GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

IN

INFORMATION ASSURANCE

 

The goal of the ISQA graduate certificate programs is to allow post-baccalaureate students and working professionals to expand their educational background and complete work that could count towards a graduate degree. Earning the graduate certificates will enhance skill sets; provide exposure to new information technologies, theories and practices; allow individuals to work towards various professional certifications; increase growth potential with employers; and increase prospects of obtaining a graduate degree. The graduate certificate program offers existing technical and managerial professionals the chance to improve and hone their communication skills to aide in their professional development.

Who is Eligible?

Individuals with an undergraduate degree and one to two years of work experience in information systems (IS) related roles are eligible to apply for the ISQA graduate certificate programs.

Structure of Graduate Certificates

The ISQA graduate certificates consist of three core courses (9 credits) and one elective (3 credits) for a total of 12 credit hours . Specific course requirements for each graduate certificate are shown below. There are three prerequisite courses, not counted as part of the 12 credit hours, which may be waived by the chair of the Graduate Program Committee, based on courses already taken, applicable work experience, or the recommendation of faculty teaching the prerequisite courses. These courses are:
  • CIST 3100 - Organizations, Applications, and Technology
  • ISQA 8040 - An Overview of Systems Development
    or
    • ISQA 4110 - Information Systems Analysis and
  • ISQA 4120 - Systems Design and Implementation
  • ISQA 8050 - Data Organization and Storage, or
  • ISQA 3300 - File Structures and
  • ISQA 3310 - Managing the Database Environment

Information Assurance Certificate

The Information Assurance (IA) Certificate will provide students with the technical, organizational and managerial background to assist in planning, deploying, and managing security technologies to achieve information assurance.

Core Courses - 9 hours
  • ISQA 8570 - Information Security, Policy, Privacy and Ethics
  • ISQA 8560 - Information Warfare and Security
  • ISQA 8586 - Strategic Planning for Information Assurance
Elective Courses - 3 hours
  • ISQA 8310 - Data Communications
  • ISQA 8546 - Computer Security Management
  • ISQA 8530 - E-Commerce Security
  • ISQA 8900 - Independent Research in MIS (must be related to information assurance)
  • ISQA 8080 - Seminar in MIS (must be related to information assurance)

Application Process

  1. Complete the application form and submit it with the application fee to the UNO Graduate College - Online Application Form . On the application you will be given an option to choose the graduate certificate program for which you would like to be considered. All application and support material must be sent to the following address:

    Office of Graduate Studies, EAB 203
    University of Nebraska at Omaha
    Omaha, NE U.S.A. 68182-0209
    Submit a detailed resume indicating your work experience and background (if applicable).

    Note: If you are already admitted to the MIS graduate degree program, you do not need to submit an additional application fee. Alternatively, if you are admitted to a graduate certificate program and decide to switch to an MS in MIS, you will not need to submit additional application fees.

  2. Submit a writing sample from work or previous academic experiences. Alternatively, if you do not have writing sample, please submit a two page double-spaced essay that addresses the following two topics:
    • Discussion of two accomplishments that demonstrate your potential for success in the graduate certificate program.
    • Discussion of your unique personal qualities and life experiences that distinguish you from other applicants to our graduate program.

For questions regarding the ISQA graduate certificates, please contact Dr. Peter Wolcott, Chairperson, ISQA Graduate Program Committee

(pwolcott@mail.unomaha.edu ; 402-554-3158) and/or Ms. Carla Frakes, Graduate Advisor ( cfrakes@mail.unomaha.edu ; 402-554-2073).