Complete CMIT-135 and CMIT-140
Upcoming Start Dates
Spring term A begins. Apply by Jan. 3.
Spring term B begins. Apply by Feb. 27.
Explore Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Develop cybersecurity fundamentals in networking, programming, and information security with Champlain's online cybersecurity certificate, and enter this in-demand field with a credential employers will respect.
This cybersecurity fundamentals certificate can be taken as a stand-alone program, or can be used as a stepping stone on the way to obtaining your online bachelor's in cybersecurity. This online cybersecurity certificate is made up of cybersecurity courses, covering topics including information security, cyber attacks, and risk management.
A Nationally Recognized Leader in Cybersecurity
Champlain is a nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity and digital forensics education and home of the Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Investigation & Cybersecurity. With a robust faculty of expert-practitioner cybersecurity professionals who have significant experience working for top organizations, and are sought-after thought leaders in the field, we specialize in building agile cybersecurity and digital forensics programs that the meet mission-critical needs of today's businesses, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal governments.
Champlain has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the U.S. National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security since 2006, and Champlain cybersecurity programs have been named best in the nation by SC Magazine. Champlain is also designated as a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3) Air Force Office of Special Investigations - the fifth college in the nation to receive this distinction.
Build Your Career Future
We understand how important it is for busy working adults to gain knowledge and expertise quickly, which is why our certificate in cybersecurity fundamentals coursework is applicable to the workplace from day one. Whether you've already earned an undergraduate degree or you're currently pursuing your bachelor's degree, an online cybersecurity certificate is a great way to earn a credential in the field, get your resume noticed, and demonstrate proficiency in a focused area of knowledge.
Program Curriculum
Learn more about Champlain's 100% online cybersecurity fundamentals undergraduate certificate, designed for working professionals from business to computer science.
This exciting course introduces students to the myriad software tools and best practices for handling digital evidence. Labs utilize Champlain College Online's Forensic VDI and challenge students to begin building their skills, from creating a hash value for a forensic copy with X-Ways Forensics and FTK Imager, to examining evidence with The Sleuth Kit (TSK), Autopsy and/or EnCase.
Prerequisites
This course provides students with an understanding of the many different devices and technologies, from historical to emerging, that are required to design and build networks. In a broad survey of concepts and terminology, students will learn about topology, communications, protocols, and security, and to diagram basic networks to specification.
From day one, students in this course are problem solving, first in terms of algorithmic design and then as early as week two via programming in the latest version of Python, using PyCharm. Students begin by writing a program to have a conversation, having strings and numbers as input, and advance, by week seven, to building a working password saver program, capable of looking up, adding (and encrypting), and storing passwords.
This course, through guided research and hands-on learning experiences, provides students with an understanding of operating systems, including their core fundamental principles and how they work. Students are introduced to the three most popular operating systems for personal computers (Windows, OSX and Linux), and mobile operating systems, and learn about standard functions such as memory, process/thread, input/output, storage and device management.
This course will introduce foundation subject matter and technologies that are critical to the multidisciplinary landscape of cybersecurity.
Prerequisites
Complete CMIT-130 and CMIT-135.
This introductory course to Wireless LANs focuses on the design, planning, implementation, operation, and troubleshooting of Wireless LANs. It covers a comprehensive overview of technologies, security, and design best practices with particular emphasis on hands-on skills.
Prerequisites
CMIT-130, CMIT-135
Additional Program Details
Graduates of the online cybersecurity fundamentals certificate program will demonstrate the following industry-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies:
- Identify essential network components and methods of communication, and diagram basic networks to specification.
- Develop and test basic Python applications.
- Discuss fundamental cybersecurity concepts, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Demonstrate the ability to use best practices in securing, processing, acquiring, examining, and reporting on digital evidence.
Students who have earned the CISSP Certification are eligible for transfer credits toward this certificate. Please speak to an admission representative or your academic advisor for details.
Champlain College Online's computer science faculty, led by Department Chair Richard Pickering, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s IT systems professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the world of information technology, and create a rich community of career-focused learning.
Tuition & Costs
Online Undergraduate Tuition Fall '23 - Summer '25
$335
per credit
$1,005*
per course
$290**
per credit for Champlain alumni or associate degree graduates from any college or university
$250
per credit for military service members (family members see truED tuition)
$150
One-time graduation fee
*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits
** Starts Summer 2024, not retroactive
See the undergraduate cost of attendance and fees here
Affordability and Paying For Your Education
We provide a number of options to make your online education affordable, including preferred tuition for alumni, associate degree graduates, community college graduates, and military.
Gain New Skills With A Certificate
Cybersecurity careers are expected to grow 33% between 2020 and 2030, significantly higher than the average growth for all fields.*
*Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2020
Top Reasons to Pursue a Certificate
- Enter a new field
- Build new skills
- Gain knowledge on your way toward a degree
- Differentiate your resume
- Earn a credential
Academic Excellence and Recognition
Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community
Ranked among the best by Tech Guide for game design and computer science
Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com
Meet the Program Director
Benjamin Luthy, MS, CISSP, CISM, CDPSE
Program Director, Cybersecurity and Information Security
Oversees
- Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Analytics
- Information Security
About
Benjamin Luthy has over 20 years of experience in delivering client-focused technical solutions to safeguard information systems and data in highly regulated environments. He holds multiple industry certifications reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and expertise in security and enterprise technologies. His research interests include information security, intelligence, and cloud computing and traditional infrastructure. As a recognized speaker at industry conferences, he has shared insights on strengthening cyber compliance and has been actively involved in competitive cybersecurity events, including winning the B-Sides Las Vegas Capture the Flag Competition on the 'Joes' team for his work in Windows Operating System Defense.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Ben is a professional musician, enjoys the outdoors, and spending quality time with his family.
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