The Network Security Certificate (NSC) provides essential education and training in information assurance and security for students and professionals with a background in network or systems administration. Covering both foundational concepts and the latest security developments, the program prepares you to protect critical information systems. It complements vendor certifications and aligns with industry standards like CISSP and Security+, giving you the skills needed to succeed in information assurance and network security careers.
Secure the future of information systems
At a glance
Format
On-campus
Start dates
Fall, Spring, or Summer
6courses
20credits
What you'll learn
This 20-credit certificate program builds your skills in programming, data structures, and operating systems, with a focus on security. You’ll choose courses in areas like network security, computer security, and security engineering to gain practical knowledge. Together, these classes prepare you for a career in information assurance and network security.
Get a head start on your bachelor's degree
By completing your undergraduate certificate, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, you’ll also lay the groundwork for a bachelor’s of science degree. Transfer your certificate into a Luddy Indianapolis bachelor’s degree.
Certificate requirements
You’ll take six courses to earn your 20 credit hour certificate.
Operating systems (3 cr.)
- CSCI-C 435 Operating Systems
Programming (8 cr.)
Select one two-course sequence:
- CSCI-C 155 Problem Solving and Programming I (4 cr.) and CSCI-C 255 Problem Solving and Programming II (4 cr.)
Online: fall, spring - CSCI-C 200 Introduction to Computers and Programming (4 cr.) and CSCI-C 212 Introduction to Software Systems (4 cr.)
Online, on-campus: fall, spring - CSCI-A 204 Introduction to Programming (4 cr.) and CSCI-A 205 Computer Programming (4 cr.)
Online: fall, spring, summer
Data structures (3 cr.)
Select one:
- CSCI-C 310 Data Structures – Python (3 cr.; online, on-campus: fall, spring, summer) OR
- CSCI-C 343 Data Structures – Java (3 cr.; online, on-campus: fall, spring, summer)
Select two:
- CSCI-B 430 Security for Networked Systems (3 cr., on-campus)
- CSCI-C 437 Computer Security (3 cr., on-campus: spring)
- CSCI-B 438 Fundamentals of Computer Networks (3 cr., on-campus: fall)
- CSCI-B 470 Wireless and Mobile Security (3 cr., on-campus: spring)
- CSCI-B 477 Security Engineering (3 cr., on-campus: fall)
A C- or higher is required for all courses. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
This plan of study is subject to revision.
Getting started
You can earn this as a stand-alone certificate, or as part of an undergraduate degree. To get started, you’ll need to be admitted to IU Indianapolis as an undergraduate student.
Current students
Contact your advisor to add this certificate to your major.
New students
You will need to apply to IU Indianapolis as an undergraduate student.