Cybersecurity, Certificate
Program Director: Ahmed Salem, Ph.D.; salem@hood.edu, 301-696-3731
The Certificate in Cybersecurity prepares students for CISSP® certification, a globally recognized standard of achievement in the field of information security. The certificate is offered as a two-year, one-course-per-term (including one summer session) program, requiring three core courses and two electives.
Application Requirements
This program is designed for students who have a solid background in Computer Science or Information Technology, either through formal study or professional experience. All official transcripts and a résumé/CV that provides educational and professional experience with specific information about mathematics background, programming background, if any, and technical skills must be submitted. Applicants should also provide a statement of purpose indicating their motivation for choosing the program and the goals they hope to achieve through completing it.
Requirements for the Certificate
Foundation Courses
The Cybersecurity Certificate requires the completion of prerequisite courses designed to provide the appropriate background knowledge. Students with undergraduate degrees in computer science or a related field may be waived from one or both of these courses. Any foundation courses required are in addition to the 15 credits required for program completion.
| IT 510 | Computing Hardware and Software Systems | 3.0 |
| CSIT 512 | Elements of Computer Programming | 3.0 |
Required Core Courses - 9 credits
Electives - 6 credits (Two courses from below)
| CSIT 537 | Applied Encryption and Cryptology | 3.0 |
| IT 521 | Information Assurance and Risk Assessment | 3.0 |
| IT 535 | Security Policies, Ethics and Law | 3.0 |