Cyber & Information Systems
Eight months to real cybersecurity credentials.
100% online, fully asynchronous, built for working professionals. The same Northeastern University College of Engineering. No commute, no prior tech background required.
Fall 2026 tuition discount
Apply today. Don't miss out on this limited time opportunity.
Graduate Certificate in Cyber and Information Systems
from Northeastern University
Cybersecurity threats are growing in scale and sophistication — and the professionals who defend against them need both technical depth and strategic perspective. The Online Graduate Certificate in Cyber & Information Systems from Northeastern University's College of Engineering builds both.
Every course runs on real industry problems, taught by faculty who bring active professional practice into the classroom. Skills you learned on Tuesday that you can apply at work on Wednesday. No prior tech background required.
Three courses. Twelve credits. Eight months. The same Northeastern University College of Engineering — at a fraction of the time and cost of the master's.
This certificate stacks directly into the Northeastern Online MS in Information Systems or the Online MS in Engineering Management. So if you decide to continue, you arrive at your master's program with a credential already in hand and coursework already complete.
Learn how Stack Track works →- CredentialGraduate Certificate
- ProgramCyber and Information Systems
- CollegeCollege of Engineering
- UniversityNortheastern University
You'll receive an official Northeastern University certificate and a transcript notation — the same documentation the institution issues for any of its graduate credentials.
No reference to "online" or "distance" anywhere on your certificate or transcript.
The $5,250 total tuition is intentionally aligned with the IRS Section 127 limit for employer-provided education assistance — many employers can reimburse the full cost of this certificate, tax-free, before you pay a dollar out of pocket. Employer reimbursement toolkit →
Full details at Tuition & payment details →.
Federal financial aid is not available for this certificate program. Employer reimbursement, military benefits, and payment plans may apply. Payment plans available through Northeastern Student Financial Services.
At $5,250 total, this certificate aligns with most employer reimbursement programs. Employer reimbursement toolkit →
Earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA in your certificate courses and all 12 credits apply toward the Online MS in Information Systems or the Online MS in Engineering Management. See Stack Track →
Eight Months to Real Cybersecurity
Credentials.
Cybersecurity is the fastest-growing field in tech employment. This certificate gets you to a Northeastern University credential in as little as eight months — three courses, twelve credits, $5,250 total. The same College of Engineering as the Online MSIS, at a fraction of the time and cost. No prior tech background required.
A Northeastern certificate in eight months.
While a master's takes 16–32 months, this certificate puts a Northeastern University College of Engineering credential on your résumé in as little as eight — three courses, twelve credits, fully online and asynchronous. Graduates receive an official Northeastern certificate and transcript notation, the same documentation the institution issues for any of its graduate credentials. Same faculty. Same standard.
Tuition aligned with employer reimbursement.
The $5,250 total isn't an accident. It matches the IRS Section 127 limit for tax-free employer-provided education assistance — meaning many students complete the certificate without paying anything out of pocket. Employer reimbursement toolkit →
Every credit carries forward.
All 12 credits stack directly into the Online MS in Information Systems or the MS in Engineering Management as long as you earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA. If you decide to continue, you arrive at your master's already more than a third of the way through — with a Northeastern credential already in hand.
Roles, Salaries, and Job Growth in Cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is not a niche specialty. It is the fastest-growing major field in tech employment, with 29% projected job growth from 2024 to 2034 — nearly three times the national average. This certificate prepares graduates for roles across information security, risk management, systems protection, and security architecture. Common titles include Information Security Analyst, Security Architect, Risk Manager, Compliance Officer, Systems Administrator, and Security Engineer. These roles span industries including financial services, healthcare, government, consulting, and enterprise technology — sectors where demand for credentialed cybersecurity professionals consistently outpaces supply.
Salary figures represent national median wages across all experience levels. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024. Figures do not reflect expected starting salaries.
Skills Employers are Hiring for
in Cybersecurity.
From threat analysis and risk management to security architecture and compliance — every skill in this certificate ties to a real role employers are hiring for right now.
Identify & Mitigate Threats
Assess vulnerabilities across enterprise systems and apply proven frameworks to defend digital infrastructure before and after an attack.
Risk Management & Compliance
Apply industry-standard frameworks including NIST and ISO 27001 to manage information risk and meet regulatory requirements across industries.
Network Security & Access Control
Understand core principles of network security, access control, and cryptography — the technical foundation of every information security role.
