Security Certificate Program

The security certificate program requires admission as a graduate student in the Computer Science department. The program requires 21 hours total of graduate classes. There are five core classes for a total of 15 hours. In addition two optional classes must be taken from the optional class list below for the needed additional six credit hours. In summary seven graduate classes must be taken, five are core, and two classes are optional. All graduate classes are 3 credit hour classes.

How to Enroll in the Program

• The first step, is to gain admission to our graduate C.S. program as either an M.S. or Ph.D candidate. Note that an M.S. candidate may choose to either get both an M.S. and the Security Certificate, or just complete the Security Certificate.
• Once you are admitted as a graduate student, carefully fill out the GO-19M form needed for admission to the certificate program. (Note: The GO-19M form is for M.S. students and the GO-19D form is for Ph,D students). Make sure you ADD a certificate to your program. (We won't let you make a mistake here). You also need your adviser's signature on the form. Your adviser must approve your plan to get the Security Certificate. The form may be obtained from the departmental secretaries. Please return the form to them when done.
• Once you have submitted your form, the security admissions committee will meet and approve or deny your application. We will send you a letter to let you know our decision.
• Please see Graduate Certificate Instructions (first page only) for more details about the process.

• CS 533 - Concepts of Operating Systems
• CS 591 - Introduction to Computer Security
• CS 594 - Internetworking Protocols (TCP/IP)
• CS 596 - Network Security
• A technical communications class: take one of the following classes:
  1. OMSE 513 - Professional Communication Skills for Software Engineers
  2. Engineering Management 522 - Communication and Team Building
  3. English (WR) 525 - Advanced Technical Writing
  

Optional Class List:

• Either one (but not both) of those classes is acceptable:
  1. CS 554 - Principles of Software Engineering
  2. CS 555 - Software Implementation and Testing
• CS 576 - Computer Security Seminar
• CS 585 - Cryptography
• CS 592 - Computer Security Practicum
• CS 510 - Introduction to Computer Forensics
• AJ 515 - Theories of Crime and Justice (PSU Criminology and Criminal Justice Division - Hatfield School of Government)

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