Certificate of Graduate Study

Information Security

Protect Business Systems from Cyber Attacks

Learn how to safeguard sensitive data, evaluate system vulnerabilities, detect intrusion, and respond to network penetration and security breaches in large companies, small businesses, and government agencies.

The 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Information Security at UAlbany will equip you with the business knowledge, technical skills, and hands-on training you need to protect digital information from malevolent attacks and successfully compete for information security jobs.

The curriculum prepares you for careers in which you must analyze overall information security, manage risks, discover software weaknesses, design defensive computer systems, and handle active cyber threats and attacks.

Program of Study
Career Paths
Admissions Requirements
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Program of Study

programofstudy

You don’t need to have a background in information technology, computer science, or software development to complete this program – it’s designed for both recent graduates and experienced professionals looking for a post-graduate credential that will help them launch their career in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity.

Flexible course options let you focus on your particular area of interest.

Required Courses

Information Security Risk Assessment
Database Design and Applications or Introduction to Information and Cyber Security

Specialization Courses

You’re required to take at least one of the following courses. You can also take up to two additional courses from this list as elective courses (see below).

Security Policies
Computer Forensics or Digital Forensics
Incident Handling
Security Implementation

Elective Courses: Choose One or More

International Cyber Conflicts
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Forensics
Multimedia Forensics
Psychology and Information Security
Mathematical Methods for Information Security
Statistical Methods for Forensic Accounting and Assurance
Internal Controls and Financial Information Systems
Auditing of Advanced Accounting Systems
Field Study in Information Technology Management or Independent Study in Information Systems or Information Technology
Up to two specialization course options as indicated above

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Dr. Sanjay Goel at [email protected] or 518-956-8323.

Careers in Information Security

Information security is a growing field with an increasingly high market demand for trained professionals.

Working professionals and recent college graduates typically earn the information security certificate to be able to switch career fields and/or gain an advantage when applying for cybersecurity jobs. Some students also complete the program to prepare for graduate study in related areas.

The Massry School of Business offers career services that can help you refine your resume, prepare for interviews, and pursue job opportunities with companies such as Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, New York Independent Systems Operator (NYISO), and Ayco (Goldman Sachs).

Sample Job Titles

Information Security Analyst
Security and Forensic Auditor
Incident Response Manager
Security Policy Administrator
Cybersecurity Defense Specialist

career

"The Information Security program was incredibly rewarding. Through courses and internships, I learned about risk assessments, firewalls, encryption, and specific digital forensics techniques that will help me advance at work. I’m feeling enthusiastic about my career in cyber security."

—Cindy Ogando '15
Graduate Certificate in Information Security
Master of Business Administration
Consultant Level 1, Ernst & Young LLP- Advisory Practice

"Attending UAlbany was definitely the right choice for me! I was able to earn both my MBA and Graduate Certificate in Information Security in only two years… I don’t know if I could have accomplished this at any other university."

—Falita Friday '15
Certificate in Information Security
Master of Business Administration
Acting Global Ombuds Leader/Paralegal, GE Power and Water – Compliance

"After serving the Marine Corps for 12 years, I wanted to start a new chapter in my life. I’ve always enjoyed working with computers, and it’s rewarding to be able to fend off cyber criminals."

—Kenneth Oliver '15
Graduate Certificate in Information Security
Master of Science in Information Studies

"I started the information security certificate program with prior computer forensics experience working for the federal government. By continuing my education in this emerging field, I’ve learned about network structure, security, and how cyber-attacks happen."

—Steve Rossello, '16
Former DHS-HSI Special Agent (Retired)

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

Fall: August 1
Spring: January 1
Summer: June 1

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials

Transcripts from all schools attended
Two letters of recommendation
Resume
Statement of Goals
The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals.

Available information for International Applicants.

admissions