About Our Cyber Security Certificates
Built and taught by practitioners who understand what organizations want and need in cyber security professionals, our cyber security certificates offer students a level of real-world readiness you won’t find anywhere else.
Specialized Cyber Security Training
Meet cyber threats head-on with a cyber security certificate designed for your career. Made possible by the generous support of a community donor, San Diego State University’s Cyber Tech Academy offers agile cyber security training through a suite of 14-week certificates focused on the most pressing topics in the industry. As a Cyber Tech Academy student, your self-directed certificate will empower you to think strategically to solve the leading threats, understand emerging technologies and add value to any organization as a proficient cyber or information security professional.
Certificates
Gain Real-World Skills From World of Haiku
Want to experience hands-on cyber security training while gaming? Cyber Tech Academy certificate students are eligible to receive a free license to play World of Haiku,* an interactive, one-of-a-kind online game that teaches critical cyber security and ethical hacking skills. Gain resume-building skills that show potential employers your progress in this area. Regardless of your know-how, you’ll expand your knowledge and skills with fundamental cyber security tools necessary for today’s rapidly growing cyber industry.
Learn More About World of Haiku*World of Haiku is a third-party service provider not affiliated with SDSU. Opting into using the service means you consent to their Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Certificates on Your Schedule
Designed for working professionals, the Cyber Tech Academy certificates offer you the option to complete industry-specific cyber security training at a pace that fits your lifestyle. Classroom takeaways can be applied to your career in real-time, and the 100% online format of certificates means you can earn your certificate from wherever you are in the world.
Is a Certificate or Master’s Degree Right for You?
| Comparison Category | Master of Science in Cyber Security | Cyber Security Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Affordability | Average cost to complete a master’s in cyber security is between $17,000 and $70,000** | Cyber Tech Academy certificate tuition totals $4,500 |
| Admission Requirements | May require a bachelor’s degree, GRE/GMAT test scores, letters of recommendation and/or prerequisite coursework | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience recommended* |
| Time Commitment | Takes an average of two years to complete** | Can be completed in as few as 14 weeks; must be completed within one year of registration |
| Specialization | Ideal for cyber security generalists who do not need specialized training | Best for cyber security professionals who want to specialize and study current trends and technologies in the field |
*Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required for Ethical Hacking certificate students.
Program Leadership and Instructors
One of the first cyber security programs built exclusively by seasoned practitioners, the San Diego State University Cyber Tech Academy offers you the chance to engage with and learn from faculty who have worked in the field for decades. Certificate instructors frame course principles in the context of their own experience and will serve as your industry mentors.
Winnie L. Callahan, Ed.D.
A nationally renowned practitioner and contributor to the cyber security community, Winnie Callahan joined San Diego State University in 2019 to lead a major new cyber security and emerging technology initiative focused on education, training and applied research. Dr. Callahan translates her decades of experience in consulting, business and critical infrastructure security into practice-based cyber education that prepares students for the future of cyber security.
John Callahan
An established commercial and governmental cyber security expert, John Callahan serves as co-director of the San Diego State University Cyber Tech Academy with the goal of providing applied and immersive training experiences to global student populations in the areas of cyber security and emerging technology. Within the Academy, Callahan oversees curriculum development, online pedagogy, research programs and strategic initiatives.
Eric Nielsen, CISSP, C|CISO, CCSP, HCISPP, CAP, CRISC, Security+, CISA, CEBA, CBSE
An experienced information security professional and instructor with a track record of subject mastery and team leadership, Eric Nielsen serves as a resident expert in information security incident response.
Eric Frost
Director of the Visualization Center and Co-Director of the Graduate Program in Cyber Security at San Diego State University, Eric Frost pairs advanced technical competencies with practical applications.