Online Data-Driven Cybersecurity Certificate
The Data-Driven Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate at the School of Information Technology (SoIT) prepares a workforce that understands cybersecurity concepts, analyzes cyber threats, responds to incidents, protects data networks, and maintains IT infrastructure continuity.
Data-Driven Cybersecurity Certificate Overview
The University of Cincinnati’s online curriculum emphasizes teaching cybersecurity and data analytics software tools that industry cybersecurity professionals broadly use. Students can practice hands-on skills from completing lab exercises and individual or team projects to creating solutions to cybersecurity challenges.
In addition to our cybersecurity classes, UC offers several tools and resources to aid in the growth of each student. Our school is one of the few in the nation to receive grants from the NSA and the state government of Ohio. This support of our cybersecurity area of our MSIT program allows our faculty and staff to continue to push the boundaries of the industry.
In addition to our grants, the University of Cincinnati is also the home to the Ohio Cyber Range Institute. This virtual range gives you the real-life experience that is desirable to companies. This simulation lets you encounter real cybersecurity threats and allows you to work out the best solution on how to handle them.
Data-Driven Cybersecurity Certificate Highlights
High Quality Education
- World-class faculty
- Faculty at the University of Cincinnati have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to information technology. Professor Li is at the forefront of the cybersecurity field and teaches several of the cybersecurity classes both on campus and online. Professor Li has spent the past 16 years teaching cybersecurity and computer networking and has several papers written on the subject.
- This 4-course certificate can be earned as a standalone certificate, or all credits taken as part of this certificate may be subsequently applied toward a Master’s in Information Technology.
Flexibility
- 100% online
- Only 12 credit hours
- Start in the fall, spring, or summer semester
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Prerequisites
- A baccalaureate degree from a college or university regarded as standard by a regional or general accrediting agency ***
- At least a B average (3.0/4.0 scale) in undergraduate course work; if the cumulative GPA is below 3.0, a minimum GRE score of 300 is required
- 3.0+ Analytical; Verbal and Quantitative scores must be 150+ each
***If an applicant’s prior degree is not in computing disciplines as in technology, engineering, and sciences, the applicant is required to demonstrate IT skills through work experience and relevant IT certificates. Since cybersecurity is a relatively new discipline, an overall review will be conducted to determine if a student is prepared to be successful in completing the certificate. Applicants who do not have a computing background or relevant prior experience are advised to first complete the General IT Graduate Certificate which includes 4 prerequisite courses in information security, database management, system administration, and programming.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Fall 2026 for all applicants who apply by July 1, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- Are currently serving in the US armed forces
- Are veterans of the US armed forces
You can find more information here. Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Please review and submit the following materials:
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
For questions regarding international students, contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
- Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- One academic or professional letter of reference
- Reference should be from a credible source who speaks to relevant IT experience and/or work ethic
- A personal statement that should describe interest in the program and future professional goals in a way that demonstrates a strong record of accomplishments and aptitude for graduate studies.
- If the undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, the personal statement must also address the low GPA and describe a plan to succeed in a program where a 3.0 GPA or above is required.
- If your background is not in IT, please be sure to address the following questions in your personal statement:
How has your past experience prepared you to be successful in this program? For example, what types of courses (university or online), industry experience or certificates have you completed to build skills in this area?
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
May 1, 2026 August 1, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
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