The Graduate Certificate in Network Security

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This graduate-level certificate program has been designed by UMass Lowell's Computer Science Department to address the growing demand for advanced-level studies in Information Technology. Individuals interested in advancing their knowledge of network threats, data encryption, wireless network security, data authentication, data recovery and forensics, network architecture, and emerging network technologies will benefit from this program.

The Online Graduate Certificate Program in Network Security consists of four graduate online courses in network security, digital forensics, network infrastructures, and secure mobile networks. Offered through the University's Computer Science Department, this program differs from traditional graduate computer science courses in its focus on application-specific details, case studies and the operational framework required by today's IT professionals.

Intended Audience

The program is particularly appropriate for Systems Administrators, Network Managers, and other IT professionals who have an undergraduate degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems or related majors. Applicants should be familiar with C programming and have a math background that includes at least pre-calculus math, statistics and a first course in discrete structures. Other than these general certificate program requirements, the certificate program courses do not have specific prerequisites and may be taken in any order.

Program Outline

Choose 4 Courses:

1. 94.560 Network Infrastructures
2. 94.561 Computer Network Security - Available Summer 2012!
3. 94.562 Digital Forensics
4. 94.563 Secure Mobile Networks
5. 94.565 Cloud Computing - Available Summer 2012!

You do not have to be enrolled in the program to take a course... Try a course before applying into the program if you would like... By enrolling now as a "non-degree" graduate student, you can begin taking graduate courses this semester. Complete the Non-Degree Registration Form , and fax it to the Registrar's Office at FAX:(978) 934-4076.

Note: These courses cannot be used towards the M.S. or D.Sc. in Computer Science.

Admission Requirements

While the certificate program is designed to be readily accessible to students who have completed a four-year program in Computer Science, Information Technology or Information Systems, we understand that the IT community includes many individuals who have completed degrees in other majors and have made career adjustments to the field. 

To accommodate the community at large, our specific certificate program admission requirements are:

• A transcript showing proof of completion of an undergraduate BS or BA degree from an accredited institution
• Mathematical experience to include a minimum of one semester of Precalculus, one semester of Discrete Mathematics and one semester of Statistics, or the equivalent experience
• C Programming proficiency, to include a minimum of one class of C Programming and one class of data structures, or the equivalent experience

To Apply into the Certificate Program

To apply into this certificate program, download the Application Form in .pdf file format. You do not have to be accepted into the program prior to registering for your first course.

Please note: Graduate students will be assessed a "First Year Student Services Fee" upon matriculation into a graduate degree or certificate program. Please see the Accounts Receivable website.

For registration information, visit our registration information page.

Contact Information:

For general questions and information about registering for these courses each semester, email Continuing_Education@uml.edu or call (800) 480-3190.

For assistance with applying into the certificate program, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 978-934-2390.

Certificate Completion

Once you have completed all the courses in this graduate certificate program, please complete and either mail or fax the Graduate Certificate Clearance Form to the UMass Lowell Registrar's Office at:

University of Massachusetts Lowell
Registrar's Office
883 Broadway Street - Dugan Hall
Lowell, MA 01854-5130
Fax: (978) 934-4076

Course Descriptions

94.560 Network Infrastructures

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts in the design and implementation of computer communication networks, their protocols, and applications. Topics to be covered include: an overview of network architectures, applications, network programming interfaces (e.g., sockets), transport, congestion, routing, and data link protocols, addressing, local area networks, network management, and emerging network technologies. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Cannot be used towards the M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science.

94.561 Computer Network Security

This course is aimed to provide students with a solid understanding of key concepts of computer network security and practical solutions to network security threats. Topics to be covered include common network security attacks, basic security models, data encryption algorithms, public-key cryptography and key management, data authentication, network security protocols in practice, wireless network security, network perimeter security and firewall technology, the art of anti malicious software, and the art of intrusion detection. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Cannot be used towards the M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science.

94.562 Digital Forensics

Identifying, preserving and extracting electronic evidence. Students learn how to examine and recover data from operating systems, core forensic procedures for any operating or file system, understanding technical issues in acquiring computer evidence and how to conduct forensically sound examinations to preserve evidence for admission and use in legal proceedings. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Cannot be used towards the M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science.

94.563 Secure Mobile Networks

This course covers principles and practices of wireless networks, including cellular networks, wireless LANs, ad hoc mesh networks, and sensor networks. The potential attacks against these wireless networks and the security mechanisms to defend these networks will be discussed. Topics to be covered include cellular network architecture, wide-area mobile services, wireless LANs and MACs, introduction to emerging wireless networks, survey of malicious behaviors in wireless networks, securing wireless WANs and LANs, securing wireless routing, securing mobile applications, wireless intrusion detection and prevention, challenges in securing next-generation wireless networks, and privacy issues in wireless networks. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Cannot be used towards the M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science.

94.565 Cloud Computing

This course starts with an overview of modern distributed models, exposing the design principles, systems architecture, and innovative applications of parallel, distributed, and cloud computing systems. The course will focus on the creation and maintenance of high-performance, scalable, reliable systems, providing comprehensive coverage of distributed and cloud computing, including: Facilitating management, debugging, migration, and disaster recovery through virtualization. Clustered systems for research or ecommerce applications. Designing systems as web services. Principles of cloud computing using examples from open-source and commercial applications. 3 credits.

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