Study life's complexity
In concert with the mission of the University, Computer Science faculty members foster the professional development of students through academic excellence and provides educational opportunities for students to be competitive in a technological society.
- Opportunities exist for research experience, both on campus and through summer internships.
- All students benefit from small-class settings and one-on-one mentoring from professors.
Cybersecurity Course Descriptions
-
The Cybersecurity Certificate Program is designed to prepare students for careers in cyber-related fields. To complete the program, students must earn a total of 13 credit hours, which include three required courses and one elective course.
Required Courses (10 credits):
- CPS 1191: Computer Programming I (4 credits)
- CPS 2300: Cyber Security I (3 credits)
- CPS 3316: Computer Networks (3 credits)
Elective Course (3 credits – choose one):
- CPS 2215: Internet Web Essentials (3 credits)
- CPS 3300: Cyber Security II (3 credits)
- CPS 3320: Database Systems (3 credits)
- CRJ 2210: Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 credits)
The online Cybersecurity Certificate program, offered by the John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences at Central State University, is your gateway to develop the essential skills needed to be a strategic data defender capable of protecting an organization from highly disruptive cyberattacks. Central State's online Cybersecurity Certificate program offers you stackable credentials to go on to pursue higher-level degrees and certifications.
-
Digital forensic analysts
-
IT security managers
-
Network systems administrators
-
Software developers
![]()
A certificate in cybersecurity is an option for anyone who currently works in the tech field and wants to expand their knowledge in the cybersecurity niche.
Arunasalam Rahunanthan, Ph.D.Interim Dean and Professor of Mathematics, JWGCESTA
Experiences and opportunities
Learning doesn’t stop when class ends. Opportunities to increase your knowledge and expand your network include hands-on research for all students and top speakers from the field.
-
Courses within our curriculum may also help you prepare to pursue industry-relevant cybersecurity certifications, such as:
- CompTIA A+ — A certification gained after passing two exams designed by IT professionals. This certification focuses on troubleshooting, hardware, operating systems and networks.
- CompTIA Cloud+ — A globally recognized certification that confirms an individual’s ability to troubleshoot, set up and manage cloud computing systems in a secure fashion.
- CompTIA LINUX+ — A certification designed for professionals that use the Linux operating system to manage networks and devices. This is particularly useful for carefully managing each aspect of a system or network.
-
Students must have obtained a high school GPA of 3.25 or higher and a passing grade in a college-level mathematics course, such as College Algebra or above, or 3.0 cumulative college-level GPA from an accredited institution.
-
Our commitment to educational affordability is one of the many ways we strive to help you pursue your Cybersecurity Certificate. Central State also offers 100% textbook-free using Open Educational Resources for this program. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. We will put you in touch with a financial aid advisor who can answer your questions.