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Business Cybersecurity Foundations Graduate Certificate

Aug. 20, 2025

Next Start Date

4

Courses Required

$1,004

Cost Per Credit Hour

Reflects current academic year's tuition.
Military Discount Available

12

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses

Learning Format

Develop Cybersecurity Strategies

The Business Cybersecurity Foundations Graduate Certificate is a 12-month, flexible, online program that requires 4 courses or 12 credit hours to complete. The emphasis is on developing a case for and the tools to launch a successful cybersecurity management strategy. There is a demand for individuals with specific skillsets because cybersecurity has broad-reaching impacts on just about every component of contemporary business. Cybersecurity threats to businesses are real and these incidents are becoming more severe, costly and escalating over time.

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Overview

The Business Cybersecurity Foundations Graduate Certificate is a 12-month, flexible, online hybrid program that requires 12 credit hours.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

  • Develop and maintain data-driven justification for cybersecurity management in firms of any size or in any industry.
  • Identify cybersecurity management vulnerabilities and suggest strategies to eliminate or mitigate such vulnerabilities.
  • Establish and maintain robust data collection and warehousing infrastructure.

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Admission Requirements

Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Complete the following steps to apply:

  • Complete the WVU Online Graduate Application
  • Upload an up-to-date resume. Your resume should include enough information for the admissions committee to trace your entire professional work history and should indicate any relevant affiliations.
  • Create a Statement of Purpose (not to exceed one page). Your statement of purpose should be a short, one-page essay which describes your interest in the program, why you wish to pursue the program at WVU, how the program will help you reach your career goals, and any additional information which may be necessary to understanding your candidacy.
  • Applicants will need to submit college transcripts; an unofficial copy may be uploaded with your application. Upon acceptance, an official transcript must be submitted to finalize acceptance. If your school offers “e-script” (an official electronic copy of transcripts), email your official transcripts electronically to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. Or by mail to: WVU Hub, P.O. Box 6004, Morgantown, WV 26506.
  • International applicants should submit electronic transcripts to: InternationalAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. For those using express mail, use the address WVU Hub, 62 Morrill Way - Suite 220, Morgantown, WV 26506.
  • International Students are required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

The future for graduates with a certificate in Business Cybersecurity Foundations

As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more complex, the demand for professionals with skills in business cybersecurity is increasing. Graduates of a Business Cybersecurity Foundations Certificate program can expect a promising future in the field.

Career outlook for graduates with a certificate in Business Cybersecurity Foundations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts, which includes professionals in business cybersecurity data analytics, is projected to grow 33% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

What can you do with a certificate in Business Cybersecurity Foundations?

As the field continues to evolve, new specialties are likely to emerge to address emerging threats and technologies. Here are a few examples of current opportunities within the field: network security, application security, cloud security, cybercrime investigation, identity and access management and incident response.

Certificate Code - CG55

Course Requirements: Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to graduate from the program. Each required class must be completed with a grade of a C- or better. Graduate students with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) below 2.75 will be placed on academic probation.

Course Title Credit Hours
BUDA 510 Foundations of Business Intelligence 3
BUDA 520 Data Management 3
CYBR 525 Information Security Assurance Management 3
CYBR 530 Business Data Communications 3

Total hours: 12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some potential career paths in this field?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Business Cybersecurity Foundations Graduate Certificate degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

  • Fraud Examiner, Investigator and Analyst | Projected Growth: 5-10%
  • Business Intelligence Analyst | Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
  • Data Scientist | Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
  • Database Architect | Projected Growth: 5-10%.
  • Management Analyst | Projected Growth: 10-15% *Bright Outlook

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

What draws people into this field?

Several factors draw people to the cybersecurity field. Some common reasons are: increasing need, positive earning potential, challenge of the work, the opportunity to make a difference and the opportunity for continuous learning.

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WVU Online
West Virginia University 
PO Box 6800
Morgantown, WV 26506-6800

Phone: (800) 253-2762
Email: WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu

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