Security Computing
Undergraduate Certificate
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Earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Security Computing to build the knowledge, skills and expertise necessary to address big data problems. Application shortfalls in a changing cyber environment, the constantly evolving nature of malware, threat tactics and techniques in both the Cyber and Intelligence fields are just some of the challenges you will be able to tackle by completing this certificate.
Using the Python programming language, you will solve cybersecurity problems and conduct digital investigations. Upon completion of the certificate, you will be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses associated with the use of automated tools to solve complex security-related problems. You will also be able to create and use Python-based algorithmic solutions and apply existing Python libraries to support common security-related tasks.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Security Computing serves students from across the University, and specifically, those without the scripting, programming, or algorithm development background necessary to successfully design, build and modify cybersecurity-focused applications. This certificate is an excellent complement to the BA in Cyber Operations, the BAS in Applied Computing and the BAS Intelligence & Information Operations degree programs.
This certificate can be completed one course at a time or can be taken in as few as three semesters.
*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.
The curriculum for this program includes:
This course provides students with an introduction to the practical applications of Python programming in support of cybersecurity and digital investigation activities.
Gain an overview of the basics of programming and techniques used by computing professionals in a variety of application areas.
Learn advanced practical applications of Python programming to support offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations.
This course will lay a foundation for students to understand how to process, analyze, and visualize data.
Do an in-depth examination of how the Python scripting language can be used to support advanced analysis in offensive and defensive security operations.
Investigate the use of cyber deception techniques in both offensive and defensive operations.
Outcomes
Skills
Earning your Undergraduate Certificate in Security Computing will build core skills, including:
- Understanding key Python building blocks
- Using a Python Integrated Development Environment
- Accessing and inventorying a file system
- Developing and demonstrating scripts
- Applying computational thinking
- Resolving optimization problems
- Statistical modeling and analysis
- Communicating test results
- Applying machine learning algorithms
- Communicating test results
- Building models from experimental data
- Testing models in problem solving
- Building a password cracker with Python
- Using Python for network analysis
- Web scraping tools using Python
Potential Career Paths
Graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate in Security Computing program will be prepared to pursue the following careers:
