Certificate in Cybersecurity

This course provides an introduction to cybersecurity, covering core concepts such as the CIA triad, common threats and basic defense strategies. Students will explore the roles of people, processes and technology in security, with attention to human factors and ethics. The course also introduces key frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 (Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover) and NIST 800-171 Rev 3, laying the groundwork for advanced study.

This course introduces the fundamentals of IT infrastructure, networks, and operating systems, from a cybersecurity perspective, with a focus on beginners. Students explore networking concepts, system components and essential security practices, including hands-on use of Wireshark and simple configuration tasks, laying the groundwork for understanding vulnerabilities and defenses in future courses. Culminating in the students ability to implement safeguards and mitigate risks of unauthorized access to a network or system.

This course explores the organizational side of cybersecurity, emphasizing governance (CSF 2.0 “Govern”), risk management and compliance. Students examine key frameworks, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3, NIST SP 800-37 Rev 2 (Risk Management Framework) and PCI-DSS v4.0, and learn how policies, standards and regulations (such as ISO/IEC 27001:2022, CMMC 2.0, and GDPR) shape security programs. The course highlights how the Govern, Identify and Protect functions guide strategy while Detect, Respond and Recover ensure lifecycle resilience.

This course introduces the “Detect” function of cybersecurity, focusing on monitoring systems for threats through logs, alerts and traffic analysis. Students explore Security Operations Center (SOC) basics, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) concepts and use tools like Wireshark and Intrusion Detection System (IDS)/Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) simulations to identify suspicious activity and understand early threat detection. Additionally, students will learn about vulnerability management, risk characterization, patch strategies and “white hat” pentesting terms and techniques.

This course covers the “Respond” and “Recover” functions of cybersecurity, including their links to the new Govern function of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, teaching students how to handle incidents and restore operations. Topics include incident response planning, NIST SP 800-61 Rev 3 incident-handling guidance, digital forensics basics, evidence preservation & regulatory reporting, disaster recovery and continuity strategies, reinforced through scenario-based exercises.

This capstone course engages students in a practical, scenario-based project covering all five NIST CSF functions. Acting as entry-level cybersecurity professionals, students apply skills in risk assessment, protection, monitoring, incident response and recovery to secure a simulated organization and produce real-world deliverables.