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Graduate Certificate in Systems Security
Next start:
April 2026
Format:
Online
Total Courses:
TBD
Tuition:
$760 per creditAdvance Your Knowledge in Cybersecurity
The Graduate Certificate in Systems Security provides you with marketable skills grounded in the principles of systems security and provides a solid technology foundation for further education in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCY) and Doctor of Information Technology (DIT).
Alongside systems security, your courses will cover security across multiple systems and platforms, including data privacy, network and wireless security, and cybersecurity.
Upon successful completion of the systems security graduate certificate, you will have gained a mastery of foundational skills in systems security to build a career in the area of technology and computing.
Learning Outcomes
The Graduate Certificate in Systems Security will prepare students to:
- Apply foundational knowledge of all areas of advanced cybersecurity
- Integrate fundamental principles and practices of advanced cybersecurity
- Apply critical and ethical thinking to solve problems in advanced cybersecurity
- Evaluate data to inform decisions and solve problems in advanced cybersecurity
- Create the ability to develop and express ideas while applying a variety of delivery models, genres, and styles
- Collaborate effectively on diverse teams to accomplish a common goal
For full course descriptions, please refer to the current catalog.
Program Requirements
Prerequisites
A completed Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree is required to apply
Total Required Credits (12-32 Credits)
Preparatory Courses (6 or 20 Credits)
*Preparatory courses may be required for students entering the SysSec Graduate Certificate without sufficient related experience in programming, SQL/NO SQL databases, networking, and operating systems. The breadth-first preparatory courses are recommended for students who want to study a broad spectrum of all topics within 1 quarter. The depth-first preparatory courses are recommended for students who want to study each topic in depth. Please see the program admissions criteria in the City University of Seattle catalog for specific information.
Breadth-First Preparatory Courses (6 Credits)
- CS 11A Technology & Computing Components I (3)
- CS 11B Technology & Computing Components II (3)
Depth-First Preparatory Courses (20 Credits)
- CS 132 Computer Science I (5) – OR – IS 201 Fundamentals of Computing (5)
- CS 330 Network Communications (5)
- CS 340 Operating Systems (5)
- IS 360 Database Technologies (5)
Systems Security
- CY 500 — Cybersecurity Overview (3)
- CY 505 — Systems Security (3)
- CY 525 — Network and Wireless Security (3)
- CY 545 — Data Privacy and Security (3)
*Preparatory courses may be required for students entering the systems security graduate certificate without sufficient related experience. Please see the program admissions criteria in the City University of Seattle catalog for specific information.
The systems security graduate certificate is designed to build off your undergraduate degree and give you the skills required to also practice as a professional. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to seek a variety of career opportunities, including:
- Information systems security manager
- Information security analyst
- Securities analyst
- Security engineer
- Technical support engineer
- Intelligence analyst
- Information security consultant
Networking Opportunities
At CityU, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional network by connecting with faculty working in your field, students from around the globe, and alumni employed at Seattle’s top companies. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive community that’s dedicated to helping you reach your career goals.
Tuition Cost
Learn more about tuition and fees for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
2025-26 Cost of Attendance (per quarter)
| Living with Parent | Not Living with Parent | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | See Tuition Calculator | See Tuition Calculator |
| Supplies** | $180 | $180 |
| Housing | $1,240 | $4,089 |
| Food | $1,812 | $1,812 |
| Transportation | $858 | $930 |
| Misc./Personal | $636 | $636 |
| Total | $4,726 | $7,647 |
**Supplies include books, course materials, course supplies, and equipment.
Student budget values are established using student surveys, CPI index, and actual institutional expenses.
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, & Equipment component will be prorated based on enrollment intensity.
Students in a high-cost region may appeal and request a 10% increase to their housing and food budget component.
Students living in a rural area may appeal and request a 10% increase to their transportation budget component.
Financial Aid Opportunities
This program is not eligible for federal financial aid. At CityU, we are committed to helping students achieve their academic goals no matter their economic situations. Our financial aid counselors are here to find the resources you need to pay for your education, including grants, loans, work study, and scholarships. Learn more about financial aid opportunities at CityU, or contact our Financial Aid Team at 800.426.5596, 206.239.4540, or [email protected].
Military Tuition Benefits
As a Yellow Ribbon school, CityU is proud to serve those who have served in the military. We offer military tuition discounts for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and accept military benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Tuition Assistance. Learn more about military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs designed to help you reach your military and career goals.