Stand Guard in Our Digital World
Protect data, networks and systems in high-stakes environments.
Owens’ Security Technology Certificate program is your pathway into the high-demand field of IT security, where you’ll manage and protect critical security environments. Your expertise will span operating systems, hardware, software and networking—giving you the comprehensive knowledge to tackle any security challenge.
Every day, IT security professionals defend critical data, networks and systems from cyberattacks that could cripple businesses, compromise healthcare systems and disrupt government services. In this dynamic field, no two days are identical—you’ll analyze emerging threats, hunt for vulnerabilities and engineer innovative solutions that keep your skills razor-sharp.
Essential skills for standout security tech professionals:
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Quickly identify vulnerabilities, assess risks and develop effective security solutions.
- Technical Proficiency: Master networks, operating systems, cybersecurity tools and ethical hacking techniques.
- Communication & Ethical Judgment: Clearly explain technical issues, document protocols and responsibly handle sensitive data.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Certificate
Department
Department of Computer and Information Systems
Required Credit Hours
27-28
Looking Ahead
86%
Employment rate for Owens graduates within 2 years
14:1
Student-to-instructor ratio for personalized mentorship and support
Build. Defend. Protect.
Fast-track your cybersecurity career with this comprehensive two-semester certificate program designed to deliver the practical skills employers demand. In your first semester, you’ll build a rock-solid IT foundation through coursework in IT fundamentals, Microsoft operating systems administration, networking technologies, and composition or critical thinking.
In your second semester, you’ll step into the high-stakes world of cyber defense, learning to secure networks and navigate Linux systems. Through hands-on simulations in an ethical hacking course, you’ll learn to identify network attack strategies and implement common countermeasures to thwart them, shutting down digital threats before they spread. You’ll also develop the skills necessary to gather, interpret and present information for technical documents through an introductory technical communications course.
Earn Industry-Recognized Certifications
Graduate with industry-recognized credentials that open doors to opportunities.
CompTIA certifications:
- IT+ (IT fundamentals)
- Network+ (networking technologies)
- Security+ (network security)
- Linux+ (Linux essentials)
- CySA+ (cyber defense)
Microsoft certification:
- MD-102 (Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator Associate)
This certificate can stand alone for immediate employability—or serve as a stepping stone toward advanced degrees and certifications—both paths lead to the thriving tech industry.
Career Outcomes
In just two semesters, you’ll graduate ready to protect data, defend systems and stand out in one of the fastest-growing employment sectors. Cybersecurity represents one of the largest projected growth areas in the job market—with one in three IT positions expected to have a cybersecurity focus through 2029.
Security technology roles are expanding rapidly across diverse industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing and government. Graduates can pursue careers as information security engineers, information security analysts, computer and information systems managers, or digital forensic analysts.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“I’ve spent so much time after classes just talking to my instructors. We had a 90-minute conversation before I got hired. I took like eight pages of notes, it was such a learning experience for me.”
Ed Walden, STEM grad, ’24
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). For more information concerning accreditation standards contact, the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), 310 W. Lake St., Suite 111, Elmhurst, IL 60126. phone: (630) 433-4514 web: atmae.org