Why Cyber Security Studies?

We all depend upon the secure storage, processing and transmission of digital data today. The Cyber Security Studies Graduate Certificate will provide you with the knowledge and skills to ensure cyber risks are minimized and managed appropriately. Advance your career with knowledge of cyber security by communicating and working effectively as a team member and by interacting responsibly with others in the workplace and the community.

As a graduate of this program, you'll contribute to society with innovations in cyber security technology and an understanding of contemporary technological issues surrounding information assurance.

Program of Study

Through the Cyber Security Studies Graduate Certificate, you will acquire the ability to apply knowledge of cyber security concepts, models and technologies to computer systems. You will understand cyber security risk management, threats and countermeasures and apply this understanding to develop cyber defense strategies.  You will also design cyber security protocols to meet organizational needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political and ethical expectations.

The Cyber Security Studies Graduate Certificate is a twelve-credit hour program comprised of core and elective courses.  Major subjects include:

• Information Security Principles
• Network Systems Security
• Building Secure Software
• Introduction to Cryptography
• Computer Crime and Forensics
• Information Warfare
• Internet Security
• Secure Database Systems
• Distributed Systems Security

The Cyber Security Studies Graduate Certificate may be pursued independently or concurrently with other graduate programs. Qualified undergraduates may also enroll through the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Graduate plan.

Visit Graduate Handbooks and Curricula for additional detail.

Visit the Computer Science and Engineering Department for more information on our faculty and research areas

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Graduate Admissions

All applications must be submitted to the Graduate School of the University of South Carolina. The Graduate School provides helpful information on the admissions application process and even lets you know what to do before you apply. The following guidelines are generally expected, but not necessarily sufficient, for admission.

• An undergraduate degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with a B average or better for all work completed.
• A strong background in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• GRE Quantitative scores of 160 or higher and GRE Verbal scores of 145 or higher.
• For international applicants, a TOEFL score of 80 or higher, or an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.

Because admission is competitive, not all candidates satisfying these minimal standards can be admitted. Each application is evaluated by a departmental admissions committee, which makes an official recommendation to the Graduate School. The Graduate School makes the final decision and notifies the applicant of the decision.