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Become a Security Expert
With an online undergraduate certificate in Fundamental System Security, you will learn advanced skills to protect cyber threats from affecting your company. Following a comprehensive curriculum, you can obtain the latest strategies and knowledge to become a security expert regardless of your educational background, all within our supportive and encouraging vibrant, virtual Christ-centered community.
Introducing
Locked-In Tuition.
Our Locked-In Tuition program guarantees you’ll pay the same price for your entire certificate program.
About the Program
ACU’s online undergraduate Certificate in Fundamental System Security provides you the opportunity to learn the basics of computer programming and system defenses in order to understand how to better protect information systems. Honed in on teaching you unique skills in coding languages, network infrastructure, and professional skills such as managing projects and effectively communication, you will be fully prepared to enter the workforce as well as enroll into our subsequent certificate, Cybersecurity 2: Certificate in Essential System Forensics and Defense.
Program Structure
All the Details on Your Degree
Throughout the 16 credit hours, you will advance your IT understanding of basic security techniques by taking courses related to coding scripts for computer softwares, understanding the fundamentals of systems and data communications, and cloud and network defense to promote additional protection for systemic vulnerabilities on a local, national, and global scale. Plus, you’ll gain supplemental knowledge to prepare for the CompTia Security+ certification exam, a global certification that validates the baseline skills needed to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.
Stackable Certificate
You’re one step closer to a bachelor’s degree.
Want to expand your skills in cybersecurity and information technology? This certificate’s credit hours are stackable toward ACU’s online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree. It’s a great option if you plan on applying for the undergraduate program at a later time. Simply complete the certificate program, and ACU will seamlessly apply your 16 credit hours toward your bachelor’s.
Required Hours
16 hours
6-12 months timeframe
Example Coursework
Introduction to Information, Technology, and Computing
Introduction to Programming Using Scripting
Cloud and Network Defense
Security Specialization
Department
Upcoming Start Dates
April 30, 2024
August 20, 2024
Common Job Titles
Information Security Analyst
Software Security Engineer
Penetration Tester
Security Consultant
Infosec Partnership
Embark on a transformative cybersecurity education journey with ACU Online, powered by an innovative partnership with Infosec, the leader in cybersecurity training. This collaboration seamlessly integrates Infosec-backed training into our cutting-edge coursework, ensuring that you gain practical expertise during your academic program. This unique fusion of hands-on skills and academic rigor will position you as a leader in the dynamic field of cybersecurity, opening doors to exciting career opportunities.
Already have industry certifications from CompTIA? ACU will award you up to 4 hours of academic credit for your learning achievements, helping you fast-track your path to a cybersecurity certificate. Join us in shaping the future of cybersecurity education – where the best of Infosec meets the academic excellence of ACU Online.
Meet the Program Director
Dr. Joe Feliciano is the Program Director for the Certificate in Fundamental System Security, Certificate in Essential System Forensics and Defense, Certificate in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Administration, and Master of Science in Information Technology programs. He received his doctorate from Pace University in New York. His master’s degree in Information Systems is from Long Island University, and his undergraduate work was completed at Hawaii Pacific University in Business Administration.
After leaving the U.S. Air Force in 1995, he began to work on Windows Servers, PCs, and Mainframe Systems for manufacturing, health care, and telecom organizations. He has been teaching IT management, computer networking, database, and cybersecurity courses since 2007.
Spotlight
The Rundown of a Cybersecurity Certificate
Getting started in a cybersecurity or IT career doesn’t need to take four years. Through our dual complementary online undergraduate cybersecurity certificates in Fundamental System Security and Essential System Forensics and Defense, future professionals like you can start the journey of learning the basics of computer programming and system defenses in order to understand how to better protect information systems and get into your dream career sooner rather than later.
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Why Certificate Programs Have Skyrocketed in Popularity
Recent statistics are showing a shift in higher education, with certificates increasing in popularity. Read on to find out the cause for this shift and which areas of study are in high demand.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate of information security analysts is projected to grow 15 percent within the next few years, faster than any other occupation. With close to 20,000 open positions projected every year across the country, the need for educated and trained professionals is at an all-time high. Opportunities exist in various types of settings and disciplines from small to large businesses, private to nonprofit, government entities, and a wide spectrum of companies and industries seeking to keep their networks secured and upgraded with the pace of new technology.
To be considered for admission, students must:
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Submit an official transcript of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above, probationary status may be granted. The program director will evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis.
- Supply a current resume that includes any related experience in the field of information technology.
- International applicants will be required to provide TOEFL scores (if applicable) and transcript assessment for degrees completed outside of the United States.
Students are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores.
Graduation Requirements: Students must earn a 2.0 GPA or higher to meet graduation requirements and successfully complete all required courses.
Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga. 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of ACU.
Abilene Christian University enjoys a strong national reputation as one of the leading private Christian universities in the west and southwest, indicated by various ratings (such as U.S. News and World Report and other reports).