Information Technology Graduate Certificates
Information Technology Graduate Certificates
The increased prevalence of Information Technology in all sectors of our society is challenging the workforce in unique ways. Users of software applications are challenged by its increased sophistication, connectivity, vulnerability, and the serious implications of errors. The Information Technology Graduate Certificate provides solid foundations in essential Information Technology skills, which have become a must have for any professional. The hands-on twelve credit hour certificate covers the foundations of software development, databases, networking, system administration, information security, and ethical values. The certificate is offered using the CECH virtual environment and can be completed in one summer.
Program Objectives
By completion, you will be able to:
- Identify and explain the specialty areas and concepts of Information Technology
- Demonstrate proficiency in network design, analysis and security; database design and analysis; and software design and implementation
Cybersecurity is a top priority for many businesses and organizations. The complexity of security threats can make it difficult to keep data safe. It’s not enough to know how to write code and secure networks; you also need to understand what makes your organization vulnerable and how hackers attack it. To tackle this challenge, we need a new approach: Data-Driven Cybersecurity.
The Data-Driven Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate at the University of Cincinnati prepares a workforce that is capable of understanding the concepts of cybersecurity, analyzing cyber threats, responding to incidents, protecting data networks, and maintaining IT infrastructure continuity. The curriculum emphasizes teaching cybersecurity and data analytics software tools that are broadly used by industry cybersecurity professionals.
Students in our graduate program have the opportunity to practice hands-on skills from completing lab exercises and individual or team projects to creating solutions for cybersecurity challenges. The University of Cincinnati’s on-campus program will prepare students to apply data science and big data analytics techniques to cybersecurity problems.
Admission Requirements
Admission Criteria:
- A baccalaureate degree from a college or university regarded as standard by a regional or general accrediting agency ***
- At least a B average (3.0/4.0 scale) in undergraduate course work; if the cumulative GPA is below 3.0, a minimum GRE score of 300 is required
- 3.0+ Analytical; Verbal and Quantitative scores must be 150+ each
- Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- One academic or professional letter of reference
- Reference should be from a credible source who speaks to relevant IT experience and/or work ethic
- A personal statement that should describe interest in the program and future professional goals in a way that demonstrates a strong record of accomplishments and aptitude for graduate studies.
- If the undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, the personal statement must also address the low GPA and describe a plan to succeed in a program where a 3.0 GPA or above is required.
- If your background is not in IT, please be sure to address the following questions in your personal statement:
- How has your past experience prepared you to be successful in this program? For example, what types of courses (university or online), industry experience, or certificates have you completed to build skills in this area?
***If an applicant's prior degree is not in computing disciplines as in technology, engineering, and sciences, the applicant is required to demonstrate IT skills through work experience and relevant IT certificates. Since cybersecurity is a relatively new discipline, a holistic review will be conducted to determine if a student is prepared to be successful in completing the certificate. Applicants who do not have a computing background or relevant prior experience are advised to first complete the General IT Graduate Certificate which includes 4 prerequisite courses in information security, database management, system adminstration, and programming.
Information Technology is a fast-evolving field as large technology companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Facebook gained bigger influences on world economy, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Cybersecurity, as a crucial function of IT, already became a highly profitable and independent industry by itself, serving governments, private businesses, and individual consumers. It is estimated that cybersecurity-related businesses will continue to grow faster than the national industry average in the next decade.
Possible Careers Include:
- Security Analyst / Security Specialist
- Network Forensics Analyst
- Cyber Intelligence Specialist
- Penetration Tester
- Incident Responder
- Network Security Engineer
Students graduating from this certificate program will be able to merge cybersecurity concepts and data analytic solutions. Students will receive a dedicated graduate certificate upon successful completion of the program.
For students interested in IT: All twelve graduate credits earned in the certificate are transferable into the Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) and PhD in Information Technology degrees.
Proof of English proficiency is required of all applicants who were educated in a country where the official national language is not English.
The following exams and minimum scores are accepted as proof of English proficiency:
- TOEFL: minimum score of 80 (internet-based test)
- IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 overall band
- Duolingo (DET): minimum score of 110
- PTE: minimum score of 54
For additional information regarding accepted waivers, please reference the English Language Proficiency Requirements.
In order to graduate from the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:
- Complete all required coursework and program requirements
- Obtain at least a 3.0 university grade point average
- Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension
- File a formal graduation application for the certificate by the posted semester of graduation deadline
SoIT Graduate Office
CECH-Information Technology
Suite 250 Teachers Dyer Complex
Cincinnati OH 45219
Application Deadlines
Fall Enrollment:
- Domestic students: August 1st
- International students: March 1st
Spring Enrollment:
- Domestic Students: December 1st
- International Students: September 1st