Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Graduate Certificate
December 19, 2025
January 12, 2026
Overview
The Ohio State University’s online Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Certificate prepares you to thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape where new threats arise daily. This online graduate certificate, offered through the College of Engineering and Ohio State’s Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust, focuses on strategy around cybersecurity defense and offense measures in digital systems.
The fundamentals of cybersecurity are paired with lessons in applied skills you can immediately leverage in your work. Faculty experts draw from real-world experiences and techniques in this 100% online* graduate certificate designed for working adults with bachelor’s degrees in engineering or a related field.
Ready to go beyond the bachelor’s? Take your cybersecurity career to the next level with Ohio State’s Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust program.
*Most courses are taught synchronously, with live online sessions you attend in real time.
What you’ll learn in Ohio State’s online Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Certificate program:
- Understand core cybersecurity concepts, why cybersecurity matters, and how to design and implement effective security solutions.
- Apply advanced techniques in offense and defense, including reverse engineering, vulnerability discovery, malware analysis, and securing autonomous and hardware systems.
- Use critical thinking skills to identify the right questions, design methods to address them, and analyze results systematically.
- Translate security principles and techniques into practical solutions across industries such as healthcare, education, and beyond.
Why earn your Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Graduate Certificate from Ohio State?
- Advance your cybersecurity expertise in as little as a year – Gain specialized, career-ready skills in one of the fastest-growing fields, with job growth projected at 33% from 2023 to 2033 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Built on academic excellence – Learn from expert faculty in Ohio State’s College of Engineering and Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust—recognized as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) and Cyber Research (CAE-R).
- Fully online – Complete all courses 100% online with no campus visits required.
- A pathway to the cybersecurity master’s degree – Apply your certificate courses directly toward Ohio State’s Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust to seamlessly continue your education.
Most students complete the certificate in about one year, taking courses part-time while working. The certificate consists of four courses offered in the spring and autumn semesters.
The Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Graduate Certificate is designed for professionals with a strong technical foundation who want to advance their cybersecurity careers. The program is ideal for those with a bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferably computer science or electrical/computer engineering) or another STEM field. Other technical or non-engineering degrees may be considered depending on prior experience.
Our college offers a wide range of academic resources to support student success. These include tutoring services, writing centers, and academic advising. Additionally, there are numerous workshops on study skills, time management, and test preparation. Students can also access online resources through the library’s website, such as research databases, e-books, and academic journals. For specific needs, faculty office hours provide an excellent opportunity for personalized assistance.
Online courses at Ohio State are different from on-campus courses. We have designed online courses to take advantage of the benefits of the virtual experience, including connecting to outside people and ideas, presenting information, and engaging in discussions with your classmates and faculty.
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Ohio State’s 100% online Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust focuses on both foundational and emerging areas of cybersecurity, preparing you for real-world challenges. With coursework in network security, cryptography, software security, offensive computing, and malware analysis, you’ll gain practical, interdisciplinary skills to address today’s most pressing cybersecurity issues. Courses from the Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Graduate Certificate count towards the master’s degree.
Gain a broader understanding of cybersecurity from an organizational and legal perspective. This online certificate program is well-suited for professionals in management, compliance, or policy roles who want to strengthen their ability to navigate cybersecurity risk and governance. Learn more about the Cybersecurity Law, Policy, and Management Graduate Certificate.
Academic Calendar
You may enroll in the Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Certificate during the Autumn or Spring semester, taking either one or two courses each term, letting you choose your pace to completion. Most courses are taught synchronously, and summer courses are currently not offered.
Academic Calendar
You may enroll in the Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Certificate during the Autumn or Spring semester, taking either one or two courses each term, letting you choose your pace to completion. Most courses are taught synchronously, and summer courses are currently not offered.
Admission Criteria
To prepare applicants for success in the Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Graduate Certificate, we recommend having an earned bachelor’s degree in engineering, specifically computer science or electrical and computer engineering. Applicants with other engineering degrees or non-engineering undergraduate degrees may be considered depending upon the type of degree and years of technical work experience.
1. Application
Applicants must complete the online graduate certificate application.
2. Resume
Include an updated copy of your resume listing work experience.
3. Academic credentials and transcripts
Copies of transcripts from all accredited higher education institutions attended must be submitted. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) across all post-secondary coursework is required.
4. Letters of recommendation
Please arrange to have two recommendations prepared. These can come from academic or professional connections who are familiar with your qualifications and potential for graduate study. Please contact our team with any questions about potential recommenders. You will have the option of allowing your recommendations to be submitted electronically or in paper form. Instructions are provided for either method within the online application.
5. Statement of purpose
Include a short essay about why you wish to enroll in the CODC certificate.
6. Application processing fee
A non-refundable $60 fee is due at the time of application.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
The Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Graduate Certificate will broaden your knowledge base and technical skills in the cybersecurity industry, preparing you to solve real-world challenges across government and business settings. If you are looking for a career as an information security analyst, computer network architect, computer system analyst, database administrator, or seek to advance your cybersecurity career, then this program can act as an educational foundation.
