Why this certificate?

The Cyber Defense Undergraduate Certificate, offered through the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, is available online and on campus to both degree and non-degree-seeking students. The certificate prepares students to analyze, develop, investigate, protect, and defend computer and information systems.

You are eligible to apply if...

• Applications for the Cyber Defense Undergraduate Certificate program are considered on a competitive basis.
• Minumum GPA requirements are not advertised because the admissions committee uses a holistic approach when reviewing a candidate's application package.
• Applicants are expected to have a strong foundation in computer science and software engineering, as demonstrated by past performance in the following courses (or equivalent courses):
  • COMP 1210 Fundamentals of Computing I
  • COMP 2210 Fundamentals of Coding I
  • COMP 3220 Principles of Programming Languages
  • COMP 3270 Introduction to Algorithms
  • COMP 3350 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
  • COMP 3500 Introduction to Operating Systems
  • COMP 3700 Software Modeling and Design
  • COMP 4320 Introduction to Computer Networks
  • COMP 4370 Computer Ethics
  • COMP 5120 Database Systems 

To complete the program you must...

• Complete the following six courses (16 credit hours) in computer science and software engineering:
  • COMP 5350 Digital Forensics  
  • COMP 5370 Computer and Network Security 
  • COMP 5530 Secure Cloud Computing
  • COMP 5700 Secure Software Process
  • COMP 5830 Cyber Threats and Countermeasures
  • COMP 5870 Security Integration and Application

What can you expect?

• Students who complete the undergraduate certificate will have an understanding of fundamentals of cybersecurity.
• Students will know prevalent cybersecurity threats, threat models (such as Man-in-the-Middle) and canonical defenses.
• Students will have the ability to identify, assess and defend against cybersecurity threats; develop defendable and resilient network and software mechanisms; and detect and investigate cybersecurity breaches.
• Students will be versed in techniques for gathering and preserving digital forensic evidence relating to a cyber event.
• Students will possess a knowledge of computer science (e.g. algorithms, operating systems, computer architectures, ethics...etc.) and have the ability to leverage this knowledge for a deeper contextualized understanding of cybersecurity.
• Students will communicate cybersecurity issues effectively.
• Students will have the ability to apply their cybersecurity capabilities in an integrated manner to address specific cybersecurity problems.

Applying for the Cyber Defense Undergraduate Certificate

• Contact Clint Lovelace, Manager of Academic Programs in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, at jcl0014@auburn.edu or 334.844.6313.