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School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)

Information Systems Security

Online Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Security

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Program Requirements Related Programs Admission Requirements Paying for School

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$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation

0 Entrance Exams
No GRE/GMAT Required

About This Program

Gain an advanced understanding of secure network design and the development of security policies and programs with the graduate certificate in information systems security from American Public University (APU).

In your online information systems security classes, you’ll learn the guiding principles of information systems security and enhance your knowledge of cryptography. You’ll also study business continuity planning and other skills to protect organizational systems from a growing number of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

This program is ideal if you want to acquire more information systems security knowledge without committing to a degree program.

What You Will Do

  1. Develop your knowledge of the differences between various physical and logical network structures and evaluate various types of security architecture and design models
  2. Learn about the seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) networking model and how it relates to common protocol stacks and become familiar with data packet components (such as a header, body, and cyclical redundancy check [CRC])
  3. Understand network security principles and cellular network architecture
  4. Study how to secure current and next-generation telecommunications networks and the principles of intrusion detection and intrusion prevention
  5. Become familiar with the different types of cryptographic algorithms

Program at a Glance

Number of Credits
18
Transfer up to 9 credits1
Cost Per Credit
{{{GraduateTuition}}} | {{{GradPreferredMilitaryRate}}}*
{{{GraduateVeteranGrant}}}** | {{{GradOpportunityGrant}}}***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 3860

|
This course examines information concealment techniques, technologies, hardware, software, and relevant legislation for cyber forensics to reveal and track legal and illegal activity. The course examines the process for investigation and introduces the tools and procedures required to legally seize and forensically evaluate a suspect machine. Also covered are the rules of evidence, chain of custody, standard operating procedures, and the manipulation of technology to conceal illegal activities, and revealing concealed information using cyber forensics.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3870

|
This course is a study of computer networks and the evolution of modern communication systems. It examines the various layers of the basic reference models such as the five-layer IP model or the seven-layer OSI model, by scale, connection method, network architecture, or topology. This course also includes an in-depth analysis of transmission protocols, communications systems, and networks. Prior knowledge of networks and networking is recommended.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3871

|
Telecommunications networks are a critical component of the global economic and social infrastructures. Securing critical infrastructure is an established priority within Information Security Management. This course examines the field of secure telecommunications networks, including emerging threats, system vulnerability, network evolution, and network defense mechanisms.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3872

|
This course examines the tenets of Intrusion Detection, Intrusion Prevention, and Incident Handling. Intrusion Detection focuses on the methods to detect attempts (attacks or intrusions) to compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of an information system. Also included is an analysis of the principles and practices of intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, and incident handling; network-based, host-based, and hybrid intrusion detection; identifying attack patterns; deployment of resources and responses to handle the incident, surveillance, damage assessment, risk assessment, data forensics, data mining, attack tracing, system recovery, and continuity of operation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3873

|
The course analyzes computer and systems security measures by examining a model for information assurance; it also examines the components of a comprehensive Information Assurance plan. Topics included are: asset identification, human factors, compliance with regulations, personnel security, risk assessment and ethical considerations, IA policy, as well as computer and network security tools.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3874

|
Information Security includes an evaluation of the techniques, policies and strategies to ensure that data stored in an organization's computers cannot be accessed or processed without the consent of the organization. Also included, is an analysis of Information Security & Risk Management, Access Control, Physical Security, Security Architecture & Design, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Planning, Telecommunications & Network Security, Application Security, Operations Security, Law, Compliance & Investigations. This course also reviews the building blocks of information systems and cryptography is provided to reinforce the scope of security management.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

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Admission Requirements

All APU master's degree and graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

For this program, you must provide an official transcript of your previously completed bachelor's or master's degree and have ONE of the following:

  • Associate or bachelor's degree in information technology or a related field (ex: computer science, information systems, database development, etc.)
  • 2 years of work experience in the specific sub-field for this degree
  • Completion of one of our undergraduate IT certificates
  • Completion of 6 credits in IT-related courses 
  • Completion of an IT-related minor or concentration during your undergraduate program
  • Certifications in at least one of the below:
  1. CompTIA Security+® (2010 to present recommended)
  2. CompTIA Network+®  (2010 to present recommended)
  3. CompTIA A+® (2010 to present recommended)
  4. CompTIA Project+® (2010 to present recommended)
  5. CompTIA CySA+® (2010 to present recommended)
  6. CISSP®  certification    
  7. SSCP® 
  8. EC-Council Ethical Hacking
  9. Cisco CCNA®  Security
  10. Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute

CompTIA Security+®, CompTIA Network+®, CompTIA A+®, CompTIA Project+®, and CompTIA CySA+® are all registered trademarks of the Computer Technology Industry Association, Inc.

CISSP® and SSCP® are registered trademarks of International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc.

CCNA® is a registered trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc. 

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • If the IT-specific requirements are not noted in the official bachelor's or master's transcript, you must provide official copies of your undergraduate transcripts that show the appropriate coursework.
  • The verification of the 2 years’ work experience needs to be sent to the university via formal resume/CV.
  • Preadmission courses must have been completed within the last 7 years and at the undergraduate level must be graded C or better; B or better at the graduate level.

Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.

An APU admissions coach will contact you via email or phone to assist you with the enrollment process, review your documentation, and to notify you when you have been admitted into the program and may register for courses.

Materials Cost

Technology fee: $85 per course 

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.