Smart grid cybersecurity

The smart grid cybersecurity graduate certificate is a 15-credit program that helps build specialized expertise, complements your degree and develops your adaptability in emerging fields to enhance your career opportunities.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the smart grid cybersecurity graduate certificate, you will understand cyber vulnerabilities and risks affecting power systems and develop the ability to analyze system architectures, identify threats and assess security challenges. You will learn to create threat models, perform risk assessments and apply cybersecurity controls and resilience strategies. You will also explore telecommunications, sensor technologies and power system modeling approaches to enhance the security, reliability and resilience of modern smart grids.

Program format

The smart grid cybersecurity graduate certificate is offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering with support from the Computer Science Department’s cybersecurity graduate curriculum. This 15-credit program combines power systems, communication, control and cybersecurity coursework to prepare engineers to address modern smart grid challenges. You’ll complete required courses and electives focused on power systems analysis, critical infrastructure security, information assurance and emerging cybersecurity technologies, with all coursework requiring a grade of B or better.

Faculty expertise  

You’ll collaborate with faculty experts in:

• Semiconductor devices and microelectronics
• Advanced microelectronics fabrication
• VLSI design and manufacturing
• Electronic packaging and materials
• Quantum and solid-state electronics
• Electromagnetics and RF systems
• Power systems and energy technologies
• Cybersecurity and dependable systems
• Embedded systems and computer architecture

Find a faculty advisor

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.

Learn more about cost of attendance.

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. 

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

Graduate Admissions: 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. 

Find a faculty advisor

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 College of Graduate Studies.
• 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.