Secure and dependable computing systems

The secure and dependable computing systems graduate certificate is a 12-credit program that helps build specialized expertise, complement your degree and develop skills in emerging fields to enhance your career opportunities.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning outcomes 

Develop advanced cybersecurity capabilities through hands-on learning in digital forensics, risk assessment and secure networking. You will be able to conduct forensic investigations across diverse storage media and hosts, analyze cyber-system requirements and organizational risks, implement effective countermeasures, and apply advanced networking technologies protocols and algorithms to support secure enterprise environments. These outcomes prepare you to address complex cybersecurity challenges through investigation, analysis and the design of resilient systems that protect digital assets. 

Program format 

This graduate certificate consists of advanced cybersecurity coursework. You’ll complete three required courses in digital forensics, advanced information assurance concepts, and advanced networking and security. Then, you’ll select one additional three-credit elective focused on areas such as software vulnerability analysis, IoT and cyber-physical systems security, adversarial machine learning or critical infrastructure protection. All required coursework must be completed with a grade of B or better to satisfy program requirements.

Faculty expertise

Work alongside faculty with expertise in:

• Cybersecurity applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
• Secure deep learning and neural network architectures
• Data science, predictive analytics and cybersecurity intelligence
• Natural language processing (NLP) for security analysis and threat detection
• Intelligent systems and AI engineering for cyber defense applications
• Trustworthy, ethical and secure AI development and deployment
• Adversarial machine learning, AI vulnerabilities and model security
• Computer vision, pattern recognition and security monitoring applications
• Evolutionary computation and optimization for cybersecurity solutions
• Robotics, intelligent automation and secure industrial control systems
• High-performance computing and large-scale systems for cybersecurity operations 

Connect with program faculty

Students pursuing a graduate certificate as a standalone program are not eligible for financial aid. However, students enrolled in a separate U of I graduate degree program may apply their financial aid or graduate funding toward a graduate certificate if they are pursuing both simultaneously.

For more information or to explore funding options, visit Financial Aid or contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Computer science contact: 
Hasan Jamil
jamil@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions: 

Graduate Admissions contact: 
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page

Connect with program faculty

Program availability

• Semester intake: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Not eligible for international applicants who require F-1 status
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcript Requirements: Bachelor’s degree transcript, along with any graduate-level transcripts, are required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for the initial admission review and admission offer. Official transcripts will be required upon admission.  View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose: A Statement of Purpose may be required for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 or whose undergraduate degree is in a significantly different field from the graduate program to which they are applying
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
• Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
• Application fee: $30

Application and Admission Process

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.  

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, and their intended program and start term.

• For new international graduate certificate applicants:
  • International applicants must meet University of Idaho’s English proficiency language requirement.
  • International students may pursue graduate certificate programs either as standalone degrees or as part of a concurrent curriculum with another graduate program. Students enrolled in a certificate program as a standalone option are not eligible for F-1 visa status.
• For current University of Idaho graduate students:
  • Submit a change of curriculum form to add the certificate to your current course of study.
  • Obtain department approval and return the form to the Office of the Registrar.
• For current U of I undergraduate students:
  • Must have senior standing and a 3.0 GPA to take graduate-level courses.
  • To reserve credits for the graduate transcript, please submit a Credit Reservation Form to the College of Graduate Studies. This form must be signed by your academic advisor.
  • After earning a bachelor’s degree, apply as a graduate certificate-seeking student to complete the program.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.