Online Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate

At a Glance

Completion Time

8–12

Months

Credits Required

Tuition

$13,070–$16,630

Part-Time*

*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fees.

Learn to Preserve and Protect Digital Information

Developing a strong cybersecurity program is critical—but remains challenging for most organizations. Cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems, networks, applications, and digital data from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access. It is essential because organizations—including government agencies, hospitals, financial institutions, and private businesses—rely heavily on interconnected technologies to store, process, and transmit sensitive information about employees and customers. If critical digital assets, such as customer payment information, intellectual property, or proprietary system data, are compromised, organizations may face financial losses, legal penalties, reputational damage, and even business failure. Additionally, organizations must comply with cybersecurity-related regulations and standards, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GLBA, which are designed to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data in an increasingly connected world.

BU MET’s Cybersecurity graduate certificate program explores IT security policies, network security, cryptography, software security, AI security, and system security. You will also learn about digital forensics to help in investigating a security breach, or obtain a good understanding of how information is stored in a database and what services are available to protect it. On completing the graduate certificate, you will have the skills needed to help develop and implement IT security in your organization.

The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.

Curriculum

The online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity consists of four required courses (16 units).

Academic units earned toward the online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity may be transferred to the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems.

Certificate Courses

(Four courses/16 units)

MET CS 595 Cybersecurity Fundamentals

4 credits. Fall and Spring

Prerequisite: METCS535 or METCS625 or instructor's consent. In this course, you will be introduced to fundamental concepts and principles of cybersecurity and how to apply them in developing security mechanisms and policies. Explore topics such as basic risk assessment and management, legal and ethical issues, cyber attack defense methods and tools, security principles, models, and components. You will also learn about different crypto protocols, techniques, and tools, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms, hashing, public key infrastructure, and how they can be used. You will learn to identify security threats and techniques to defend hardware, operating systems, networks, and applications in modern computing environments. Hands-on labs using current tools will also be completed as part of the required coursework.

Section A1, FALL 2026 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Arena	Independent	W	06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM	CGS 515

Section E1, FALL 2026 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Arena	Independent	W	06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM	CGS 515

Section O1, FALL 2026 Sep 1st to Oct 19th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Pak	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

MET CS 684 Enterprise Cybersecurity Management

4 credits. Fall and Spring

This course covers important topics that students need to understand in order to effectively manage a successful cybersecurity and privacy program, including governance, risk management, asset classification and incidence response. Students are first introduced to cybersecurity & privacy policy frameworks, governance, standards, and strategy. Risk tolerance is critical when building a cybersecurity and privacy program that supports business goals and strategies. Risk management fundamentals and assessment processes will be reviewed in depth including the methodology for identifying, quantifying, mitigating and controlling risks. Asset classification and the importance of protecting Intellectual Property (IP) will prepare students to understand and identify protection mechanisms needed to defend against malicious actors, including industry competitors and nation states. Incident Response programs will cover preparation and responses necessary to triage incidents and respond quickly to limit damage from malicious actors.

Section A1, FALL 2026 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Campbell	Independent	W	06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM	MCS B37

Section O2, FALL 2026 Oct 27th to Dec 14th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Pak	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

MET CS 690 Network and Cloud Security

4 credits. Fall and Spring

Prerequisites: (MET CS 535 or MET CS 625) and (MET CS 595 or MET CY 100) or consent of instructor. This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts, principles, technologies, and best practices to secure both computer networks and clouds. Topics include an overview of network threats, SSL/TLS, Kerberos, PKI, IPsec, DNSsec, SSH, Firewall, IDS, VPD, electronic mail security, wireless network security, Blockchain, TOR, Cloud architecture, an overview of cloud threats, architecture protection, and data protection in Cloud, IAM, security best practices, etc. Upon the completion of the course, students are expected to know the threats and vulnerabilities that networks and cloud systems face, along with the strategies and tools used to mitigate those risks. Hands-on labs based on existing tools are provided and required.

Section O1, FALL 2026 Sep 1st to Oct 19th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Zhang	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

Plus one selected from the following:

MET CS 674 Database Security

4 credits. Fall and Spring

The course provides a strong foundation in database security and auditing by utilizing Oracle scenarios and step-by-step examples. The following topics are covered: security, profiles, password policies, privileges, roles, Virtual Private Databases, and auditing. The course also covers advanced topics such as SQL injection, database management, and security issues, such as securing the DBMS, enforcing access controls, and related issues.

Section O2, FALL 2026 Oct 27th to Dec 14th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations

4 credits. Fall and Spring

Provides a comprehensive understanding of digital forensics and investigation tools and techniques. Learn what computer forensics and investigation is as a profession and gain an understanding of the overall investigative process. Operating system architectures and disk structures are discussed. Studies how to set up an investigator's office and laboratory, as well as what computer forensic hardware and software tools are available. Other topics covered include importance of digital evidence controls and how to process crime and incident scenes, details of data acquisition, computer forensic analysis, e-mail investigations, image file recovery, investigative report writing, and expert witness requirements. Provides a range of laboratory and hands-on assignments either in solo or in teams. With rapid growth of computer systems and digital data this area has grown in importance. Prereq: Working knowledge of windows computers, including installing and removing software. Access to a PC meeting the minimum system requirements defined in the course syllabus.

Section E1, FALL 2026 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Arena	Independent	S	09:00:00 AM–12:00:00 PM	MET 101

Section O1, FALL 2026 Sep 1st to Oct 19th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Navarro	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

MET CS 698 Cryptography

4 credits.

