What You'll Learn
- Build an understanding of data network device and communications technology, architecture, and management.
- Develop knowledge of technical and organizational information security risks and communication tactics to mitigate these risks for both traditional and cloud-based environments.
- Learn to develop and articulate effective enterprise information security policies that address internal and external national and international threats.
- Gain insight into the strategies and protocols needed to secure and monitor computer networks in global organizations.
Our Community at a Glance
Going back to school doesn’t have to mean putting your life on hold.
We’ve designed our certificates to give you the flexibility to pace your studies to fit your schedule.
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37
Average Age
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86%
Working Full Time
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14%
Students Outside the U.S.
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1.5 years
Average Time to Complete
Certificate Courses
The Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate requires four courses:
- 2 core courses
- 2 certificate electives
You can browse available courses by term — fall, spring, or summer — in the certificate course search within the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Prerequisites
To be successful in this certificate, students should be comfortable with technology and technical terms as well as reading and writing technical documents. Additionally, students should have the ability to think logically and be able to analyze complex problems to determine their constituent parts.
Earning Your Certificate
Most of our certificates can be completed online and no formal application process is required to pursue a certificate.
To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete the courses within three years.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
Stack Your Certificate Into a Degree
Stackable credential pathways allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements. In the short term, you can earn your cybersecurity certificate. Once completed, those four courses may count toward either a master’s degree in systems engineering or a master’s degree in cybersecurity.
This stackable pathway offers an efficient, cost-effective way to earn short-term credentials to help fill immediate skill gaps and acquire specialized knowledge while building a foundation for long-term success that showcases your expertise in the field.
Learn how to plan a stackable credential pathway.
My courses at Harvard instilled in me the confidence to differentiate myself — and they undeniably did; I found myself working in the cybersecurity field even before completing my certificate!
Cost
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2024–25 rate) | $3,340 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $13,360 |
FAQs
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the protection of computer systems and networks from cyber attacks. Technology is a ubiquitous part of our world and keeping hardware, software, and data safe is key to ensuring that organizations run smoothly.
Why Start a Career in Cybersecurity?
Technology continues to expand, from smart devices, complex information systems, and wireless networks.
Nearly every industry needs cybersecurity professionals and the accompanying skills are in high demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook in the cybersecurity field from 2022-2032 is 32% — much faster than average compared to other fields.
Which Cybersecurity Skills Are Taught in the Harvard Cybersecurity Certificate Program?
A certification in cybersecurity can provide you with greater preparation, more career options, and better pay.
It will provide students with the knowledge and skills to plan, manage, and maintain the security of an organization’s computer infrastructure, networks, and applications.
The cybersecurity certificate program at Harvard Extension School offers courses such as:
- How to Assess and Communicate Risk in Information Security
- Cryptography and Identity Management for Cloud and Internet of Things (IoT) Application
- Software Applications: Security Lifecycle Threats
Certificates offer concentrated academic pathways — 3 to 5 courses to complete — for students looking to enhance a specific set of skills or fill a knowledge gap. Earning a certificate demonstrates to employers your proficiency in a topic, as well as your determination and discipline to succeed academically. You are awarded a certificate from Harvard Extension School upon completion.
What Careers Can I Pursue With a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity?
Some job opportunities for cybersecurity professionals include:
- Application Development Security
- Junior developer, software developer, information security engineer, security software developer, security specialist, network administrator
- Cloud Security
- Cloud security engineer, cloud security architect, cloud security analyst, cloud security consultant
- Incident Response
- Incident response engineer, cyber incident responder, computer security incident response team (CSIRT) engineer, computer network defense (CND) engineer
- Threat Intelligence
- Cyber threat intelligence analyst, penetration tester, cyber vulnerability analyst, ethical hacker, accurance validator, application security analyst
- Risk Management
- Cyber risk analyst, cyber risk manager, cyber security analyst, information security risk analyst
- Security Compliance
- Cybersecurity policy analyst, cybersecurity compliance lead, cybersecurity compliance manager, cybersecurity compliance analyst
