Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security
Graduate Certificate
Online
Course Delivery
15
Total Credits
$867
Credit Hour
1 year
Minimum Duration
Program Overview
The Certificate in Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security provides an introduction to cybercrime and digital forensic investigation. Students gain the foundational knowledge regarding law enforcement practice and industry responses to cybercrime and cybersecurity. The program is built for those with or without a technical background. Graduates will be able to detect various cybercrimes that occur and utilize forensic techniques to properly seize and analyze digital evidence from devices like computers, smartphones and tablets.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of social and legal concepts of cybercrime and cyberterrorism and the public and private sector organizations responsible for prevention and interventions in cybercrime and cyberterrorism.
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of architecture of computer systems and networks, basic principles of cybersecurity, and application of cybersecurity strategies.
- Conduct appropriate digital forensics techniques and procedures within legal and ethical parameters to produce complete and reliable digital evidence for criminal and civil courts.
Career Outlook
Graduates can pursue careers in digital forensics, law enforcement, cybersecurity or intelligence analysis, whether in the government or the private sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupations related to computers and information technology are growing faster than any other group.
A Top-Ranked Education
- #3 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 32nd among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report
- A Top 100 Global University — Times Higher Education and U.S. News & World Report
Dr. Thomas Holt
Professor and Director of Graduate Online Programs
Thomas J. Holt is a Professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. His research focuses on computer hacking, malware, and the role of the Internet in facilitating all manner of crime and deviance.
Course Information
Core
CJ 872 — Open Source Information (3 credits)CJ 874 — Cybercrime, Deviance and Virtual Society (3 credits)
CJ 875 — Digital Forensic Investigations (3 credits)
CJ 876 — Data Systems/Infrastructure (3 credits)
CJ 877 — Cyber Terror and Cyber Warfare (3 credits)
Admissions Requirements
To be accepted into this program, you must have:
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Resume (encouraged, but not required)
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
- International students should submit scores form the TOEFL 80: no sub-scores under 19 for Reading, Listening and Speaking; no sub-score below 22 for Writing**
To apply to this program:
- Complete a university graduate application
- In lieu of the TOEFL, we accept IELTS scores with a minimum average score of 6.5 and no sub-score below 6.0.
Key Dates
Fall
Application Deadline
June 15th
Spring
Application Deadline
October 30th
Summer
Application Deadline
March 30th
Tuition & Fees per credit
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Additional Fees |
| $867 | $1,111 | $20 Service fees per semester |
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible.
Program Overview
The Certificate in Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security provides an introduction to cybercrime and digital forensic investigation. Students gain the foundational knowledge regarding law enforcement practice and industry responses to cybercrime and cybersecurity. The program is built for those with or without a technical background. Graduates will be able to detect various cybercrimes that occur and utilize forensic techniques to properly seize and analyze digital evidence from devices like computers, smartphones and tablets.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of social and legal concepts of cybercrime and cyberterrorism and the public and private sector organizations responsible for prevention and interventions in cybercrime and cyberterrorism.
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of architecture of computer systems and networks, basic principles of cybersecurity, and application of cybersecurity strategies.
- Conduct appropriate digital forensics techniques and procedures within legal and ethical parameters to produce complete and reliable digital evidence for criminal and civil courts.
Career Outlook
Graduates can pursue careers in digital forensics, law enforcement, cybersecurity or intelligence analysis, whether in the government or the private sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupations related to computers and information technology are growing faster than any other group.
A Top-Ranked Education
- #3 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 32nd among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report
- A Top 100 Global University — Times Higher Education and U.S. News & World Report
Dr. Thomas Holt
Professor and Director of Graduate Online Programs
Thomas J. Holt is a Professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. His research focuses on computer hacking, malware, and the role of the Internet in facilitating all manner of crime and deviance.
Course Information
Core
CJ 872 — Open Source Information (3 credits)CJ 874 — Cybercrime, Deviance and Virtual Society (3 credits)
CJ 875 — Digital Forensic Investigations (3 credits)
CJ 876 — Data Systems/Infrastructure (3 credits)
CJ 877 — Cyber Terror and Cyber Warfare (3 credits)
Admissions Requirements
To be accepted into this program, you must have:
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Resume (encouraged, but not required)
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
- International students should submit scores form the TOEFL 80: no sub-scores under 19 for Reading, Listening and Speaking; no sub-score below 22 for Writing**
To apply to this program:
- Complete a university graduate application
- In lieu of the TOEFL, we accept IELTS scores with a minimum average score of 6.5 and no sub-score below 6.0.
Key Dates
Fall
Application Deadline
June 15th
Spring
Application Deadline
October 30th
Summer
Application Deadline
March 30th
Tuition & Fees per credit
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Additional Fees |
| $867 | $1,111 | $20 Service fees per semester |
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible.
The MSU Value Promise
You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.
MSU has been offering online degree programs for over 20 years. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.
MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.
MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.
Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.