Cybersecurity Bridge Certificate Program
Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary field that applies the lenses of computer science, security management and criminal justice to secure, defend and investigate enterprise computing and information resources against internal and external threats. The core concepts of cybersecurity are obtained through coursework that includes mathematics, principles of cybersecurity, computer programming, computer architecture, and algorithms. This Cybersecurity Certificate provides in-depth learning opportunities to students pursuing non-computer science related majors to develop their cybersecurity knowledge,skills,and abilities. The certificate provides coverage of topics needed to succeed in cybersecurity-based jobs and graduate programs such as the MS in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity at John Jay College.
Learning Outcomes. Upon completion of the Cybersecurity Bridge Certificate, students will:
- Use computer programming to critically evaluate, visualize and organize data pertaining to a variety of complex real world and societal problems.
- Use and apply a variety of practical/hands-on/research approaches to efficiently secure and manage computer operating systems and investigate security problems.
- Communicate effectively by integrating theory, research,and policy in written reports and presentations.
- Analyze the complex relationship between hardware and software using practical and hands-on laboratory experience.
Matriculated students who complete this certificate program receive a Certificate in Cybersecurity (Bridge) from John Jay College, which has been registered with the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York and the New York State Department of Education upon successful completion of coursework and a practicum.
Rationale. The undergraduate Cybersecurity Bridge certificate prepares students with the foundational knowledge, skills and abilities needed to pursue advanced technical curriculum in cybersecurity and digital forensics. The certificate prepares students for graduate programs in computer science and cybersecurity related fields, specifically in the MS program in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity (D4CS) offered at John Jay. Currently the MS program in D4CS admits students with computer science and related bachelor’s degree majors. The program directors receive admission inquiries from John Jay and other students with Criminal Justice,Security Management and other undergraduate majors. These students are currently directed to the two-semester Graduate CSI Bridge Advanced Certificate, delaying their intake into the MS program by a year. This certificate program will allow students to develop the skills they need while they are still completing their undergraduate degrees,giving them the qualifications needed to directly apply to the MS immediate after graduating with their bachelor’s degree. Students can complete the certificate after graduating as well.
Credits required. 18-24
Format and offerings. Certificate courses are offered primarily in person or hybrid. This certificate can be completed in 4 semesters taking courses during the fall and spring semesters or less by using the summer session. See Sample Program of Study.
Program and minor coordinators. Professors Hunter Johnson (212.237.8846, hujohnson@jjay.cuny.edu) and Matluba Khodjaeva, (212.237.8087, mkhodjaeva@jjay.cuny.edu), Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Requirements. A maximum of two courses can overlap with a student’s major, other minors or programs.Students can use transfer courses for up to 50% of the certificate. Students may be able to substitute for or place out of the Foundational Courses if they have completed a higher-level calculus course. Applied Mathematics and Computer Science & Information Security majors cannot take this Cybersecurity Bridge Certificate due to the amount of course overlap between the programs. Students can continue to earn the Certificate in Cybersecurity after they have earned their bachelor’s degree.
Master’s Program Admissions. Students can earn this certificate with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Graduate programs including John Jay’s MS in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity typically require students to have an overall GPA of 3.0 and a certificate GPA of 3.0 to be admitted.
Part One. Foundational Courses
Required, depending on math placement or background.
Advisors note. Students accepted into the certificate program must take
MAT 105 in the first semester. Students should strive to achieve a B- or higher in
MAT 105. If a student has completed a higher-level calculus course, that can apply in lieu of
MAT 105 and/or
MAT 141. See the certificate coordinator.
Total Credit Hours: 0-6
Part Two. Required Courses
| CSCI 171 | Introduction to Python | 3 |
| CSCI 172 | Introduction to Data Analysis | 3 |
| CSCI 274 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CSCI 275 | Linux System Administration and Security | 3 |
CSCI 350
| Research Methods in Cybersecurity | 3 |
| SEC 107 | Introduction to Cybercrime: Theories and Applications | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 18
Total Credit Hours: 18-24