Computer Network and Security Certificate

The Certificate in Computer Network Security offers six three-credit courses, geared to teach students the most relevant and practical in-demand skills in the high-tech universe, including backing up network data, configuring security settings and access permissions, analyzing security breaches or attempts, and assessing vulnerabilities to servers, systems and network devices.

Students will learn how to collect data to evaluate risk and develop mitigation strategies, conduct network and security system audits; and design security solutions to address known device vulnerabilities.

In this digital age, we are tethered to our laptops and smartphones like never before, relying on these remarkable portable devices for everything from money, career connections and health information to reading, social networking, photography, entertainment and more. In the past few decades, computers and cell phones have become our personal and professional lifelines. Protecting the vast sea of information they store is vital to our daily functioning, holding everything from our sensitive bank account data to our work emails.

Computer network security includes all the steps that must be taken to protect the integrity of a computer network and its data. At a time when malware, data breaches and phishing scams are all too common, network security is paramount, keeping sensitive data safe from cyberattacks and ensuring that the network is usable and trustworthy.

The need for training in this growing field has grown exponentially, mirroring the explosive growth in our computer usage. By earning a certificate in computer network security, through six three-credit courses, you can become a network specialist or IT consultant in as little as 9 months, or continue on to earn your bachelor’s degree in information technology. Your formal training and hands-on skills will be especially valuable as you seek employment in corporations, academic institutions, government agencies, healthcare facilities, and nonprofits.

You could find rewarding work as a network administrator, in a field projected to grow much higher than the national average. (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics). In the southcentral region of Pennsylvania, in particular, labor experts expect a five percent increase in demand for these jobs annually. The PA Workforce Development Association identified these fields as “high-priority occupations” over the next 10 years, beginning in 2019.

Program Learning Outcomes

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems

Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly and with minimal interruption

Design and implement computer and information networks,

Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures

Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques

Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.

Program offered

Hybrid

Courses

Careers you can pursue

• Computer network specialist
• IT consultant
• Network Specialist
• Network technician
• Systems Specialist

You will succeed if you are...

• Analytical
• A natural problem-solver
• Patient
• Love solving puzzles
• Tech-savvy
• Are a good communicator