Online Certificate in Cyber Operations
Learn how to create and protect resilient systems and networks with the online Certificate in Cyber Operations. This program offers more than a theory-based education — it’s centered on real-world application.
Add the 12-credit certificate to a bachelor’s degree or complete it as a stand-alone credential.
Contact a Student Success Coach
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About the Program
The online Certificate in Cyber Operations is designed for students with strong technical backgrounds. The program provides a comprehensive introduction to the cyber field, strengthens your existing knowledge and allows you to explore whether the cyber field is right for you.
Stackable and relevant
The Certificate in Cyber Operations gives you crucial cyber skills important for almost every discipline and industry. Add it to a bachelor’s degree or pursue the certificate as a stand-alone credential.
Real-world application
Learn from cyber industry leaders and expand your knowledge, skills and expertise needed to maintain the operational effectiveness of complex business, academic and government information systems.
Designed for you
The Certificate in Cyber Operations is 100% online with asynchronous, seven-week classes and full- and part-time scheduling options. You can complete this certificate in as few as two semesters when attending full-time.
Certificate in Cyber Operations at a Glance
Classes
The online Certificate in Cyber Operations is a 12-credit program that can be completed in as few as two semesters.
Interested in taking classes on campus? If you are looking for the flexibility to take courses on the Boise State University campus and online, we can help. Talk with a student success coach about your options.
Review the following table for details on required courses for the certificate.
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CPS 301 Information Assurance and Critical Thinking | 3 |
| Choose two courses from the following: CPS 401 Defensive Security (3) CPS 402 Offensive Security (3) CPS 403 Recovery and Forensics (3) |
6 |
| CPS 412 Foundational Essentials for IT Cybersecurity Practitioners | 3 |
Course Descriptions
Official course descriptions and degree plans are published on the undergraduate catalog website.
To find a course, click the “Courses” tab and select the drop-down list that aligns with your desired course prefix (e.g. CPS 301). You may also use the search bar to search for the course prefix.
Program Cost
Boise State Online offers reasonably priced tuition, ongoing support, financial aid options and degree paths that help ensure you reach your goals quickly and efficiently.
Review the following table for an example of the total program cost.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Boise State Undergraduate Admissions Application Fee (non-refundable) | $50 |
| Courses (12 total credits @$375 per credit*) | $4,500 |
| Books (estimate) | $400 |
| Approximate Total Investment | $4,950 |
| Room/Board** | $5,688 |
| Transportation** | $1,248 |
Other potential expenses may include a personal computer, webcam, headphones with mic, and internet access which are all required for this program. Students in the cyber program will need a computer that meets the following processing requirements: PC – AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5; MAC – 16GB memory, 500GB drive space.
*The per-credit fees listed are for the 2024-25 academic year. Future academic year per-credit fees may vary slightly and are finalized each May.
**Costs for room, board and transportation are used to calculate financial aid and are included to disclose the full cost of attendance. These costs are not required for students pursuing a fully online degree.
Admission Requirements
Program acceptance is dependent upon admittance to Boise State University. There are no program-specific admission application costs or additional fees.
Application Deadlines by Semester
Admission is offered each fall, spring and summer semester. Space is limited, so early application is recommended. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. The priority deadlines to submit materials are listed in the following table.
| Semester | Application Deadline | Courses Begin |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | July 15 | Late August |
| Spring | December 1 | Early January |
| Summer | April 15 | Early May |
How to Apply
Step 1 – Apply to Boise State University
Complete the Boise State Admissions Application. On the Degree Path page within the application, select “Cyber Operations Certificate-Online” from the Program or Certificate drop-down list.
Step 2 – Request Official Transcripts
Contact the registrar offices of all the universities and colleges that you’ve attended to obtain transcripts that can be emailed to Boise State. You can also get a copy for yourself to reference.
If you have served in the military, please make sure to send your Joint Services Transcript and/or Community College of the Air Force transcript.
Student Support
Boise State features a network of individuals who are here to ensure you succeed in your program.
From student success coaches who guide you through the admissions process to faculty who share their real-world experience — we are here to help.
Explore Cyber Programs at Boise State
Learn more about Boise State’s online cyber operations degree and certificate programs.
Accreditation
Boise State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
This means the entire university meets or exceeds the criteria for the assessment of institutional quality and is evaluated through a peer-review process. In addition, many academic programs have special accreditation or endorsement. For more information on why accreditation matters, refer to our Accreditation FAQs.
Authorization
Boise State maintains authorization to offer online programs in Idaho and beyond. Detailed information about state authorization is available on the eCampus Center website.
Cyber Program News
Didn’t find what you’re looking for?
Contact our enrollment and student success team for support by emailing us at CyberOnline@boisestate.edu, calling (208) 426-5921 or clicking the chat button.