Incident Response & Governance
Develop incident response plans and security governance policies that protect organizations and keep them audit-ready.
Vulnerability Analysis
Analyze information systems for weaknesses and implement the protective controls that keep enterprise infrastructure sound.
Strategic Security Decisions
Translate technical risk into language the boardroom understands — bridging security teams and business leadership.
Cyber & Information Systems Curriculum.
Eight Courses, You Take Three.
The certificate draws from the Northeastern University College of Engineering's Online MS in Information Systems Cybersecurity track. The courses cover the full range of cybersecurity and information systems practice — from systems fundamentals and risk management to software quality, database design, and UX engineering. Three of the eight are recommended for the cybersecurity-focused path; you can choose any three to build the credential that fits your goals.
Faculty Who Work in the
Industry They Teach.
"After 14 years leading audit and compliance work in GRC, I really enjoy bringing those real-world experiences into the classroom."
The Online Graduate Certificate in Cyber & Information Systems is taught by Northeastern University College of Engineering faculty — the same researchers and practitioners who teach the on-ground program and the Online MSIS. Your instructors aren't observing the cybersecurity field. They're working in it.
Your Path to a Master's
Degree.
Earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA in your certificate courses and your full 12 credits apply directly toward a Northeastern master's degree. You don't have to decide now. Earn the certificate, then continue on your timeline.
Stack into the Online MS in Information Systems
The MSIS is a 32-credit graduate degree from Northeastern's College of Engineering — a top 40 engineering school per U.S. News & World Report. Earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA across your three certificate courses and all 12 credits apply directly toward the MSIS, leaving 20 credits to complete the full master's.
You arrive at the MSIS with a Northeastern credential already on your résumé and more than a third of your degree complete.
Stacking requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA in your certificate courses. Subject to admission to the master's program.
Stack into the Online MS in Engineering Management
The MS in Engineering Management is a 32-credit graduate degree from Northeastern's College of Engineering for technical professionals moving into leadership roles. This certificate is a strong on-ramp for security and IT professionals targeting engineering management positions.
Earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA in your certificate courses and all 12 credits apply, leaving 20 credits to complete the master's.
Stacking requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA in your certificate courses. Subject to admission to the master's program.
Earn the cert. Stack into a degree on your timeline.
Stack Track is the bridge between certificate and degree across Northeastern Online. See how it works, which master's programs are eligible, and the GPA you need to qualify.
Why Northeastern Online?
Here's What Makes It Different.
Apply to the Online Graduate Certificate
in Cyber and Information Systems.
The Fast App is the streamlined admissions path for Northeastern Online certificate programs. No GRE, no essays, no application fee. All you need is a bachelor's degree in any field.
Getting enrolled shouldn't be.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Yes. This is an institutional Northeastern University credential. It will appear on your official transcript exactly as issued — no reference to "online" or "distance."
It is a Northeastern University credential, issued directly by the institution. Same College of Engineering, same faculty, same standards as any graduate certificate Northeastern issues.
Yes. Earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA in your certificate courses and 12 credits apply toward the Northeastern Online MS in Information Systems or the Online MS in Engineering Management. See Stack Track →
Federal financial aid is not available for this certificate program. Employer reimbursement, military benefits, and payment plans may apply. Sign up for a payment plan at Northeastern Student Financial Services.
At $5,250 total, this certificate aligns with most employer reimbursement programs. Employer reimbursement toolkit →
No. The Fast App requires no GRE, no GMAT, no essays, and no application fee.
As little as 8 months taking two courses per term, or up to 16 months at one course per term. The program is fully asynchronous — you only pay when enrolled, and you can pause between terms without penalty.
Yes. The program is 100% online and fully asynchronous — no set class times, no required commute.
Roles in information security, risk management, systems protection, and security architecture — including Information Security Analyst, Security Architect, Risk Manager, Compliance Officer, Systems Administrator, and Security Engineer. See Career Outcomes →
No. Your certificate documents carry no reference to online or distance delivery. It is the same Northeastern University credential as any graduate certificate issued by the institution.
No. This program prepares graduates for professional roles in information security and systems protection. It does not lead to licensure or prepare graduates for any state-regulated professional examination or certification exam.
No. This is a 100% online program and is not F-1 visa eligible. International professionals can earn the certificate from anywhere in the world without a U.S. visa.
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or ready to enroll?
Fill out the form and an enrollment counselor will reach out — typically within one business day.