Cyber Defense Certificate

Protect critical data with Davenport’s cybersecurity certificate

Pursue a cybersecurity certificate program with impeccable credentials at Davenport University and gain new qualifications for in-demand cybersecurity roles. Our cybersecurity certificate offers the academic rigor of our bachelor’s in cyber defense, which meets the stringent standards of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Take classes toward your cybersecurity certificate on-demand, Livestream, blended through our Global Campus Online+ or in-person at our Grand Rapids campus. Achieve an outstanding certification for your resume while gaining cybersecurity certificate course credits that apply toward Davenport’s associate and bachelor’s degrees in cyber defense as well as the master’s in information assurance and cybersecurity.

Whether your cybersecurity certification courses are online or in-person, you’ll learn from credentialed faculty, many of whom leverage their cybersecurity expertise to “train the trainers.” Add impressive work to your portfolio through hands-on, real-world projects.

A cybersecurity certificate program held to the highest standard

Boost your resume with an in-person or online cybersecurity certificate program aligned with the uncompromising standards of the NSA, DHS and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Explore Davenport cybersecurity certificate courses

Gain proficiency in system administration on specialized cyber defense applications and systems, intrusion prevention and virtual private network (VPN) management through our cybersecurity certificate courses. Davenport’s in-person or online cybersecurity certificate program will give you a strong security foundation, then will challenge you in specialty areas such Windows® digital forensics.

Every cybersecurity certificate Online+ class aligns with Quality Matters (QM), and all Davenport classes are evaluated through Instructional Design for high instructional quality.

See Full Course List

Major		24 Credits
CISP247	Database Design This course will examine the major types or data models of Database Management Systems (DBMS): hierarchical, network, relational, and object-oriented. The principles and problems of database design, operation, and maintenance for each data model will be discussed and compared. Topics that will be covered include design theory, query language, relational expressions, SQL, stored procedures, client-server interfaces, entity relationship diagrams, normalization, and database security. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CISP111	3
CISP253	Python Scripting The Python programming language is cross platform in nature and can be used on Windows, Linux/Unix and Mac OS systems. This broad-based capability makes the Python Scripting languages highly useful in the field of technology. The language is highly capable in stream editing of data, data manipulation and parsing, which are required in IT and Forensics. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
IAAS221	Security Foundations This course will provide an overview of information security from both the perspectives of the organization and that of personal computing. Topics include security management practices, physical security, security architecture, business continuity and disaster recovery planning, access control systems, security controls, cryptography, telecommunications and network security, operations security, law and ethics, and personal computer security. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CISP100	3
IAAS256	Windows Digital Forensics This course surveys the technical knowledge of the Windows operating system that any digital forensic analyst should know to examine digital media. The course focuses on collecting and analyzing data from a Windows operating system to provide information that can be used for both civil and criminal litigation. User based activity and software/hardware artifacts are analyzed along with acquisition of digital media in a Windows based environment. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): IAAS221 and NETW101	3
MATH120	College Mathematics Students in this course will explore and apply college-level mathematical concepts so as to enhance their critical and creative thinking skills. This course aims to increase students' appreciation of the utility and application of mathematics. Topics will include i) problem solving, ii) set theory and real numbers, iii) linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and iv) probability. Other topics of interest will be selected from graph theory, prime numbers, logic, number representation, and voting theory. Fees: Additional course fees apply. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores, placement criteria, or successful completion of MATH 030	3
NETW101	PC Operating Systems This course is a general overview of microcomputer operating systems. A basic understanding of computers and the use of Windows is assumed. Emphasis is on operating system concepts, management, maintenance, and resources required. Topics covered include installing and maintaining operating systems, creation of batch files or scripts, customizing and troubleshooting a computer system, and managing files and disks. Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of OS concepts, installation, management, maintenance, using a variety of operating systems. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CISP100	3
NETW151 or NETW220	Cisco Networking Fundamentals or Data Communications and Networks NETW151 Cisco Networking Fundamentals (4 contact hours) This course introduces students to the architecture, structure, functions, and components of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles of IP addressing, the OSI model, and the fundamentals of Ethernet protocols & media are introduced. Students will be able to build simple LANs, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes. Lab work is designed to simulate real-world networking. This course is the first of three networking courses to prepare students for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification exam. Additional Course Fee(s) apply. Co-requisite(s): MATH120 or MATH125; and NETW101 NETW220 Data Communications and Networks This course focuses on fundamentals of data communications systems and networks. Topics to be covered will include communications hardware and software, data transmission, protocols to include the LDAP, the OSI Reference Model, local area networks, wide area networks, and the Internet. Prerequisite(s): NETW101 or CISP111 and MATH120 or MATH125	3
NETW217	UNIX Operating Systems	3

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

Finish your cybersecurity certificate online or in-person in just 1 year

Earn your certificate from Davenport, one of 14 CAE-CDE colleges

Access our 3 advanced labs — networking, computing and forensics

100%

Transfer 100% of your certificate credits toward a qualifying degree

Why pursue a cybersecurity certificate at Davenport?

Advance through Davenport’s in-person or online cybersecurity certificate program and finish with the skills and portfolio to become an associate cybersecurity specialist. You can continue your studies at Davenport with credits from your cybersecurity certificate courses that apply directly to an associate or bachelor’s in cyber defense and the master’s in information assurance and cybersecurity. Our cyber defense bachelor’s degree qualifies for the Davenport Employment Guarantee and substantial scholarships.

Experience the Davenport difference:

An IT security certificate from a designated CAE-CDE

Take cybersecurity certificate courses at one of only a select number of nationwide colleges designated as a U.S. Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the NSA and DHS.

National recognition for digital forensics excellence

Train in digital forensics from a national leader. Davenport is among just 16 U.S. institutions named a Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the DoD Cyber Crime Center.

Hands-on experience that builds your portfolio

Learn by doing in Davenport cybersecurity certificate courses. Gain hands-on experience with projects you can add to your portfolio, proving the value of your IT security certificate to employers.

Faculty who train cyber defense trainers

Gain knowledge from this IT security certificates faculty who are so highly credentialed and accomplished in their field that many of them train cyber defense trainers through the ASC Alliance.

Industry certification opportunities

Boost your resume by pursuing certifications like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), while you take classes for your in-person or online cybersecurity certificate program.

Career and academic connections

Make career connections beyond your cybersecurity certificate program faculty by meeting industry experts at employer events. Join technology peers in Davenport’s Cyber Defense Organization.

Get started on your cybersecurity certificate online

Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward earning your cybersecurity certificate at Davenport.

Talk to an admissions advisor

Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.

Apply now or request more information

Start or advance your career in cybersecurity. Request more information or begin your application now.

Your cybersecurity certificate program stackable degree

Complete Davenport’s prestigious cybersecurity certificate now and add valuable new skill sets to your resume. Since our IT security certificates are designed to make it easy to up the level of your education, you can take your credits for your cybersecurity certificate courses and apply them to the following Davenport degree programs.

Stack 1: Cyber Defense and Security Certificate

About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.

Offering over 80 degree and certificate programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at Davenport University.*

Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses

Sources:

Davenport University, 2023/2024 Catalog
National Security Agency (NSA) & Department of Homeland Security (DHS)