In an increasingly interconnected world where data breaches, cyber threats, and digital espionage have escalated, the demand for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more paramount. Recognizing the urgent need for expertise in this critical domain, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Rutgers University-New Brunswick is excited to introduce a comprehensive 12-credit graduate certificate program in Cybersecurity.
The field of Cybersecurity, instrumental in safeguarding our digital ecosystems, finds its significance across a multitude of sectors such as banking, healthcare, education, military, government, e-commerce, and more. The task of securing cyber systems, their communication links, and the connected physical systems has become a primary concern for national economy, industry, health systems, and individual safety. As a crucial component of the nation's cyber infrastructure, the development and employment of apt software and devices to ensure cyber resilience calls for a deep and extensive understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices.
Our Cybersecurity certificate program at Rutgers ECE is designed to fill this gap. This program has been carefully crafted, not just to impart theoretical knowledge, but to provide students with the practical skills required to secure various cyber systems. Our courses cover a broad spectrum of topics including internet security, personal and mainframe computers security, security of communication devices and systems, and security of cyber-physical systems.
The exceptional faculty at Rutgers ECE, boasting extensive academic and industry experience, alongside a diverse and innovative range of courses, promises a rich and comprehensive learning experience. Whether you're a PhD, MS student, a non-matriculating student, or a professional seeking to specialize in Cybersecurity, this program offers an enriching pathway to augment your capabilities.
Eligibility : The program is not limited to ECE or Rutgers students alone. We welcome learners from a wide range of disciplines including Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, Business and Management, Public Policy, Law Enforcement, Health Informatics, and even non-traditional disciplines that interface with digital technologies and data security, expanding the reach of this essential knowledge. Moreover, some requirements for the certificate may even fulfill existing graduate degree requirements, offering added academic flexibility.
Admission Requirements
Current ECE Students: Graduate students (non-matriculated, MS. or PhD) from the ECE department interested in the Cybersecurity certificate do not need to apply separately. Interested students should simply notify the ECE Graduate Program Office at ecegradprogram@soe.rutgers.edu of their intention to pursue the certificate, along with their intended course selection.
Current non-ECE Rutgers Students: Graduate students (MS or PhD) from departments other than ECE should submit a copy of their Rutgers transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and the intended course selection to ECE Graduate Program Office at ecegradprogram@soe.rutgers.edu. Once notified by the ECE Graduate Program Office of the approval of their application, the students can start earning credits towards the certificate.
Prospective Students: Prospective students interested in our Cybersecurity certificate program must meet the minimum requirement of having completed a bachelor's degree. Once this eligibility criterion is confirmed, you are invited to proceed with the application process via the Rutgers Graduate and Professional Admissions application portal. This application portal will guide you through the necessary steps, which include uploading your official transcripts and at least one letter of recommendation. Prospective students can also reach out to the ECE Graduate Program Office at ecegradprogram@soe.rutgers.edu for further information about the application process.
Curriculum : In order to receive the certificate, students must complete four courses, equivalent to 12 credits, maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0. This coursework must include a minimum of two courses from List A, and a maximum of two courses from List B:
List A:
16:332:506 – Applied Controls
16:332:507 – Security Engineering
16:332:530 – Introduction to Deep Learning
16:332:543 – Communication Networks I
16:332:548 – Error Control Coding
16:332:579:04 – Advanced Topics in Computer Engineering – Hardware and Systems Security
List B:
16:332:501 – Systems Analysis
16:332:542 – Information Theory and Coding
16:332:544 – Communication Networks II
16:332:557 – Quantum Computing and Communications Algorithms
16:332:561 – Machine Vision
Recognizing the fast-paced and ever-evolving nature of the Cybersecurity landscape, we ensure that our graduate curriculum is routinely updated to stay abreast of the latest breakthroughs and challenges in the field. Consequently, courses beyond the ones explicitly mentioned may be recognized towards the completion of this certificate. These will be considered at the sole discretion of the ECE Graduate Program Director and subject to approval from the School of Graduate Studies. This commitment to flexibility and relevance ensures our program remains adaptive, current, and responsive to the multifaceted demands of the cybersecurity arena.