Prerequisites: (MET CS 248 or MET LB 101 ) and MET CS 566. Or consent of instructor - Students explore the main concepts and principles of cryptography, with the main emphasis on public key cryptography. The course begins with the review of integers and a thorough coverage of the fundamentals of finite group theory, followed by the RSA and ElGamal ciphers. Primitive roots in cyclic groups and the discrete log problem are discussed. Baby-step Giant-step and the Index Calculus probabilistic algorithms to compute discrete logs in cyclic groups are presented. Naor -- Reingold and Blum -- Blum -- Shub Random Number Generators as well as Fermat, Euler and Miller-Rabin primality tests are thoroughly covered. Pollard's Rho, Pollard's and Quadratic Sieve factorization algorithms are presented. The course ends with the coverage of some oblivious transfer protocols and zero-knowledge proofs. There are numerous programming assignments in the course.

MET CS 763 Secure Software Development

4 credits. Fall and Spring

Prerequisites: At least two programming-intensive or software development courses or consent of instructor. You should be proficient in at least one high-level programming language. Completion of MET CS 673 is preferred. - An overview of techniques and tools to develop secure software. You will focus on the application of security with topics including secure software development processes, DevSecOps, threat modeling, secure requirements and architectures, vulnerability and malware analysis using static code analysis and dynamic analysis tools, and vulnerabilities in C/C ++ and Java programs, Crypto and secure APIs, vulnerabilities in web applications and mobile applications, and security testing will also be covered. You will complete the required hands-on lab and programming exercises using current tools.

Section O2, FALL 2026 Oct 27th to Dec 14th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Zhang	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

MET CS 787 AI and Cybersecurity

4 credits.

Prerequisites: MET CS 577 or consent of instructor. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the critical intersection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, focusing on two interconnected themes: protecting AI systems from vulnerabilities and harnessing the power of AI to tackle cybersecurity challenges. As AI becomes a cornerstone of modern technology, ensuring the security of AI-powered systems against adversarial attacks, backdoor attacks, and model theft is essential. Simultaneously, AI offers transformative capabilities for malware detection, intrusion prevention, and malware analysis. Through a combination of theoretical foundations, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies, students will delve into topics such as adversarial machine learning, backdoor injection and defense, IP protection, and privacy-preserving AI. They will also learn how to design and implement AI-driven tools for identifying and mitigating cyber threats in dynamic environments. The course emphasizes practical applications, encouraging students to build resilient AI systems and utilize advanced AI techniques to enhance system security and detect emerging threats. Hands-on labs based on existing tools are provided and required.

Section A1, FALL 2026 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Zhang	Independent	M	06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM	BRB 121

Dates & Deadlines

View BU MET’s academic calendar for online programs, including important dates and deadlines.

Application Requirements

Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.

Image of two hands underneath a collection of digital icons with a focus on a large security lock icon

How You Benefit from a
Boston University Education

A BU credential can help lay the foundation for career advancement and personal success.

Benefit from a 24:1 average student-to-instructor ratio.
BU is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research. BU MET’s cybersecurity programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
Courses ensure you get the attention you need, while introducing case studies and real-world projects that ensure you gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies. BU’s Center for Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security (RISCS) offers opportunities to collaborate and participate in research on system reliability and information security.
Work closely with highly qualified faculty and industry leaders who have hands-on involvement in information security and fighting cybercrime for the world’s top companies.
BU MET’s Department of Computer Science was established in 1979 and is the longest-running computer science department at BU. Over its four decades, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.

Rankings & Accreditations

U.S. News & World Report - Best Online Programs - Grad Information Technology - 2026

#12, Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs

MET’s computer science & IT graduate certificates share curriculum with MET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology, which are ranked #12 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Graduate with Cybersecurity Expertise

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity will be able to demonstrate:

Advanced knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, governance, security measures, and systems security, as well as network security, cloud security, and cryptography.
Proficiency in risk management, such as asset assessments, incident response process, architectural solutions, modeling, and design.
Competence in security policies, processes, technology, and operations.

High demand is expected for information security analysts. Cyberattacks have grown in frequency, and these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating problems for computer networks.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

“BU MET’s Information Security graduate certificate prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as information security analyst, cybersecurity engineer, business information security officer, security engineer, chief data protection officer, cloud security analyst, chief information security officer (CISO), and many others.” Read more.

Ian Hill (MET’19)
Sr. Information Security Engineer, The Baupost Group
MS, Computer Information Systems; Concentration, Security; Graduate Certificate, Information Security

Advance Your Career

BU MET’s Cybersecurity graduate certificate prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Engineer, Business Information Security Officer, Security Engineer, Chief Data Protection Officer, Cloud Security Analyst, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and many others.

Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:

Citi
Cisco
Microsoft
Northrup Grumman
IBM
Symantec
Datto Inc.
Google
United States Military branches
Fidelity Investments
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Salesforce
Bank of America
CSC
PwC
Google
Verizon
AT&T
Apple
Amazon
Dell
Deloitte
iRobot

Computer Science Faculty

Guanglan Zhang

Associate Professor, Computer Science

Coordinator, Health Informatics Programs

Chair, Computer Science

Shengzhi Zhang

Associate Professor

Associate Chair, Computer Science

Coordinator, Web Application Development

Yuting Zhang

Assistant Professor, Computer Science

Director, Cybersecurity

Coordinator, Computer Systems & Digital Forensics

Farshid Alizadeh-Shabdiz

Professor of the Practice, Computer Science

View All Faculty

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Online Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate

At a Glance

Learn to Preserve and Protect Digital Information