Cybersecurity job outlook: The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow rapidly, with employment projected to increase 33% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Work Activities
Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs. Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems. Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $69,660
- Mid Level: $124,910
- Senior Level: $186,420
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
32.7%
Related Careers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Digital Forensics Analysts
- Information Security Engineers
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Penetration Testers
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
What They Do
Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.
Work Activities
Assess the quality of security controls, using performance indicators. Conduct investigations of information security breaches to identify vulnerabilities and evaluate the damage. Coordinate documentation of computer security or emergency measure policies, procedures, or tests.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $52,650
- Mid Level: $108,970
- Senior Level: $176,800
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
10.8%
Related Careers
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Information Security Analysts
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Penetration Testers
What They Do
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
Work Activities
Develop disaster recovery plans. Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes. Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $79,520
- Mid Level: $130,390
- Senior Level: $198,030
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
13.4%
Related Careers
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Information Security Engineers
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Software Developers
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
- English Language
- Education and Training
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
Work Activities
Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines. Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems. Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $104,450
- Mid Level: $171,200
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
17.4%
Related Careers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Information Security Engineers
- Project Management Specialists
- Software Developers
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
What They Do
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Work Activities
Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning. Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems. Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $63,160
- Mid Level: $103,790
- Senior Level: $166,030
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
10.7%
Related Careers
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Database Administrators
- Database Architects
- Information Security Engineers
- Software Developers
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
What They Do
Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
Work Activities
Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements. Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use. Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $52,650
- Mid Level: $108,970
- Senior Level: $176,800
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
10.8%
Related Careers
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Database Architects
- Information Security Engineers
- Software Developers
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
What They Do
Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.
Work Activities
Manage project execution to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, and scope. Confer with project personnel to identify and resolve problems. Monitor or track project milestones and deliverables.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $52,650
- Mid Level: $108,970
- Senior Level: $176,800
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
10.8%
Related Careers
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Management Analysts
- Project Management Specialists
- Software Developers
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
What They Do
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Work Activities
Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes. Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure. Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $56,820
- Mid Level: $104,620
- Senior Level: $160,890
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
8.2%
Related Careers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Database Architects
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Software Developers
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Telecommunications
What They Do
Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.
Work Activities
Develop and document database architectures. Collaborate with system architects, software architects, design analysts, and others to understand business or industry requirements. Develop database architectural strategies at the modeling, design and implementation stages to address business or industry requirements.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $81,630
- Mid Level: $135,980
- Senior Level: $209,990
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
10.8%
Related Careers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Data Warehousing Specialists
- Database Administrators
- Software Developers
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
This Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Certificate includes three required courses and one elective that you can select to best fit your educational needs.
Most courses are taught synchronously, and summer courses are currently not offered.
This course covers an introduction to cybersecurity. Technical fundamentals of data, software, component, network, and system security. Cybersecurity from an organizational and societal view point, including human factors.
The course covers an introduction to the security of digital information; threats and attacks; regulations; risk management; attack detection and response; cryptography; forensics; technical training and certifications.
This course covers software security fundamentals, secure coding principles and practices, common software vulnerabilities, memory exploits (shell code), vulnerability discovery (e.g., fuzzing and symbolic execution), and defenses against common vulnerability exploitation.
As part of the Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Certificate, you have the opportunity to take three credits of elective coursework. You can choose to take elective coursework in a specific conceptual area that you wish to gain additional expertise in above and beyond the three required courses. Currently approved electives include Network Security, Introduction to Cryptography, Offensive Security, and Reverse Engineering & Malware Analysis.
CSE 5473 – Network Security: This course covers security threats and services, elements of cryptography, protocols for security services, network and internet security, advanced security issues and technologies.
CSE 5351 – Introduction to Cryptography: This course covers the foundations of cryptography; mathematical formulations/proofs of security goals; theory and practical constructions of encryption schemes, MACs, digital signatures; zero-knowledge proof systems; cryptographic protocols.
CSE 5477.01 – Offensive Security: This course will give students an overview of existing offensive computing techniques, which include well known attacks that break confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computing resources. Attacks targeting human weaknesses without taking special care to security will also be discussed.
CSE 5477.02 – Reverse Engineering & Malware Analysis: This course will give students an overview of cutting-edge reverse engineering techniques as well as software security and defense practices. Programming experience in C required.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
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Program Faculty
Zhiqiang Lin
Professor
Zhiqiang Lin is a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University. He is also a faculty member at the Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust, Center for Automotive Research, Translational Data Analytics Institute, and NSF AI Institute for Future Edge Networks and Distributed Intelligence.
Irem Eryilmaz
Assistant Professor
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“I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me.”
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program.
Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student. Actual costs may vary.
| Tuition Fees | Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Estimated Total Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $1,170.00 | $7,020.00 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $195.78 |
| Learning Technology Fee | $42.50 | $255.00 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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