Cybersecurity Graduate Certificates
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Boston College Law School is offering a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Cybersecurity, Risk & Governance beginning in Fall 2025. You can learn more about the new program and apply for this upcoming Fall 2025 via the MLS webpage.
The M.S. in Cybersecurity and Certificates programs are no longer accepting applications. Preparations for the new MLS in Cybersecurity, Risk & Governance will not impact current students in the M.S. Cybersecurity program. M.S. Cybersecurity students should continue to work with the director of the M.S. program to address any administrative matters as they complete their course of study.
At a Glance
Four Certificate Options
Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
Our Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of risk management and applies them to the cybersecurity and digital risk management environments.
Taught by industry experts and faculty, you will learn to identify and analyze the methodologies for comparing digital risks and deciding between acceptance, mitigation, risk transfer and avoidance to address key cybersecurity metrics. Using a hands-on, unified approach, you will:
- Gain the knowledge and skills to address varying cyber threats and vulnerabilities
- Understand key cyber and privacy policies and laws
- Develop and implement incident response programs
- Manage cyber risk and resiliency
Upon completing this Graduate Certificate, you not only will have the knowledge and skills necessary to help develop, implement, and maintain successful cybersecurity risk and resiliency programs for private and government entities, but you will also have access to, and be a part of, a network of the leading cybersecurity professionals in the nation.
Curriculum
Core Courses
Complete all of the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ADCY6050 | Cybersecurity Policy: Privacy & Legal Requirements |
| ADCY6500 | Organizational Effectiveness: Gov, Risk Management & Compliance |
Electives
Complete two of the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ACDY6400 | Managing Cyber Risk: Mobile Devices & Social Networking |
| ADCY6450 | Cyber Investigations & Digital Forensics |
| ADCY6475 | Security in the Cloud |
| ADCY6600 | Cybersecurity: The Role of the CISO |
| ADCY6640 | National Security: Law, Policy, & Investigations |
| ADCY6925 | Cybersecurity: Risk Management & Resiliency |
| ADCY6630 | Cyber Crime: Law, Investigations, and Policy |
| ADCY6350 | Cybersecurity Incident Response & Management |
| ADCY6840 | Cybersecurity: Strategy and Implementation |
Graduate Certificate in National Security and Global Affairs
Our Graduate Certificate in National Security and Global Affairs prepares you to identify, understand, and analyze today’s most pressing cyber and national security concerns impacting both governments and private industry.
Taught by leading experts and faculty, our graduate program provides real life insight using case studies and other methodologies to address a range of issues, including:
- The role of intelligence
- The organizational structures of security, intelligence, and law enforcement organizations
- State and non-state threats
- International and national security policy, laws, and treaties
- Globalization and the impact of COVID-19, diplomacy
- Dealings with foreign entities (both government and business)
Upon completing this Graduate Certificate, you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, analyze, think critically, and provide sound recommendations to address and resolve the varying national security issues faced by governments and private industry. Furthermore, you will have access to, and be a part of, a network of the leading national and international security experts and professionals from government and private industry.
Curriculum
Core Courses
Complete all of the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ADCY6200 | International Cybersecurity |
| ADCY6650 | Role of Intelligence: Establishing Proactive Security |
Electives
Complete two of the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ADCY6450 | Cyber Investigations & Digital Forensics |
| ADCY6620 | National Security: Corporate Law & Policy |
| ADCY6640 | National Security: Law, Policy, & Investigations |
| ADCY6925 | Cybersecurity: Risk Management & Resiliency |
| ADCY6050 | Cybersecurity Law, Policy, and Data Privacy |
| ADCY6630 | Cyber Crime: Law, Investigations, and Policy |
| ADCY6350 | Cybersecurity Incident Response & Management |
Graduate Certificate in Computer Security
Our Graduate Certificate in Computer Security prepares you to identify, understand, and analyze the varying technical aspects involved with cybersecurity, including operating system security, component lifecycle management, database security, server security, application security, mobile devices, BYOD, and end-point security.
Taught by practicing industry and government experts, this Graduate Certificate Program covers:
- The roles of physical security, system hardening, firewalls, encryption, anti-virus, and malware defense
- Identity and access management, role-based access control (RBAC), intrusion detection, and penetration testing
- Incident response, digital forensics and investigations, and offensive and defensive capabilities
Upon completing our Graduate Certificate in Computer Security, you not only will have the knowledge and skills necessary to help develop, implement, and maintain successful cybersecurity programs for private and government entities, but you also will have access to, and be a part of, a network of the leading cybersecurity professionals in the nation.
Curriculum
Core Courses
Complete all of the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ADCY6000 | Cyber Ecosystem and Cybersecurity |
| ADCY6300 | Network & Infrastructure Security Electives |
Complete two of the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ADCY6450 | Cyber Investigations & Digital Forensics |
| ADCY6475 | Security in the Cloud |
| ADCY6810 | Cybersecurity: Designing Offensive & Defensive Capabilities |
| ADCY6925 | Cybersecurity: Risk Management & Resiliency |
| ADCY6350 | Cybersecurity: Incident Response & Management |
| ADCY6600 | Cybersecurity: The Role of the CISO |
Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Analytics
The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Analytics is designed to equip students with data analytic skills and context knowledge of cybersecurity. View program page for details.