Students who have not taken a foundational computer networking course and/or lack previous experience in the networking technology field may be required to take CYBR 590 Network Technology and Infrastructure (3 cr.) as part of their program. These credits do not apply to the Cybersecurity M.S. program nor to the certificate.

Prerequisite Course

Students who have not taken a foundational computer networking course and/or lack previous experience in the networking technology field may be required to take CYBR 590 Computer Networking (3 cr.) as part of their program.

This course provides an overview and foundational understanding of concepts essential to the cybersecurity professional to evaluate best practices in implementing security systems within the enterprise. This course covers key bodies of knowledge in security, privacy, and compliance. Topics include security planning, risk management, security technologies, basic cryptography, digital forensics, application security, intrusion detection and prevention, physical security, and privacy issues.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Apply the principles of information technology security
• Analyze situations of computer and network usage from a security perspective to develop a security mindset
• Explain information security’s importance in our increasingly computer-driven world
• Identify appropriate strategies to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information
• Express management’s role in the development, maintenance, and enforcement of an information security program
• Describe the relationship among laws, regulations, and professional issues in information security
• Articulate how cryptography serves as the central language of information security
• Analyze how physical security fits within an information security program
• Define the roles of computer forensics in information security
• Apply basic software tools for assessing the security posture of a business
• Explain how issues of privacy relate to business information security

This course introduces the domains of cloud security in both theoretical and practical applications. Students are presented with a structured approach to cloud architecture and design requirements along with applications involved in developing layered cloud security strategies. Students evaluate the data organization, data security, cloud applications, operations, and compliance used in deploying cloud-based security architecture that supports the objectives of the enterprise.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Create a plan for an organization’s strategic security objectives
• Apply architectural frameworks and design principles
• Identify methods, roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities of personnel governing compliance of security policies
• Evaluate data security strategies and data classification controls
• Differentiate cloud-based security models

Prerequisite(s): CYBR590 Network Technology and Infrastructure

This course provides a comprehensive overview of network security and intrusion detection. Students focus on methods for securing networks, and utilize these methods in basic architectural design. Students apply these methods into a cohesive network security strategy. Topics include investigation of areas such as data analysis and interpretation, threat/intrusion detection, vulnerability management, incident response and security architecture. The course also prepares students for the CompTIA CySA+ Certification Exam.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Implement security operations and monitoring design principles in network architectures
• Integrate software and systems security components through knowledge of hardware, transmission media, cryptography, network access, honeypot, endpoint security, and content-distribution networks
• Implement secure communication channels according to design that involve voice, multimedia collaboration, remote access, data communications, and virtualized networks
• Specify incident response and forensic procedures to recover from attacks on network systems
• Conduct logging and monitoring activities to support intrusion detection and prevention, and event management
• Identify threats and vulnerabilities in networked systems
• Understand compliance and assessment practices

The course focuses on core programming concepts such as classes and objects, controlling flow, batch processing, and error handling while working in data processing, analysis, and visualization. The course explores a variety of Python packages and integration for project development. Using Python to automate workflows and create custom visualizations is discussed, and students can explore tabular data, spatial data, and/or cybersecurity applications of Python.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Develop custom visualizations that communicate data and results of an analysis
• Respond to specific scripting requirements to address analytical problems and improve workflows
• Apply the concepts and logic of object-oriented programming

This course includes a study of theoretical and practical aspects of network and web application penetration testing. Students are able to evaluate the security of a network or system’s infrastructure and outline how hackers find and attempt to exploit any vulnerabilities. Included in the course are in-depth details on ethical hacking, including reconnaissance, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, maintaining access, and covering tracks. Current tools and methodologies are stressed.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Explain the regulatory/legal requirements and rationale for penetration testing
• Interpret and differentiate cyber threats and exploits in a penetration testing context
• Distinguish key phases of ethical hacking: reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering the tracks
• Perform protocol analysis using packet captures and analyze data using a network sniffer
• Investigate and uncover network devices, operating systems, and services
• Discover network security issues using an intrusion detection tool
• Leverage penetration testing applications to recognize information targets across operating systems and services
• Implement scripts and tools to assist in penetration testing
• Deploy and test exploits targeting operating systems and services
• Identify and exploit various vulnerabilities in web applications

General:

• An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• A minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
• If your overall GPA is below 2.75, you may receive conditional status in the program at the discretion of the program director

Students who have not taken a foundational computer networking course and/or lack previous experience in the networking technology field may be required to take CYBR 590 Computer Networking (3 cr.) as part of their program.

You don’t need GRE/GMAT scores to apply for this program.

Transfer credits are not accepted for this program.

Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 72
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
• Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a minimum score of 74%
• International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0 or Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
• Duolingo with a minimum score of 100

Whether you apply through our online application via hard copy, or in-person with a Saint Mary’s admissions counselor, your application must include the following items:

Official transcripts: An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits must be sent separately and directly from your institution. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota accepts official transcripts electronically from previously attended institutions. Transcripts should be sent to oladmissions@smumn.edu or mailed to:

Transcript Processing Center
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
851 Trafalgar Court, Suite 420
Maitland, FL 32751

An up-to-date résumé: Include both your educational and professional experience.

Two references: Provide the names of two people (including title, organization, email, and phone number) who can serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you professionally, such as current or former supervisors.

A written statement: Your background and future goals impact your success with Saint Mary’s and inform your education. As you prepare your written statement, think about including previous experiences, education, and your strengths and interests. Share your motivations for earning the online cybersecurity technology certification and how it will contribute to your career.

Upcoming application deadlines for Saint Mary’s online Cybersecurity Technology Graduate Certificate:

• Spring I: Dec. 20, 2024
• Spring II: Feb. 17, 2025
• Summer I: April 21, 2025
• Summer II: June 16, 2025
• Fall I:  August 19, 2025
• Fall II: October 13, 2025

Once you’ve submitted your application, expect to be notified about acceptance approximately two weeks after your submission date.