectives. You can easily choose the program that best fits your needs by considering some of the core factors that distinguish them.
Both options are outstanding if you want to progress your cyber security career and thereby improve your earning potential. However, if you want to get things completed quicker, enroll in a computer science graduate certificate program. A graduate certificate program in cyber security can be completed in less than a year because it only teaches you the knowledge you need and does not go deeper into cyber security. These classes would be less costly because the instruction is not as comprehensive as a cyber security master’s degree. Graduate certificate programs are also the best alternative if you intend to obtain a master’s degree in cyber security in the future, as credits obtained in these programs will typically be applied to a master’s degree.
When it comes to cyber security master’s degrees, on the other hand, they provide a comprehensive program that exposes you to specialized topics. A master’s degree will also improve your job chances and boost your earning potential. These degrees typically cost more and require longer to complete than a graduate certificate due to the comprehensive curriculum. When you intend to do a PhD, a master’s degree is the way to go.
Cyber Security Graduate Certificate vs Cyber Security Masters Degree

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