Cybersecurity Certificate

Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate | Graduate

As the challenge of safeguarding national security grows, the demand for cybersecurity experts is high. By 2028, the cybersecurity management field is expected to see a 32% increase in job growth. Howard’s Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity provides enhanced marketability for students seeking entry into the cybersecurity industry and related fields.

Howard’s Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity is designed for students seeking entry into the cybersecurity industry – in areas like network and cloud security, network management, and risk and threat management – and for network and information systems professionals. Our 15-credit graduate certificate provides in-depth training in critical connected systems and information security and prepares students with the requisite skills to confidently address various cybersecurity challenges. Howard is home to the Data Science and Cybersecurity Center (DSC2), which contributes new research insights on cyber-actor behavior, threat modeling, cyber-event forecasting, and cyber resilience and defense. Graduate courses are taught by faculty who are recognized leaders in the cybersecurity and computer science fields. The curriculum highlights the latest insights and case studies on securing networked systems, security architecture, and cybersecurity management. The certificate is designed to provide the body of knowledge required for industry certifications like the CompTIA Security+ and the CISSP. Approved credits earned in the certificate may be applied towards a Computer Science graduate degree at Howard. Students can combine the certificate with a master's or doctoral degree. Students can also complete the certificate in just one year of full-time study or pace their studies to fit their schedule.

Program Snapshot 

      ❱  15 credit hours 
      ❱  2-4 semesters to completion
      ❱  Part-time, Full-time
      ❱  Hybrid format
      ❱  Program Type: Graduate Certificate 
      ❱  Certificate can be combined with any graduate degree

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Nov. 15, 2024 (final deadline)

Fall 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Dec. 1, 2024 (early deadline)
      ❱  Feb. 15, 2025 (priority deadline)
      ❱  Apr. 15, 2025 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Certificate

Application for Admission (External Applicants)

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose (550 words maximum)
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)

Application for Admission (Currently Enrolled HU Students)

• Online HU Graduate Certificate Internal Application Form 
• Statement of purpose (550 words maximum)
• A copy of your initial proposed program of study 
• An unofficial copy of your most up-to-date Howard University transcript(s)
• A letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor, director of graduate studies, or faculty member in your current academic program
• GRE scores not required
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

GRE Required?

• No

GRE Preferred Minimums

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Reference Requirements (External Applicants)

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor
• Supervisor/Manager
• Coworker

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Clergy
• Friend
• Family Member
• Other