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Graduate Studies
Graduate Studies

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certificate in information assurance.

The goal of 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 ISQA graduate certificates will:

  • enhance skill sets and provide exposure to new information technologies, theories and practices.
  • allow individuals to work towards various professional certifications.
  • increase growth potential with employers and prospects of obtaining a graduate degree.
  • offer 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.

All applicant should submit:

  • online graduate application along with the application fee
  • One copy of official transcripts from all previously attended universities
  • writing sample*
  • resume*
    • *writing sample and resume waived is already admitted to the MIS program

Structure of Graduate Certificates

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
ISQA 8050 - Data Organization and Storage

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 8546 - Computer Security Management
ISQA 8570 - Information Security Policy and Ethics
ISQA 8580 - Security Risk Analysis and Management

Elective Courses - 3 hours

ISQA 8530 - E-Commerce Security
ISQA 8560 - Information Warfare and 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

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:

University of Nebraska at Omaha
Office of Graduate Studies
6001 Dodge St, EAB 203
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.

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:

  1. Discussion of two accomplishments that demonstrate your potential for success in the graduate certificate program.
  2. Discussion of your unique personal qualities and life experiences that distinguish you from other applicants to our graduate program.

For more information

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

last updated: 11/2/2011 at 1:56 pm