Cybersecurity

Program Type
Certificate of Graduate Study (Online)
Credential
Certificate of Graduate Study
Mode of Study
Online
Department
Department of Technology

Tuition per credit hour

$460 for in-state and
$494 for out-of-state residents. See details and other costs

Credit hours

15 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list

Program duration

Finish in as little as 1 year. Explore program requirements

Admissions

Apply for fall, spring, or summer term. View application process & deadlines

Program Highlights

  • Balance your schedule while completing your certificate: Our fully online program allows you to complete coursework from wherever you are.
  • Save money with reduced e-tuition for out-of-state students.
  • Advance your career in a field where demand is high and expected to keep growing, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Learn from full-time faculty and PhD-trained scholars who are recognized as leaders in their fields that stretch from the White House to the Pentagon.
  • Make progress toward a future degree: Apply course credits from your certificate toward our master’s degree in Cybersecurity.
  • Study in a program that is nationally designated by the National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Cybersecurity is jointly offered through the University of Southern Maine and University of Maine at Augusta.
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Outsmart cybercriminals

Certificate completers are qualified to be the first line of defense for governments and top organizations as cybersecurity pros. Through experiential learning and hands-on experience, you’ll boost your resume in one of the fastest growing job markets.

Explore our program
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Program requirements

Our program provides in-depth learning relevant to the rapidly changing landscape of information security. Students gain critical knowledge in preventing cybersecurity attacks and develop proficiencies that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Visit course catalog
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Gain hands-on experience

Learn to defend against real-world cybersecurity attacks in a production environment through experiential learning and simulation exercises with numerous public and private entities.

Explore opportunities
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National designation

Our Cybersecurity program is recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA).

Learn more
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Future degree planning

Interested in earning your master’s degree in Cybersecurity in the future? The credits you earn through this certificate program can be applied to our Cybersecurity MS. Some restrictions may apply.

View program details
John Mitchell Center on the University of Southern Maine Gorham campus.

Highly accomplished faculty

Each faculty member holds a doctoral degree and/or industry-recognized certifications in cybersecurity and are recognized as leaders in their fields that stretch from the White House to the Pentagon. They regularly present their work at national and international cybersecurity conferences.

Meet our faculty
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Next Steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

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Admission information: Certificate of Graduate Study in Cybersecurity

Application deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.

Application deadlineFall term startSpring term start
FinalAugust 1December 15
  • Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Previous academic or work experience in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

  • Application: Online application
  • Application fee:
    • In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
    • International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
  • Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
  • Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

  • Essay: In a brief essay (300-500 words), please state your reasons for pursuing the Certificate of Graduate Study in Cyber Security, your professional goals, and how this program of study will contribute to these goals.

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address