The Graduate Certificate in Security is intended for those who do not need or wish to have a full graduate degree in security or computer science. In particular, the certificate is directed towards working professionals and graduate students who are interested in security. In addition to any leveling requirements, coursework for the certificate requires 12 hours.
Required Course:
CS 5340 - Introduction to Information and Computer Security 3 Semester Credit Hours
Plus 3 Courses From:
CS 5342 - Network Security 3 Semester Credit Hours
CS 6343 - Cryptography 3 Semester Credit Hours
CS 6378 - Software Security 3 Semester Credit Hours
CS 6345 - Digital Forensics 3 Semester Credit Hours
CS 6359 - Data Security and Privacy 3 Semester Credit Hours
CS 5333 - Special Topics in Security 3 Semester Credit Hours
One of the three courses may be replaced with one of the following:
CS 5331 - Special Problems in Computer Science
CS 5379 - Parallel Processing
CS 5356 - Advanced Database Management Systems
CS 5377 - Distributed Computing
CS 5364 - Information Retrieval
IE 5316 - Simulation Models for Operations Analysis
IE 5319 - Risk Modeling and Assessment
IE 5320 - Systems Theory
September 2025
Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering
100 Engineering Center,
LUBBOCK,
Texas,
79409, United States
The applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - The minimum TOEFL score required is 79.
International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) - The minimum IELTS required score is an overall band score of 6.5 on the Academic version.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - The minimum required PTE Academic score is 60.
Cambridge C2 Proficiency Test (Cambridge CPE) - The minimum required Cambridge CPE grade is a score of 180 or above.
Cambridge C1 Advanced Proficiency Test (Cambridge CAE) - The minimum required Cambridge CAE grade is a score of 175 or above.
Recommended deadlines for international students are as follows:
January 15 for Fall and Summer semesters
July 15 for Spring semesters
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.