MSU's Graduate Certificate in Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security gives you an introduction to cybercrime and digital forensic investigation in a fully online format. The program is built for those with or without a technical background.
Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security Online Graduate Certificate
Program Overview
Learn to Handle a Wide Range of Cybercrimes.
MSU's Graduate Certificate in Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security gives you an introduction to cybercrime and digital forensic investigation in a fully online format. The program is built for those with or without a technical background.
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Develop Your Cybersecurity Skills
The cybercriminology and cybersecurity certificate provides foundational knowledge regarding law enforcement practice and industry responses to cybercrime and cybersecurity. Innovative digital exercises will allow you to polish skills for advancement in criminal justice, cybersecurity and intelligence careers.
With your online graduate certificate, you will be able to identify various cybercrimes that occur and utilize forensic techniques to appropriately seize and analyze digital evidence from devices like computers, smartphones and tablets.
Career Outlook: Advance in Your Ideal Job
The online graduate certificate in Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security is a great choice for students in criminal justice and social science who want to build their digital expertise. After completing our program, you can apply your skills to many fields including digital forensics, law enforcement, cybersecurity or intelligence analysis, whether in the government or the private sector. With your breadth of knowledge plus specialized skills, you can pursue additional credentials for advancement in your preferred career.
Occupations related to computers and information technology are expanding much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 The growth of cloud computing, big data collection and information security enforcement is driving the need for professionals with specialized skills in cybercriminology and cybersecurity.
Information Security Analyst
$112,000/year2
Information security analysts work to protect an organization's computer systems and databases. Your job would be to identify potential security risks and work to prevent security breaches and attacks. To become an information security analyst, you might need to pursue additional certifications.
Detective or Criminal Investigator
$86,280/year3
As a detective or criminal investigator, your knowledge of cyber criminology and cybersecurity could direct your investigations toward cases involving digital devices and records.
Your online graduate certificate in Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security also complements the following positions:
- Special Agent
- Private Security Officer/Analyst
- Intelligence Analyst
Curriculum: An International Reputation for Excellence
You don't need to be an IT professional to succeed in this certificate program. Our online cybercriminology and cybersecurity courses begin with the basics of Internet architecture and computer systems and then teach you how social dynamics and policy impact cybercrime. You will also practice capturing and analyzing basic digital forensic evidence, identifying malware, responding to data breaches and communicating information about cybercrime and cybersecurity threats to diverse audiences.
The cybercriminology and cybersecurity online graduate certificate includes five courses.
To learn more about the certificate program from the Director of the School of Criminal Justice, read his interview here.
Curriculum: An International Reputation for Excellence
You don't need to be an IT professional to succeed in this certificate program. Our online cybercriminology and cybersecurity courses begin with the basics of Internet architecture and computer systems and then teach you how social dynamics and policy impact cybercrime. You will also practice capturing and analyzing basic digital forensic evidence, identifying malware, responding to data breaches and communicating information about cybercrime and cybersecurity threats to diverse audiences.
The cybercriminology and cybersecurity online graduate certificate includes five courses.
To learn more about the certificate program from the Director of the School of Criminal Justice, read his interview here.
Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security Graduate Certificate (15 credit hours)
Required courses:
- CJ 872 — Open Source Information Analysis (3)
- CJ 874 — Cybercrime, Deviance and Virtual Society (3)
- CJ 875 — Digital Forensic Investigations (3)
- CJ 876 — Data Systems/Infrastructure (3)
- CJ 877 — Cyber Terror and Cyber Warfare (3)
Course Spotlight:
CJ 875 Digital Forensic Investigations
Focus on the field of digital forensics and its use to gather evidence and interpret information for criminal and civil litigation, as well as its use for intelligence gathering. Specific topics will include legal aspects governing search and seizure, qualifying as an expert witness, the role of file systems and operating systems and basic tools for computer and mobile device acquisition, analysis and reporting.
Course Spotlight:
CJ 877 Cyber Terror and Cyber Warfare
Critically examine the use of technology and the internet in the furtherance of terror and extremism across the globe. Understand the complex nature of this crime type, its links to physical offenses and its significance across a variety of disciplines. Explore different methods applied by terrorist groups, such as computer hacking, fraud and social media messaging campaigns.
Admissions Requirements
To apply for the online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security, you'll need the following:
- Completed domestic or international application
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Résumés are accepted and encouraged, but not required
- Personal statement
- International students should submit scores from the TOEFL 80: no sub-scores under 19 for Reading, Listening and Speaking; no sub-score below 22 for Writing*
* In lieu of the TOEFL, we accept IELTS scores with a minimum average score of 6.5 and no sub-score below 6.0.
Tuition Details
The Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security online Graduate Certificate includes 15 credit hours, at a cost of $867 (in-state) or $1,111 (out-of-state) per credit hour. To make your education more affordable, be sure to fill out the FAFSA. Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more.
Why Choose MSU School of
Criminal Justice Online?
Flexibility, Community and Support
As an online student with MSU, you can build strong connections with your instructors and fellow students. Benefit from high-quality curriculum and faculty support while maintaining your personal and professional commitments.
Ease and Affordability
At MSU, we strive to make our online degrees accessible and affordable. We can connect you with many forms of financial aid, including scholarships, loans, and military benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions may arise as you consider pursuing an online education. See our list of frequently asked questions about this degree, or call 1-833-725-1354 toll-free to speak with an MSU program manager directly.
You can complete the Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security Graduate Certificate in as little as one year. The certificate program's typical duration is two years, although you may take up to six years to complete the certificate if needed.
The Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security Graduate Certificate include 15 credit hours, at the cost of $867 (in-state) or $1,111 (out-of-state) per credit out.
You do not need a background in law enforcement or technology for the Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security Graduate Certificate. The program was designed to assist students and working professionals alike to gain foundational knowledge in cybercrime and cybersecurity.
No, we do not currently allow transfer credits for the completion of certificates.
To apply for the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security, you'll need the following:
- Completed application
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA*
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Résumés are accepted and encouraged, but not required
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- International students should submit scores from the TOEFL 80: no sub-scores under 19 for Reading, Listening and Speaking; no sub-score below 22 for Writing**
* If an applicant's GPA is below 3.2, GRE scores must be submitted.
** In lieu of the TOEFL, we accept IELTS scores with a minimum average score of 6.5 and no sub-score below 6.0.
SOURCES:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Computer and Information Technology Occupations." Sept. 6, 2023. Retrieved Jan. 25, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Information Security Analysts.” Sept. 6, 2023. Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Police and Detectives.” Sept. 6, 2023. Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.