Cybersecurity Graduate Certificates

Graduate Certificate

The Cybersecurity Policy and Governance program now offers four graduate certificate programs. Certificates are four courses and may be applied towards the full M.S. degree program if admitted.

At a Glance

How many courses?


Four courses—all required.

How much will it cost?


$16,440 based on completing all courses during the 2023–2024 Academic Year.

Flexible scheduling


Study full- or part-time online, on campus during the evening, or in any combination that works for you.

 

Four Certificate Options

Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy

Our Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of risk management and applies them to the cybersecurity and digital risk management environments.

Taught by industry experts and faculty, you will learn to identify and analyze the methodologies for comparing digital risks and deciding between acceptance, mitigation, risk transfer and avoidance to address key cybersecurity metrics. Using a hands-on, unified approach, you will:

  • Gain the knowledge and skills to address varying cyber threats and vulnerabilities
  • Understand key cyber and privacy policies and laws
  • Develop and implement incident response programs
  • Manage cyber risk and resiliency


Upon completing this Graduate Certificate, you not only will have the knowledge and skills necessary to help develop, implement, and maintain successful cybersecurity risk and resiliency programs for private and government entities, but you will also have access to, and be a part of, a network of the leading cybersecurity professionals in the nation.

Curriculum

Core Courses

Complete all of the following courses:

Course NumberCourse Title
ADCY6050Cybersecurity Policy: Privacy & Legal Requirements
ADCY6500Organizational Effectiveness: Gov, Risk Management & Compliance

Electives

Complete two of the following courses:

Course NumberCourse Title
ACDY6400Managing Cyber Risk: Mobile Devices & Social Networking
ADCY6450
Cyber Investigations & Digital Forensics
ADCY6475Security in the Cloud
ADCY6600Cybersecurity: The Role of the CISO
ADCY6640
National Security: Law, Policy, & Investigations
ADCY6925
Cybersecurity: Risk Management & Resiliency
ADCY6630
Cyber Crime: Law, Investigations, and Policy
ADCY6350
Cybersecurity Incident Response & Management
ADCY6840
Cybersecurity: Strategy and Implementation

Graduate Certificate in National Security and Global Affairs

Our Graduate Certificate in National Security and Global Affairs prepares you to identify, understand, and analyze today’s most pressing cyber and national security concerns impacting both governments and private industry. 

Taught by leading experts and faculty, our graduate program provides real life insight using case studies and other methodologies to address a range of issues, including:

  • The role of intelligence
  • The organizational structures of security, intelligence, and law enforcement organizations
  • State and non-state threats
  • International and national security policy, laws, and treaties
  • Globalization and the impact of COVID-19, diplomacy
  • Dealings with foreign entities (both government and business) 


Upon completing this Graduate Certificate, you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, analyze, think critically, and provide sound recommendations to address and resolve the varying national security issues faced by governments and private industry. Furthermore, you will have access to, and be a part of, a network of the leading national and international security experts and professionals from government and private industry.

Curriculum

Core Courses

Complete all of the following courses:

Course NumberCourse Title
ADCY6200International Cybersecurity
ADCY6650Role of Intelligence: Establishing Proactive Security

Electives

Complete two of the following courses:

Course NumberCourse Title
ADCY6450Cyber Investigations & Digital Forensics
ADCY6620National Security: Corporate Law & Policy
ADCY6640National Security: Law, Policy, & Investigations
ADCY6925Cybersecurity: Risk Management & Resiliency
ADCY6050
Cybersecurity Law, Policy, and Data Privacy
ADCY6630Cyber Crime: Law, Investigations, and Policy
ADCY6350
Cybersecurity Incident Response & Management

Graduate Certificate in Computer Security 

Our Graduate Certificate in Computer Security prepares you to identify, understand, and analyze the varying technical aspects involved with cybersecurity, including operating system security, component lifecycle management, database security, server security, application security, mobile devices, BYOD, and end-point security.

Taught by practicing industry and government experts, this Graduate Certificate Program covers:

  • The roles of physical security, system hardening, firewalls, encryption, anti-virus, and malware defense
  • Identity and access management, role-based access control (RBAC), intrusion detection, and penetration testing
  • Incident response, digital forensics and investigations, and offensive and defensive capabilities


Upon completing our Graduate Certificate in Computer Security, you not only will have the knowledge and skills necessary to help develop, implement, and maintain successful cybersecurity programs for private and government entities, but you also will have access to, and be a part of, a network of the leading cybersecurity professionals in the nation.

Curriculum

Core Courses

Complete all of the following courses:

Course NumberCourse Title
ADCY6000Cyber Ecosystem and Cybersecurity
ADCY6300Network & Infrastructure Security Electives


Complete two of the following courses:

Course NumberCourse Title
ADCY6450Cyber Investigations & Digital Forensics
ADCY6475
Security in the Cloud
ADCY6810
Cybersecurity: Designing Offensive & Defensive Capabilities
ADCY6925
Cybersecurity: Risk Management & Resiliency
ADCY6350
Cybersecurity: Incident Response & Management
ADCY6600Cybersecurity: The Role of the CISO

Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Analytics

The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Analytics is designed to equip students with data analytic skills and context knowledge of cybersecurity. View program page for details.

Cybersecurity Analytics

 

Our Faculty


Apply

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Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Please note that non-US citizens are not able to receive a valid student visa for enrollment in a certificate program.  If you need a student visa to study in the US, please select an eligible masters degree.

Deadlines

Regular Decision
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Online Application

Start Your Application

While online submission is preferred, if you need to mail materials, please send to:

Boston College
Woods College of Advancing Studies Admissions Office
St. Mary's Hall South
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Academic transcripts

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)

Applicants whose undergraduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be considered for admission. Applications will be considered in light of other factors, including letters of reference and personal statement.  

Personal Statement

To be uploaded to your online Application Form.

In 500-750 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.

Application Fee

Application fee: There is no application fee.

Résumé

Optional

Letter of Recommendation

Submitted with application.

Please note: Letters of recommendations should be provided by Professional or Academic recommenders.