Undergraduate Certificate: Cybersecurity and Secure Computing
The goal of the cybersecurity and secure computing undergraduate certificate is to reduce vulnerability in the national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research to help prepare cyber defense professionals for careers in both the public and the private sector. The curriculum has been created to meet all criteria of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) undergraduate level of certification.
Students planning to pursue the cybersecurity and secure computing certificate should apply as early as possible to facilitate course planning, and no later than census date of the semester prior to graduation with a bachelor's degree. The student’s application is subject to the approval of the Computer Science and Engineering department chair.
Certificate Eligibility
Current students in good standing who are pursuing the bachelor of science or bachelor of arts in computer science, and those completing the minor in computer science are eligible. Applications from other CU Denver majors or nondegree-seeking students will be evaluated based on their current transcript.
Curriculum
The following classes must be completed with a grade of C- or better:
- CSCI 3761 Introduction to Computer Networks
- CSCI 3453 Operating Systems Concepts
- CSCI 4034 Theoretical Foundations of Computer Science
- CSCI 4741 Principles of Cybersecurity
- CSCI 4743 Cyber and Infrastructure Defense
The cybersecurity and secure computing certificate requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Pathways to complete the certificate (pdf)
The cybersecurity and secure computing certificate meets all criterion of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework, which is a reference resource for identifying, recruiting, developing and retaining cybersecurity talent.
Is Cybersecurity a Good Career?
Throughout our world, malicious hackers are causing problems for millions of people. Between 2013 and 2021, vacant job postings for cybersecurity positions rose 350%. Data shows that just 68% of cybersecurity job postings nationwide are filled. In Colorado, 30% of cybersecurity roles remain vacant. Learn more about cybersecurity and career opportunities in this field.