Secure and dependable computing systems
Certificate, graduate
Detect and defend
This graduate certificate provides students with a comprehensive understanding of network security. Topics covered include policy and mechanisms, malicious code, intrusion detection, prevention, response and cryptographic techniques for privacy and integrity.
Students will explore the tradeoffs between risk, cost and societal issues by engaging in hands-on programming assignments. The secure and dependable computing systems graduate certificate also delves into advanced topics in the design and analysis of network, database and operating system security using current trends and research in mandatory and discretionary security policies.
Overview
Related Topics
Gain advanced security skills
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Have a background in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a related technical field.
- Want to deepen your expertise in cybersecurity, fault‑tolerant systems or secure software design.
- Work in (or aspire to work in) industries like critical infrastructure, networking or cyber‑physical systems where dependable computing is essential.
- Are looking to strengthen your skills for advanced study, career advancement or specialized roles in system security and reliability.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,899 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Software Developers
$96,034 - Software QA Analysts and Testers
$61,762 - Web and Digital Interface Designers
$56,851 - Web Developers
$55,326 - Computer Programmers
$73,142
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
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, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Clubs and organizations
Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.
Here are some clubs related to your certificate program:
- Cyber Defense Club
- CyberForce Competition Team
- Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- Polymorphic Games Studio
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Robotics Club
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Application information
Applicants interested in pursuing a graduate level certificate as a standalone program are encouraged to submit a graduate application. A bachelor’s degree earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA in a similar or generally related field or a master’s degree is required for admission. Applicants who do not immediately meet the criteria above may still be admitted upon review by the academic program. The graduate application requires transcripts from post-secondary education (bachelor’s and master’s if applicable), a resume and a $30 application fee.
International graduate certificate applicants must meet the graduate admission English language proficiency requirement. International students admitted to a graduate certificate program as a standalone program are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 visa status.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Graduate certificate application process for current U of I undergraduate students
Current undergraduate students who wish to earn a graduate academic certificate must be eligible to participate in graduate level courses (minimum requirements — senior standing and an overall GPA of at least 3.0). If the course is not being used for the undergraduate degree, the student should file a Course Level Adjustment form to reserve the course for the graduate transcript (maximum of 12 credits may be reserved for the graduate transcript). Once the student earns their bachelor’s degree they may apply as a graduate certificate seeking student and complete the certificate program.
Contact your academic advisor for additional information and support.
Graduate certificate application process for current U of I graduate students
Current graduate degree seeking U of I students will be required to fill out a Change of Curriculum form adding the graduate certificate as an additional curriculum. Students should obtain the proper signatures from the department and return this form to the College of Graduate Studies for processing.
U of I students who earned a master’s or a doctoral degree and wish to apply for a graduate certificate must submit a graduate Readmission application.
It is recommended that you consult with your major professor prior to selecting a graduate certificate to go concurrent with your graduate program.