Information Security Professional Practices Certificate

In the Information Security Certificate (ISPP), students develop competencies in assessing threats and vulnerabilities of information systems, designing security procedures and practices that are executed in the protection of data and information systems, and analyzing the validity and reliability of information to ensure that an information system will operate at a proposed level of trust.

Admissions Requirements: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a nationally accredited institution, or an appropriately certified foreign institution. A Grade Point Average (GPA) on a scale of 4.0 as described below. Additional requirements may apply.

• 2.5 GPA at the bachelor’s level, or
• 3.0 GPA for the last 9 credit hours of graduate coursework, or
• Students with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 must demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant professional experience. Professional experience will be evaluated by the Chief Academic Officer to ensure relevancy.

Program Outcomes

• Develop competencies in assessing threats and vulnerabilities of information systems.
• Develop competencies in designing security procedures and practices that are executed in the protection of data and information systems
• Develop competencies in analyzing the validity and reliability of information to ensure that an information system will operate at a proposed level of trust.

Information Security Certificate Required Courses

IA8060  Intrusion Detection, Attacks, and Countermeasures

In this course, students will examine common attack methods, technologies and countermeasures. Students will also gain the skills needed to recognize various stages and methods of attack on the enterprise. (3 credits)

IA8020  Security Policies, Standards and Procedures

In this course, students will explore digital forensics and computer investigations. This course will provide insight on conducting an investigation, reviewing certification requirements, determining the best data acquisition method, processing a computer investigation scene, evaluating needs for digital forensics tools, and applying forensics skills and techniques. (3 credits)

IA8030  Design, Development and Evaluation of Security Controls

In this course, students transform high-level policies and procedures into quantifiable and measurable controls and mechanisms that enforce data and process integrity, availability and confidentiality. (3 credits)

Cybersecurity Education Path

Distinguish yourself and advance your cybersecurity career by following the University of Fairfax Online Cybersecurity Education Path. No matter which graduate program you pursue, all of your courses will explore relevant cybersecurity policy and management issues, and you will complete a cybersecurity project in each course. You can apply what you learn and make significant contributions in your workplace right away.

Visit our eLearning page for details on our exciting and innovative course delivery methods.