Trained cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. Recently, many companies, especially those in the healthcare and finance sectors, have expanded their online operations. In turn, these organizations also require additional skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect information systems.
Cybersecurity experts safeguard companies' online systems against threats, remove vulnerabilities, and alleviate risks. They also identify how software, hardware, and design policies can improve organizational security. Roles in this field include information security director, chief information security officer, security architect, and security engineer.
This guide describes how undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity certificate programs can prepare students for advancement in this growing field. We also compare certificate programs to associate degrees and cybersecurity bootcamps.
Why Get a Top Cybersecurity Certificate?
Cybersecurity jobs are growing much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The agency projects information security analyst jobs will grow by 35% from 2021-31. The top industries that need advanced cybersecurity protection include e-commerce, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government.
Whether you're already working in cybersecurity or want to change careers, completing a cybersecurity certificate helps ensure your skills are up to date. These programs take under two years to complete. You can finish most programs on your own time and pace, while some have scheduled online meeting times.
Proves your cybersecurity skills: Completing a cybersecurity certificate program demonstrates that students have the cybersecurity skills necessary by academic accreditation bodies.
Differentiates you from other job applicants: A cybersecurity certificate demonstrates to employers that your skills are current and up-to-date.
Helps organizations meet compliance requirements: Some cybersecurity employers pay for their employees' continuing education because these requirements demonstrate the organization's compliance with IT standards.
Cybersecurity Certificates Versus Associate Degrees
If you're new to the field, you can consider a certificate or associate degree in cybersecurity. Both paths can provide a springboard into entry-level roles in the field.
Certificates typically take two years or less to complete, while associate degrees take up to two years if you're full-time. Certificate programs help students develop skills in specific areas of the field. Associate programs require general education classes, technology classes, field experiences, and electives.
| Key Factors | Certificate in Cybersecurity | Associate Degree in Cybersecurity |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | May offer zero elective options | Electives usually available |
| Length | Two years or less | Two years (full time) |
| Curriculum | No general education classes, only classes in cybersecurity topics | Broader focus in cybersecurity, in addition to English, math, and science classes |
| Cost | Varies among schools: $4,187-$20,264 per program | Varies among schools: $3,501-$16,420 per year |
| Classes | Cybersecurity fundamentals, identity and access management, security assessment and training | Network fundamentals, network defense, math, English, computer ethics |
| Required Education | Undergraduate certificate; high school diploma or GED certificate; bachelor's degree | High school diploma or GED certificate |
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Cybersecurity Certificates Versus Bootcamps
Bootcamps and certificates have some similarities and key differences. Cybersecurity bootcamps offer a more concentrated curriculum in a shorter time frame. They also prepare learners to pursue entry-level positions.
Unlike undergraduate and graduate certificates, private companies can offer bootcamps, which aren't accredited. Bootcamps may not meet the same academic standards as certificate programs offered by accredited schools and programs, such as the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Consider the following information for a comparison of these programs.
| Key Factors | Certificate in Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity Bootcamp |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | Foundations of information security, security tools and technologies, applied security solutions | Risk assessment, ethical hacking, incident response, vulnerability scanning |
| Accreditation | The best cybersecurity certificate programs feature accreditation from recognized agencies like ABET. | Bootcamps do not possess accreditation from an institutional body but may feature higher education authorization from the state or tech associations. |
| Cost | Varies among schools: $5,000-$20,000 per program | Varies among programs: $4,500-$23,099 per year |
5 Best Cybersecurity Certificates for 2023
Launch a cybersecurity career in 2023 with one of these five certificate programs. We ranked the following schools based on factors like affordability, academics, and program availability. Visit the link below to learn more about our ranking methodology.
What to Expect From a Top Cybersecurity Certificate Program
Cybersecurity certificate programs provide up-to-date skills in an ever-changing field. Some students are new to cybersecurity or IT in general, while others are tech professionals seeking to advance their skills. Certificate programs promise students will secure positions in the field within months of graduation; others suggest program completion will advance students' careers.
Most cybersecurity certificate programs range in price from $5,000 to $20,000. You can complete them in fewer than two years. Some programs offer flexible completion lengths depending on the number of classes you want to take at a time. Most programs are fully online, though the amount of time you'll spend in virtual class sessions varies.
You can find cyber security certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Prerequisites, costs, and completion time vary depending on the level, complexity, and the number of courses required.
Different Certificate Types
Many schools offer training in particular areas of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity certificate concentrations include cyberlaw, information assurance, healthcare security, and computer networking.
Certificates are evidence that you completed an academic program. Alternatively, industry organizations offer certifications. Organizations offer cybersecurity certifications, which typically focus on specific information and usually require learners to pass an exam. Those new to the field may consider earning a cybersecurity certification along with a certificate.
Schools offer cybersecurity certificates for beginners and graduate students in online, in-person, and hybrid learning formats. Online certificate students can choose between asynchronous and synchronous instruction to suit their learning preferences. Working professionals often prefer hybrid or online learning formats with asynchronous course delivery, as these programs offer the most flexibility.
Top Cybersecurity Certificate Courses
Most cybersecurity certificate programs offer similar courses in defensive security and cybersecurity practices. Some schools may allow students to choose 1-2 electives to tailor the program to their academic needs. While many programs offer elective courses, not all schools include this feature.
