Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Security

With the proliferation of internet-enabled devices, social media use and software-dependent organizations, securing and safeguarding data, information and business processes is an ever-increasing urgent concern, especially in a post-9/11 world. The Information Systems Security certificate focuses on timely and distinctive skills that allow students to design secured information systems and make recommendations for the protection of sensitive corporate data in accordance with commerce and privacy regulations. Students learn how to plan, budget for, and implement secure network systems (LAN, WAN, wireless, mobile, IoT, AR) and lead organizational staff in the secure exchange of digital information across a variety of platforms. Topics include: VPN, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and defensive strategies, cryptography, social engineering, phishing, anti-virus, anti-spam, ethical hacking, ransomware attacks and application security techniques. Students also learn the managerial and administrative aspects of information security such as risk analysis, vulnerability analysis and remediation, network security architectures, policy development and enforcement, legal/regulatory compliance issues, risk management, business continuity planning, and disaster recovery preparation and execution.

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STACKABLE CERTIFICATE

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Complete this four-course certificate and apply your credit to Northwestern’s MS in Information Systems program.


 

About the Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Security

Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Security Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the  certificate, students will be able to:

  • Design secured information systems and make recommendations for the protection of sensitive corporate data in accordance with commerce and privacy regulations.
  • Plan, budget for and implement secure network systems (LAN, WAN, wireless, mobile, IoT, AR).
  • Lead organizational staff in the secure exchange of digital information across a variety of platforms.
  • Understand managerial and administrative aspects of information security such as risk analysis, vulnerability analysis and remediation, network security architectures, policy development and enforcement, legal/regulatory compliance issues, risk management, business continuity planning, and disaster recovery preparation and execution.

Information Systems Security Curriculum

Students are required to complete the following four courses to earn the certificate: 

  • CIS 413 Telecommunications and Computer Networks
  • Choose 3 of the below
    • CIS 452 Fundamentals of Network Security
    • CIS 453 Enterprise Security Strategy
    • CIS 455 Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
    • CIS 457 Information Security Management

Review curriculum details while you consider applying to this program. Current students should refer to the curriculum requirements in place at time of entry into the program.

Information Systems Security Courses

Explore Information Systems Security Courses. You can narrow your course search by day, location or instructor.

Information Systems Security Admission

A variety of factors are considered when your application is reviewed. Background and experience vary from student to student. For a complete list of requirements, see the Graduate Certificate Admission page.

Information Systems Security Tuition

Tuition for this program at Northwestern is comparable to similar US programs. Complete details can be found on the Information Systems Security Certificate Tuition page.

Registration Information for Information Systems Security

Already accepted into the Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Security program? Get ahead and register for your classes as soon as possible.

COURSE SCHEDULE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

 

Information Systems Security Faculty

Instructors in the Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Security program at Northwestern are leading scholars and practitioners in their field. They bring real-world experiences to the classroom and engage with students on a personal level. Get to know the instructors on the Information Systems Security Faculty page.

Applying Credit to the MS in Information Systems Program

Students that are interested in the option of applying their credit to the SPS MS in Information Systems program must submit an online application and submit all required application materials.

Students that elect to apply to a master's program before completing a graduate certificate will be able to count completed courses toward the applicable master's degree, but there will be no certificate conferred.

If you are interested in exploring this option, please contact the SPS graduate advising team for information on how to pursue a master's degree at SPS.


Find out more about Northwestern's Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Security

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