Cybersecurity Certificate

The Cybersecurity Certificate prepares students to safeguard information system assets by identifying and solving potential and actual security problems.

Quick Facts

Overview

Students in the Cybersecurity Certificate program learn through hands-on, project-based learning, and gain skills in protecting systems with redundancies and access protocols, specialized software, and security auditing to identify abnormalities and security vulnerabilities.

Delivery Method: Hybrid

Important Links

Cybersecurity Course Outlines and Descriptions

Free College Tuition - North Star Promise Scholarship

Time to Complete

The Cybersecurity Certificate program can be completed in three semesters. Transferring credits into NHCC may result in the program taking less time. Taking classes on a part-time basis will require additional semesters.

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Costs

Tuition & Fees:
$218.48 per credit (27 credits)
$228.10 per fully online credit

Tuition Details

What You Will Learn

• Designing and maintaining systems to protect against vulnerabilities.

• Safeguard information system assets by identifying and solving potential and actual security problems.

• Examine and apply cryptographic algorithms.

• Design network architecture focusing on security and performance.

• Identify network threats through protocol and device analysis and the impacts on the security of the enterprise.

After NHCC

After completing NHCC's Cybersecurity Certificate, students are prepared to join a fast-growing career field in an entry-level cyber security position.

Students who complete the program will be better prepared for undertaking studies toward additional cyber security certifications, such as Security+ and CISSP, which are likely to increase career opportunities.

Cybersecurity Program Update

NHCC's Cybersecurity Certificate program will start spring semester 2026 (January 12).
The program will be added to the online application 12/31/25.
New students:
- Apply to NHCC before 12/31/25.
- Leave the major field blank on the application.
- Work with your academic advisor to register for cybersecurity courses and declare cybersecurity as your major.
Current students:
- Work with your academic advisor to register for cybersecurity courses.

Cyber Security Career Outlook

The Cybersecurity Certificate at NHCC prepares graduates for entry-level careers in computer network and information security. The field of cyber security is growing rapidly, and with additional industry certifications or a bachelor's degree, graduates can increase their career opportunities.

Job Title Example: Information Security Analyst - typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, like computer science, or additional industry certifications and professional experience.

National Projected Job Growth Rate: 32% (2022-2032)

Median Hourly Wage in Minnesota: $61.61

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Who is this program a good fit for?

Whether you’re exploring a new tech career, strengthening your technical skills, or adding cyber security knowledge to your current job, this program is a great fit for anyone interested in cyber security, IT, or computer science.

Can I work in the cybersecurity field with just a certificate?

Yes. Many entry-level cyber security and IT roles value practical skills, hands-on experience, and relevant coursework. A certificate can help you qualify for roles like help desk support, security operations assistant, or network support technician, especially when combined with motivation and a willingness to learn.

Are the courses all online?

Not all courses are offered online every semester, but some online sections may be available depending on demand. Students can typically choose a mix of on-campus and online courses.

Do I need prior IT experience to enroll?

No. You can start the program with little or no IT background. As long as you meet course prerequisites, the program will help you build foundational skills and grow toward more advanced cyber and IT concepts.

What jobs does this certificate prepare me for?

This certificate prepares you for a range of entry-level roles, including:

IT support specialist
Help desk technician
Network or systems support technician
Junior cybersecurity analyst
Security operations assistant
Computer or database support roles

When paired with professional IT experience or a related degree, the cybersecurity certificate can prepare you for more advanced information security positions.

NHCC's tuition is among the most affordable in Minnesota.

Graph showing the costs of various colleges with NHCC as the lowest cost

Financial Aid

Scholarships are money you don't have to repay
Grants are money you don't have to repay

Free College Tuition

The North Star Promise scholarship program provides free college tuition to eligible students. Find out if you might be eligible.

Cybersecurity Curriculum

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Curriculum

Print Curriculum

Program Courses
Course Code	Title	Credits
CSCI 1050	Computer Security Basics AND	3
CSCI 1130	Introduction to Programming in Java (CS0) AND	4
(Prerequisite: MATH 1150, College Algebra)
CSCI 1180	Introduction to Linux Operating System AND	4
CSCI 2001	Object Oriented Programming (CS1) AND	4
CSCI 2002	Data Structures and Algorithms (CS2) AND	4
CSCI 2040	Introduction to Networking Protocols and Analysis AND	4
CSCI 2101	Foundations of Cryptography	4

Program Overview

The cybersecurity certificate prepares students to safeguard information system assets by identifying and solving potential and actual security problems. Topics include protecting systems with redundancies and access protocols, specialized software, and security auditing to identify abnormalities and security vulnerabilities.

Program Outcomes

Designing and maintaining systems to protect against vulnerabilities. (ELOs 1, 2a, 4a, 4c) Designing and maintaining robust systems to prevent unauthorized access. (ELO 4a) Interpret vulnerability reporting system results. (ELOs 1, 2a, 4a, 4c) Safeguard information system assets by identifying and solving potential and actual security problems. (ELOs 2a, 4a) Implement best practices of data governance to protect sensitive data. (ELO 4a) Examine and apply cryptographic algorithms. (ELOs 1, 2a, 2b, 2d) Design network architecture focusing on security and performance. (ELOs 2a, 4a, 4d) Identify network threats through protocol and device analysis and the impacts on the security of the enterprise. (ELOs 2a, 4a, 4d) The Learner Outcomes in individual courses that are part of this program are aligned with the curriculum requirements for National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NSA-CAE-CD) designation.

Career Opportunities

Information on careers, including salary and employment outlook data, is available at Minnesota State and the Bureau of Labor Statistics websites: and .

Transfer Information

If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information

Degree Information

Certificates may be earned for successful completion of courses in a specialized program of study with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (C). A certificate shall include 9 to 31 semester credits. At least one-third of the total credits required for each certificate must be completed at ��.

Developmental Courses Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.

Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information �� is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 7634930555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 18006273529.

Accreditation

�� is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60602-2504 1-800-621-7440