Online Information Security Graduate Certificate

Learn to Preserve and Protect Digital Information

Developing a strong information security program in today’s world is crucial and challenging for most organizations. In general, information security means protecting information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or destruction. Information security is essential because most organizations—including government agencies, hospitals, insurance companies, and private businesses—store various kinds of information about their employees and customers. If any business-related information is confidential, the security of that data becomes crucial. For example, if critical business data (e.g., credit card numbers or design documents) is leaked to competitors or hackers, it could lead to loss of business, lawsuits, and even bankruptcy. Organizations also need to be able to comply by standards and laws, such as HIPPA, PCI, and GLBA, which help protect confidentiality and privacy of customer data.

MET’s Information Security graduate certificate program touches upon various aspects of information security, including IT security policies and system security. Students also learn about digital forensics to help in investigating a security breach, and 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, students will have sufficient skills in developing and implementing IT security in their organizations.

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

Curriculum

Boston University’s Graduate Certificate in Information Security consists of four required online courses (16 units).

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

Choose four courses from the following list:

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.

How You Benefit from a
Boston University Education

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

• Enjoy an average 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio in courses that are 100% online, while tackling complex issues alongside peers with solid academic and practical experience.
• Work closely with highly qualified faculty and seasoned industry leaders in a wide range of technology fields who are committed to teaching the latest technologies within the framework of ideas, concepts, and methods that drive innovation.
• Boston University 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 information security programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
• BU MET’s computer science courses ensure you get the attention you need, while introducing case studies and real-world projects that emphasize technical and theoretical knowledge—combining in-depth, practical experience with the critical skills needed to remain on the forefront of the information technology field. In addition, 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.
• 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

#4

America’s Top Online Colleges 

Graduate with Information Security Expertise

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

• Advanced knowledge of information security concepts, governance, biometric systems, and database systems security, as well as network security and cryptography.
• Proficiency in risk management, such as asset assessments, architectural solutions, modeling, and design.
• Competence in security policies, processes, technology, and operations.

“BU MET made me feel at home while setting me up for my dream career.” Read more.

Advance Your Career

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.

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

Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET

You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office, which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development.

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

Interested in Learning More?