Certificate in Computer Security (CCS)

[6 courses + capstone project]

Explore topics like cryptography, secure programming, security protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection, and social engineering. Continue on with in-depth material on advanced crypto and protocols, honeypots, wireless network security, and attacker techniques, and LDAP complemented with hands-on lab exercises. Computer Forensics investigates the computer science and law enforcement issues surrounding computers and networks that have been used in a crime or are attacked by criminals. Software developers, system administrators, IT and R&D managers, business professionals with sufficient background, and legal professionals will gain a broad set of technologies unique to the problem of securing computing platforms.

Entrance Requirements

1. a. A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline from an accredited educational institution with an overall grade-point-average (GPA) of at least 2.7 (applicants with a GPA less than 2.7 will be considered for provisional admission with their professional experience factored into the decision)
   b. At least two years of software development experience
   OR
   a. At least four years of software development experience for applicants who do not have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. 
   b. An overall grade-point-average (GPA) of at least 2.7 for all completed post-secondary education (Applicants with a GPA less than 2.7 will be considered for provisional admission with their professional experience factored into the decision.)
   
   NOTE: Applicants admitted without a bachelor’s degree may not continue in or transfer to a GPS master’s program.
   
2. Official transcripts from all Universities/colleges attended bearing an institutional seal sent directly to the Graduate Programs in Software (GPS) office by the issuing institution for all completed coursework.
3. Completed application form.
4. Detailed resume which includes all work experience, job description, and programming languages used.
5. A listing of computer related courses not appearing on transcripts.
6. For applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL (550 or above on the written version, 213 or above on the computer-based version) or MELAB (85 or above) score is required. TOEFL or MELAB scores more than two years old are not accepted. Exam bulletins are available from International Admissions at 651-962-6450.
7. Brief essay (1-2 pages) stating why the applicant wishes to work toward a certificate.
8. A grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or above.

Required Courses

The following six courses and a capstone project are required for this certificate. 

SEIS 640 = [CSIS 610] Operating Systems Design
SEIS 645 = [CSIS 625] Computer & Network Communication
SEIS 650 = [CSIS 550] Legal Issues in Technology
SEIS 720 = [CSIS 560] Computer Security
SEIS 721 = [CSIS 561] Advanced Computer Security
SEIS 722= [CSIS 562] Computer Forensics

• Capstone project will be administered in the Advanced Computer Security course. This project will examine a specific computer security event or issue from multiple facets.
  
• Courses completed from previous GPS master's degrees achieved (MS, MSS, or MSDD) cannot be used for the Certificate in Computer Security.
  
• SEIS 778 = [CSIS 673] Internship/Seminar may be taken, but course will not count toward the 18 credits required for completion of the certificate.
  
• Any substitutions must be approved by the GPS Director.