CYBERSECURITY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Cybersecurity Certificate program provides foundational skills in cybersecurity principles and practices, emphasizing ethical considerations and practical application. Students who successfully complete this certificate will be prepared for roles in Network Operations Centers (NOCs) and Security Operations Centers (SOCs), as well as positions like entry-level security analyst, IT support with a cybersecurity focus, security awareness trainer, vulnerability assessment assistant, and compliance support roles. Upon completion of coursework, students will have the foundation needed to pursue CompTIA’s Network+, Security+, Cloud+, Linux+, CySA+ industry certifications.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

Methods of instruction vary depending on the nature of the course. In general, courses will be experiential and practical, emphasizing real-life business practices.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the Cybersecurity Certificate program the student will be able to:

1. Apply foundational cybersecurity knowledge to identify, analyze, and respond to common cyber threats, adhering to ethical principles of responsible technology use.
2. Evaluate fundamental cybersecurity architectures and incident response procedures, demonstrating an awareness of ethical considerations related to data protection and system integrity.
3. Communicate clearly and effectively about basic cybersecurity concepts to a variety of audiences, promoting security awareness and ethical online behavior.
4. Utilize basic quantitative and analytical skills to assess cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities in common systems, demonstrating responsible handling of information.
5. Analyze and apply cybersecurity policies and best practices, demonstrating an understanding of the legal and ethical implications of cybersecurity within organizational contexts.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to the Cybersecurity Certificate program requires:

1. Admissions Application – All students who wish to apply must complete an Admissions Application. The application can be requested from the Admission’s Office or downloaded from the University website: www.nobeluniversity.edu.

2. Application/Registration Fee – All applicants must submit a non-refundable application/registration fee with the Admissions Application. If the fee does not accompany the Admissions Application, the application will not be processed.

3. Proof of Graduation – All applicants must provide proof of completion of high school in order to qualify for admission, such as official transcripts, certificate of graduation or notarized copy of the diploma.

4. Personal Identification – All applicants are required to submit copies of two (2) pieces of personal identification such as a state driver’s license, government issued photo identification card, passport and visas. One (1) of which must contain a photo of the applicant.

5. English Proficiency – Prospect students’ lingual abilities are to be evaluated and analyzed thorough the Nobel University’s Language Proficiency Exam in order to maximize the educational effectiveness of the program.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of 180 hours with a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.00 is required to complete the Cybersecurity Certificate Program.

Required Courses (135 hours)

CYB 300

Intro to Information Security

45 hours

CYB 303

Cyber Threat Intelligence and Incident Response

45 hours

CYB 305

Operating System Security

45 hours

Electives – Choose one from the list (45 hours)

CYB 320

Information Security Strategy and Policy

45 hours

CYB 400

Security Assessment and Auditing

45 hours

CYB 420

Enterprise Security

45 hours

TRANSFER APPLICANTS

Nobel University does not accept transfer credits or units for the Cybersecurity Certificate program.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Required Courses
Electives

CYB 300 - Introduction to Information Security (3 credits)

  • Course Description: This foundational course introduces students to the principles of cybersecurity, focusing on emerging technologies such as blockchain, IoT (Internet of Things), and quantum computing. Students will learn about the basic concepts of cybersecurity, threat landscapes, and risk management.
  • Key Topics:
    • Basics of Cybersecurity
    • Emerging Technologies Overview
    • Threats and Vulnerabilities
    • Risk Management and Compliance
    • Case Studies on Recent Cyber Incidents
    • Ethical Considerations in AI for Cybersecurity

CYB 303 - Cyber Threat Intelligence and Incident Response (3 credits)

  • Course Description: This course covers the methodologies and tools used in cyber threat intelligence (CTI) and incident response. Students will learn how to gather, analyze, and use threat intelligence to respond to cyber incidents effectively.
  • Key Topics:
    • Cyber Threat Intelligence Lifecycle
    • Incident Response Planning and Execution
    • Threat Hunting Techniques
    • Digital Forensics
    • Case Studies of Real-World Incidents

CYB 305 – Operating System Security

  • Course Description: Focus on securing operating systems, including Windows and Linux.
  • Key Topics:
    • Privilege escalation attacks
    • Malware analysis and detection
    • Patch management and vulnerability assessment

CYB 320 - Information Security Strategy and Policy (3 credits)

  • Course Description: This course focuses on the development and implementation of cybersecurity strategies and policies within organizations. Students will learn about regulatory requirements, policy frameworks, and strategic planning for cybersecurity.
  • Key Topics:
    • Cybersecurity Governance and Risk Management
    • Regulatory and Compliance Requirements
    • Policy Development and Implementation
    • Strategic Planning for Cybersecurity
    • Leadership and Decision-Making in Cybersecurity

CYB 400 – Security Assessment and Auditing

  • Course Description: Teach how to assess and audit an organization's security posture.
  • Key Topics:
    • Security controls evaluation
    • Risk assessment methodologies
    • Compliance audits
    • Reporting and remediation

CYB 420 – Enterprise Security

  • Course Description: Provide a comprehensive overview of enterprise security best practices.
  • Key Topics:
    • Security governance and management
    • Risk management and compliance
    • Identity and access management
    • Incident response and disaster recovery