Build a foundation in network operating systems and security to protect your company from cybercrime.
Modality
Network Security Certificate Program Overview
The Network Security certificate is a cyber program that provides you with a solid foundational knowledge of network operating systems, network security, digital forensics and incident response methods.
This program can be completed as a pre-baccalaureate certificate or a post-baccalaureate certificate. Based at our Boston location, courses are taught in a hybrid format through a combination of on-campus and online (async) classes or a combination of online and scheduled remote (Zoom) classes.
Additionally, 100% of your Network Security certificate credits can be applied toward the Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity at Cambridge College.
Network Security Certificate Program Highlights
Cambridge College's Network Security certificate equips you with the core abilities employers from far-ranging industry verticals are actively seeking. Certificates are designed for students at any stage of their career — from recent high school graduates to seasoned professionals.
You'll be taught by faculty with strong field experience who share your passion for combatting cyber crimes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Network Security certificate, you'll learn:
- How to analyze network communication protocols, network analysis tools and hacking methodologies
- Basic server configuration methods, including stand-alone and virtualized environments and support of WAN and LAN networks
- Installation and use of firewalls, data encryption, anti-virus software and intrusion detection
- How to analyze and evaluate network security threats and vulnerabilities
- Knowledge of common attack tools (Immunity CANVAS, Burp, SET, Metasploit, Nmap, Nessus) and defensive tools (Snort Intrusion Detection System (IDS)/Intrusion Prevention System(IPS), tcpdump, Wireshark, Security Onion IDS Linux Distribution)
- Forensic tools and techniques for attack reconstruction
Network Security Certificate Tuition Information
*See curriculum sheet for a breakdown of credits and credit ranges.
Course List
This certificate features courses such as:
- Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
- EndPoint and Infrastructure Security
- Machine Learning for Network Intrusion Detection
- Choose your program of study. Browse our Program Finder to find your program.
- Complete and sign the online application.
- Pay the $50 application fee ($100 for international students) by the term start date.
- Send official transcripts directly to Cambridge College in a sealed, unopened envelope. Learn How to Send Transcripts
- Fulfill any additional program-specific admissions requirements.
- Ensure you have internet access, and a fully functional laptop or desktop computer that can play audio and video and access Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint).
Note: Your admission file must be complete and accepted before your financial aid may be awarded, before your transfer credit may be evaluated, and before you may register for classes.
Cambridge College undergraduate admission also requires at least one of the following:
- Original high school transcript showing graduation or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) or HiSET certificate
- Or an affidavit confirming high school program completion in a state-approved homeschool setting.
- Or, if not required by state law, proof of high school education in a homeschool setting meeting state attendance exemptions
- Or enrollment in an eligible career pathway program
- Or proof of passing scores on an approved ability-to-benefit test (such as the Accuplacer Test administered by Cambridge College)
- Or nine credit hours of Cambridge College course work, applicable toward an undergraduate degree or certificate, completed with grades of B or better. (Non-matriculated students may not receive aid while earning credits.)
- Or 24 or more credits earned from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university. Note: Official college transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit. Courses not included in an earned associate degree must be earned at a grade of C or better to be eligible for transfer.
Careers in Network Security
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Boston is among the top-paying metropolitan areas for network and computer systems administrators. It also has among the highest levels of employment for these workers.
The annual mean salary for network and computer systems administrators in Boston is $108,920. Nationally, individuals in these roles earn an average salary of $97,160.*
$108,920
Annual mean salary for network and computer systems administrators in Boston*
$97,160
Annual mean salary for network and computer systems administrators in the U.S.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 15-1244 Network and Computer Systems Administrators, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151244.htm (visited December 28, 2023).
Network Security Jobs
Graduates of the Cambridge College Network Security certificate program will be prepared for employment in a variety of industries including:
- Business
- Education
- Health care
- Government
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
- Retail
Employment opportunities for graduates of this cyber program include but are not limited to:
- Computer network defense analyst
- Computer network defense infrastructure support
- Computer network support specialist
- Network administrator
- Penetration tester
- Red team technician
- Systems administrator