Home » NKU College of Informatics launches cyber security certificate program

NKU College of Informatics launches cyber security certificate program

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (Aug. 7, 2014) – The Northern Kentucky University College of Informatics will offer a new online cyber security certificate beginning this fall.

FLBB_NKU-LogoThe certificate is designed for both existing NKU students – who can take a combination of in-person and online classes – and non-NKU students who already have a degree and are looking to develop skills in cyber security with online classes.

The 18-hour certificate program covers both core areas and topics that map onto the NSA Center for Academic Excellence in cyber security. The NSA recognizes several dozen centers of academic excellence, but this is the only such program in Kentucky.

The certificate recognizes students who have completed all of the knowledge units offered by an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense (NSA CAE IA/CD), a distinction NKU has applied for. Program coordinator Dr. James Walden said the university hopes to learn whether its application has been accepted by next month.

While the certificate has courses that overlap with majors in computer information technology, business informatics, and computer science in the College of Informatics, it can be paired with any major.

“The certificate covers information technology fundamentals – databases, operating systems, networking, programming – to provide a foundation for learning about the major areas of cyber security, including cryptography, secure programming, network security, authentication, access control, security policies and governance, and web security,” Walden said.

Course titles in the program are:

  • Introduction to Databases
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Unix Systems
  • Networking Fundamentals
  • Principles of Information Security
  • Securing Computer Systems
  • Cyber security Capstone

For more information or to apply, please contact [email protected].