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Computer Security And Privacy Online Certificate
Drexel University is Regionally Accredited
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Security & Privacy
***The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Security and Privacy program will not be accepting new students for the Academic Year 2025-2026. More information to follow.***
Drexel University’s virtual graduate certificate is an industry-focused program designed to give you deep technical knowledge in computer systems security and privacy. The curriculum combines foundational courses with electives in areas like operating systems, computer networks, and cryptography to offer you a well-rounded look at the field. You’ll be able to immediately apply what you learn in class to an industry setting. And, with an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally in 2021, you’ll be prepared to meet the growing demand for computer systems security professionals.
Program Features
- 100% online
- 15 credits (5 courses)
- Learn from respected faculty in Drexel’s College of Computing and Informatics
- The program may be stacked with other graduate certificates to customize your master's degree, and/or serve as an entry point to the MS in Computer Science or MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Related Programs
Drexel University’s online Graduate Certificate in Computer Security & Privacy may be stacked with other certificates to customize your education and/or earn credits toward a master's degree.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
| Required Courses | ||
| CS 590 | Privacy | 3.0 |
| CS 645 | Network Security | 3.0 |
| SE 578 | Security Engineering | 3.0 |
| Elective Course (choose 1) | 3.0 | |
|
CS 523
|
Cryptography | |
|
CS 543
|
Operating Systems | |
|
CS 544
|
Computer Networks | |
|
CS 613
|
Machine Learning | |
|
Consult departmental advisor for additional electives
|
||
| Total Credits | 12.0 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A four-year bachelor's or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM degree, plus work experience equal to Drexel's Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Foundations
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher, in a completed degree program, bachelor’s degree or above
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
- One letter of recommendation required, two suggested (academic, professional, or both)
- Essay/Statement of Purpose
- In approximately 500 words, describe what professional goals you hope to achieve, how an advanced degree facilitates that success, and anything else you want the Admissions Review Board to know about you.
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2026-2027 is $1400 per credit.
For the academic year 2026-2027, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2026-2027 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2026
September 22, 2026
December 5, 2026
December 7, 2026
December 12, 2026
Winter 2027
January 4, 2027
March 13, 2027
March 15, 2027
March 20, 2027
Spring 2027
March 29, 2027
June 5, 2027
June 7, 2027
June 12, 2027
Summer 2027
June 21, 2027
August 7, 2027
August 9, 2027
August 14, 2027
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