Undergraduate Cybersecurity Certificate Courses
Security Foundations This class is an introduction to the principles of cybersecurity. Students explore concepts like networking, operating systems, basic security, hardware, and forensics. Security Foundations prepares students to understand ideas and language used by professionals in the field.
Mobile Device Hacking Students learn how mobile device apps and operating systems work. Instructors demonstrate how to locate and exploit security vulnerabilities, plus implement solutions. Learners explore essential jailbreaking, malware, rooting, and NFC attacks.
Enterprise Networking, Administration, and Security Students design, implement, and update secure enterprise networks. Specific topics include network address translation, wide area networks, and virtual private networks. The class also prepares students to pursue the Cisco certified network associate certification.
Cybercrime This class focuses on computer-related crimes that cybersecurity professionals encounter daily. Learners develop the knowledge to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and applications and evaluate digital evidence to prevent cybercrime.
Computer Forensics Coursework examines the best practices and tools to investigate cybercrime. Faculty use virtual labs to instruct students on mitigating risk, recovering data, and assembling digital evidence for prosecuting cybercrime.
Graduate Cybersecurity Certificate Courses
Advanced Computer Security This course advances students' understanding of complex topics in cybersecurity, including vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, and applied cryptography. To complete the course, students typically complete security policy projects and design critical systems.
Web Technologies and Development Fundamentals This class offers a detailed introduction to dynamic HTML, HTTP protocol, and common gateway interface programming. Instructors use Java to introduce learners to object-oriented programming. The course also explores database connectivity, graphical user interfaces, and distributed information systems server architectures.
Ethics, Policy, and Law in Cyberspace This advanced course helps students understand legal resources and policies that affect management-level cybersecurity professionals. Instructors provide safe methods for conducting business in online marketplaces.
Programming for Graduate Students Students learn the value of programming skills through topics such as object-oriented design, pseudocode, and algorithms.
Software Engineering and Security This class covers defensive programming, reliability, program understandability, and misconceptions in programming. Incoming students should possess a working knowledge of object-oriented programming languages like Java and C++.
Admissions Process for Certificate Programs
Applicants for undergraduate cybersecurity certificates typically need a GED certificate or high school diploma with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Some undergraduate programs require incoming students to have prerequisites, such as English composition.
Applications may also ask for letters of reference. Competitive applicants have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Most programs do not expect undergraduate cybersecurity certificate-seekers to possess work experience in cybersecurity or in-depth industry knowledge.
Graduate-level cybersecurity certificate candidates need a bachelor's degree to apply. These more advanced programs typically require applicants to submit transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate studies.
How Much Do the Best Certificates in Cybersecurity Cost?
Cybersecurity certificate programs differ significantly in price depending on if they are at the undergraduate or graduate level. Tuition also varies based on if students are in-state or out-of-state, as well as on the number of courses required. Some students, including veteran and active-duty students, may be able to receive tuition assistance in completing their programs.
Students may choose a certificate program instead of a degree if they are seeking specialized training in cybersecurity and want to graduate more quickly. Certificate programs can be less expensive than most cybersecurity bootcamps, which are designed by companies and aren't accredited.
You may be able to transfer certificate program credits toward a bachelor's or master's degree. If you're considering continuing onto a cybersecurity degree program, you may be able to save money by applying your certificate credits toward degree requirements.
Selecting the Best Cybersecurity Certificate for You
You should consider some factors before choosing a cybersecurity certificate program. Your educational level determines your qualification for an undergraduate or graduate certificate. Regardless of the program's level, be sure to select a school that's accredited or one that holds programmatic accreditation from ABET.
The best cybersecurity certificate aligns with your academic needs and career aspirations. Apply to programs that offer specific curricula or concentrations in cybersecurity topics that interest you.
Lastly, cost and location are additional important factors to consider. Certificate-seekers can expect to pay higher tuition at private institutions than in-state public schools. Depending on the program, students may save money by enrolling in online vs. in-person cybersecurity programs.
Should You Get Your Certificate in Cybersecurity Online?
Online certificate programs typically offer more flexibility than traditional degree programs. Some courses offer virtual meeting times for students to connect with their professors and peers, while other programs are more self-directed and do not have face-to-face meetings.
Online degree programs are particularly well-suited to professionals already working full- or part-time. Many programs let students complete multiple courses at a time, allowing them to finish more quickly and apply for jobs in the field. Other students may decide to complete one course at a time.
Explore Related Programs
FAQ About the Best Certificates in Cybersecurity
Can you get a job with a certificate in cybersecurity?
Yes. Cybersecurity certificate-holders can pursue entry-level roles such as IT consultants, analysts, technicians, and auditors. Requirements for each role vary among companies. Some employers may require applicants to have prior work experience in addition to a certificate.
What is the best cybersecurity certificate for beginners?
Undergraduate programs offer the best cybersecurity certificate for beginners. Compared to graduate-level certificates, undergraduate coursework focuses on foundational information and basic cybersecurity skills.
Is a graduate cybersecurity certificate worth getting?
Graduate cybersecurity certificates are valuable both for professionals already working in cybersecurity and those who want to change fields. These programs help you develop industry skills and industry and boost your resume.
Are the top cybersecurity certificate programs expensive?
Cybersecurity certificate programs range significantly in price from $5,000-$20,000 total. A certificate can help boost your career potential in an in-demand career field. Consider factors like career placement and average post-graduation salary to decide which program is right for you.
