Industry Snapshot
This program is designed to help you pursue positions managing cybersecurity functions.
Additional Program Information
- Experience Recommended for Success
- Technology Requirements
- Student Organizations
We recommend a background in computing and programming. Strong writing skills are also encouraged.
For some of the upper-level cybersecurity and IT courses in this program, you will need equipment that meets the following specifications. Courses in graphics- or computing-intensive disciplines may require a higher processing speed, more RAM, and/or better screen resolution.
Hardware Requirements
- 64-bit processor, Intel Core i5 (7th generation or higher), or equivalent (e.g., AMD, M1)
- Processor speed: 1.5 GHz or higher (2 GHz recommended)
- Storage: At least 250 GB (SSD [preferred] or HD), with at least 30 percent free space
- RAM: At least 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
- Display/monitor: Minimum 13”
- Screen resolution: Minimum 1280 px x 1024 px
- Keyboard and mouse/trackpad
- High-speed Internet connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
- 32-bit video card
Operating System
Choose one of the following:
- Windows 10 (recommended; version 1909 or higher required for any course using Adobe Creative Cloud)
- Mac OS X 10.15 or higher
- Ubuntu 18.04+ (or other Linux LTS)
Software
- Microsoft Office 2019 or later (Office 365 Education is available for free with your student email address.)
- Most recent version/update of a web browser (Firefox, Safari, or Chrome)
- Antivirus software
- Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader
Additional Recommendations
- Built-in camera (or USB port for a webcam)
- Built-in microphone and speakers (or USB ports for external audio devices)
IEEE Student Chapter at UMGC (Technology & Computing)
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)-UMGC student chapter provides members with experience and growth opportunities in the field of technology and computer science through various events such as seminars and competitions. In addition, this chapter also provides networking assistance to students by connecting them with professionals in various fields.
Current students can obtain an IEEE membership if they are enrolled at least half-time at UMGC in a program of study in an IEEE-designated field. The designated fields (as defined by IEEE) are engineering; computer sciences and information technology; physical sciences; biological and medical sciences; mathematics; technical communications; education; management; and law and policy.
The group also has an IEEE Student Branch at UMGC CareerQuest group that is open to any student, alumnus, staff member, or faculty member who is interested in supporting the chapter or attending chapter events.
Please email ieee@umgc.edu for more information.
Cyber Competition Team
The Cyber Competition Team represents UMGC at various cybersecurity events and tournaments nationwide. Being a member of the team gives students an opportunity to develop their cybersecurity skills and network with other students. The team is open to undergraduate and graduate students and alumni through a tryout process. Email jesse.varsalone@umgc.edu or visit the team webpage to learn more.
We recommend a background in computing and programming. Strong writing skills are also encouraged.
For some of the upper-level cybersecurity and IT courses in this program, you will need equipment that meets the following specifications. Courses in graphics- or computing-intensive disciplines may require a higher processing speed, more RAM, and/or better screen resolution.
Hardware Requirements
- 64-bit processor, Intel Core i5 (7th generation or higher), or equivalent (e.g., AMD, M1)
- Processor speed: 1.5 GHz or higher (2 GHz recommended)
- Storage: At least 250 GB (SSD [preferred] or HD), with at least 30 percent free space
- RAM: At least 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
- Display/monitor: Minimum 13”
- Screen resolution: Minimum 1280 px x 1024 px
- Keyboard and mouse/trackpad
- High-speed Internet connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
- 32-bit video card
Operating System
Choose one of the following:
- Windows 10 (recommended; version 1909 or higher required for any course using Adobe Creative Cloud)
- Mac OS X 10.15 or higher
- Ubuntu 18.04+ (or other Linux LTS)
Software
- Microsoft Office 2019 or later (Office 365 Education is available for free with your student email address.)
- Most recent version/update of a web browser (Firefox, Safari, or Chrome)
- Antivirus software
- Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader
Additional Recommendations
- Built-in camera (or USB port for a webcam)
- Built-in microphone and speakers (or USB ports for external audio devices)
IEEE Student Chapter at UMGC (Technology & Computing)
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)-UMGC student chapter provides members with experience and growth opportunities in the field of technology and computer science through various events such as seminars and competitions. In addition, this chapter also provides networking assistance to students by connecting them with professionals in various fields.
Current students can obtain an IEEE membership if they are enrolled at least half-time at UMGC in a program of study in an IEEE-designated field. The designated fields (as defined by IEEE) are engineering; computer sciences and information technology; physical sciences; biological and medical sciences; mathematics; technical communications; education; management; and law and policy.
The group also has an IEEE Student Branch at UMGC CareerQuest group that is open to any student, alumnus, staff member, or faculty member who is interested in supporting the chapter or attending chapter events.
Please email ieee@umgc.edu for more information.
Cyber Competition Team
The Cyber Competition Team represents UMGC at various cybersecurity events and tournaments nationwide. Being a member of the team gives students an opportunity to develop their cybersecurity skills and network with other students. The team is open to undergraduate and graduate students and alumni through a tryout process. Email jesse.varsalone@umgc.edu or visit the team webpage to learn more.
FAQs
An online graduate certificate in cybersecurity management and policy is a program of study that can help advance your skills and knowledge in cybersecurity. Typically, the credits you earn in a graduate certificate program can later be applied to a related master's degree program. UMGC’s online graduate certificate in cybersecurity management and policy is a 12-credit program that covers topics like the legal foundations of cybersecurity, the roles of government and private organizations, leadership, and governance.
UMGC's online graduate certificate in cybersecurity management and policy is a 12-credit program with courses offered year-round. Depending on how many credits you complete each term and the number of credits you may be able to transfer, you can expect to finish the program in as little as nine months. Plus, if you completed your undergraduate degree at UMGC with a major in cybersecurity technology, you may be able to take advantage of an accelerated pathway that could reduce your coursework for this program by up to 6 credits, saving you time and money.
UMGC is committed to keeping our tuition and fees as affordable as possible. The online graduate certificate in cybersecurity management and policy follows the specialty graduate program tuition rates, which appear at the top of this webpage. We also offer scholarships, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your education more affordable.
You don't need to have majored in a specific area to be successful in the online graduate certificate in cybersecurity management and policy program at UMGC. However, we do recommend that you have a background in computing and programming. Strong writing skills are also encouraged.