If you’re thinking about a career in information security, your timing couldn’t be better.
In 2021, U.S. entities reported an all-time high of more than 1,800 data breaches, according to the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center. And in 2022, cyberattacks and customer-data compromises, such as phishing, supply-chain attacks and ransomware, impacted at least 422 million people.
More than ever, businesses require another line of defense to protect sensitive data. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that job openings for information security analysts will grow nationally by 11% from 2021 to 2031, and by even more — a whopping 35% — in Washington state.
Ready to learn how to stop hackers in their tracks? UW Professional & Continuing Education has a variety of programs to prepare you for critical roles in cybersecurity.
Certificate in Cybersecurity
Prepare yourself to become a security analyst by learning how to protect all aspects of your company’s IT operations from security threats and cyberattack. Get hands-on technical experience in planning, building and managing secure environments while learning how to defend against attacks and build contingency plans.
- Designed For: Systems or network administrators, software developers, security analysts and IT managers
- Duration: 8 months part time
- Location: Online
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Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management
In this management-focused program, you’ll learn how to oversee your company’s cybersecurity strategy and manage the attendant risks. We’ll survey the major types of threats and how to mitigate them. You’ll evaluate the costs and benefits of various security approaches and complete a consulting project for a real company. Walk away with the ability to create security risk management programs for organizations of any size.
- Designed For: Those looking to start or advance in the field of cybersecurity risk management
- Duration: 9 months part time
- Location: Online
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Cyber Resilience
When cyberattacks do occur, only companies that are cyber resilient are able to mitigate the impacts of a data breach. Learn to solve critical information-security problems and enable cyber resiliency for your organization. Get expert insights about cyberpolicies, risk management, ethics, and how to develop a “breach ready” workforce.
- Designed For: Professionals who are responsible for organizational cybersecurity or IT infrastructure, and those who want to learn to make their organization more resilient in the face of cyberattacks. This course may be a good match for graduates of the Certificate in Cybersecurity and/or the Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management.
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Location: Online
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master of science in information management
Offered by the UW iSchool, the MSIM offers six areas of specialization, including one in information security. Students in this track learn how to effectively manage and protect information assets.
- Designed For: Those looking to start or advance their careers in information management, with a focus on information security
- Duration: 1 year full time or 2 years part time
- Location: UW Seattle and Online
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master of science in cybersecurity engineering, uw bothell
Learn how to build secure software systems from the ground up and respond to security incidents as they arise. You’ll gain hands-on experience in penetration testing, wireless and network security, cryptography, security of emerging technologies and more.
- Designed For: Those with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or the equivalent
- Duration: 2 years full time or 3 years part time
- Location: UW Bothell
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essentials of cybersecurity
Explore the dynamic field of cybersecurity in this low-cost, online certificate program offered as a MOOC through edX. Learn about various career paths in this high-demand field and find your niche.
- Designed For: Those interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity
- Duration: Varies; typically 4 months (2-5 hours/week)
- Location: Online
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