Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
Overview
Kentucky State University’s online Certificate in Cybersecurity offers a focused education designed to equip you with critical skills in protecting digital environments and combating cyber threats. Through our streamlined online curriculum, you’ll learn about essential areas like network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, and incident response, gaining practical knowledge that can be applied directly in the field.
This certificate program is ideal for those looking to quickly step into roles such as Information Security Analyst or Network Security Specialist, or to enhance existing skills with targeted cybersecurity training. With cyber threats evolving daily, the demand for professionals who can protect sensitive data and infrastructure continues to grow. By earning this certificate, you’ll gain an edge in a high demand industry and be prepared to make a real impact in safeguarding digital assets.
Tuition and Fees:
$350
per credit hour
Efficient Completion:
1-4 years*
*depending on transfer credits
and your course load
Financial Aid
Kentucky State University's Office of Financial Aid coordinates federal, state, institutional, and external financial aid programs to ensure equitable and efficient use of available funding.
Our mission is to support and advocate for students, providing guidance on financial assistance to enhance their success in higher education.
Our vision is to remove financial barriers by offering resources with a focus on CARE, DIVERSITY, GUIDANCE, ACCESS, and EFFICIENCY. While financial aid helps cover educational costs, it typically does not fully fund tuition.
Financial Aid Services
FAFSA Help
Reviewing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and resolving any database matches or other criteria for participating in the student aid programs
Eligibility
Assessing eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and other aid awards
Awards Management
Send award notifications and make awards adjustments based on additional resources
or due to enrollment status changes.
Advising
Advising on next step actions for application process, disbursement of aid, and other special circumstances via in-person, telephone, and email contacts.
Outreach
Participation in outreach activities: orientation, financial aid workshops, etc.
Financial Aid is available
We're here to help you through the process! Contact the Financial Aid office for more
information.
Contact KSU Financial Aid
Career Outlook
A Certificate in Cybersecurity from Kentucky State University offers a targeted foundation for those looking to enter or advance in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity. This focused program equips participants with essential, practical skills in areas like threat detection, network security, and digital forensics. Completing the certificate prepares you for immediate employment and opens doors to further specialization through professional certifications, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Unlocking Opportunities
Graduates are well-suited for roles across a wide range of industries where cybersecurity expertise is in high demand, including positions like:
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protecting digital assets, monitoring systems for potential threats, and ensuring
security compliance in industries like finance, healthcare, and government.
- Network Security Specialist: Securing networks by implementing and managing defenses against unauthorized access and potential attacks.
- Digital Forensic Analyst: Investigating cybercrimes by analyzing digital evidence to support legal cases.
- IT Consultant: Advising organizations on how to bolster their cybersecurity strategies and mitigate risk.
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Salary and Job Growth Expectations
Salary Expectations
A cybersecurity certificate can open doors to a wide range of high-demand jobs within the tech industry, as organizations face a steady rise in cyber threats. Entry-level roles such as cybersecurity analysts, who work to detect and mitigate security risks, typically start with average salaries of around $60,000–$90,000 annually. As professionals advance with experience and potentially additional certifications, positions like cybersecurity engineers can see salaries between $102,000 and $150,000 on average, depending on the role and region.
Job Growth Expectations
The field is experiencing robust job growth; information security analysts are projected to grow by 32% from 2018 to 2028, a rate much faster than average. States like Virginia, California, and Texas also have particularly high demand, with Virginia boasting some of the highest-paid cybersecurity roles and job vacancies. With its versatility and growth potential, a cybersecurity certificate can lead to a stable and rewarding career in one of the most essential sectors of the digital age.
Admissions
Students who meet the criteria of unweighted high school grade point average of 2.5-4.00 on a 4.00 scale will be granted Standard Admission.
Kentucky State University’s Excel Program is designed to provide First-time Freshman students with an opportunity to attend and matriculate through a four year institution despite not meeting traditional admissions requirements.
Excel Students are afforded the opportunity to earn both their Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees by successfully completing 60 hours (two years) and receiving their Associate’s Degree and continuing to complete their remaining 60 hours (two years) and receive their Bachelor’s degree. Click here for more information.
Admission Process
1
Complete Application
2
Submit Transcripts
3
Discover Funding
4
Enroll in Classes
Major Courses and Requirements
Core Courses:
- Introduction to Information Security & Assurance - Credit Hours: 3
Three (3) other courses may be selected from the following four (4) courses:
- COS 334: Cyber Forensics - Credit Hours: 4
- COS 332: Management of Information Security & Assurance - Credit Hours: 3
- COS 435: Advanced Topics in Cyber Security - Credit Hours: 3
- COS 484: Introduction to Network Security - Credit Hours: 3