Cybersecurity Degree and Certificate Programs

Cybersecurity Is All We Teach

Unlock opportunities at every stage of your cybersecurity career. No other college matches the depth and breadth of our hands-on, state-of-the-art cybersecurity courses — or offers industry-recognized GIAC certifications with every program.

Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate

Gain the skills and confidence to pursue our more technical upper division undergraduate programs.

Applied Cybersecurity Certificate

Not just for undergrads, our Applied Cybersecurity Certificate program is for anyone (age 18 to 60+) with at least 48 college credits who wants to launch a high-paying cybersecurity career.

Applied Cybersecurity Certificate

Bachelor's Degree

Transfer your college credits to SANS.edu and become one of the most job-ready candidates in cybersecurity.

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Graduate Certificates

Advance your InfoSec career through technically focused sets of courses that sharpen job-specific skills.

Graduate Certificates

Master's Degree

Take your InfoSec career to the highest levels — developing both hands-on technical skills and the ability to lead.

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SANS.edu Named One of the Top 10 Innovators in Cybersecurity Education

The SANS Technology Institute has been recognized as a global leader in cybersecurity education by Help Net Security, joining the ranks of top institutions like Stanford, MIT, Carnegie Mellon and Oxford.

Read the Help Net Security Article

SANS.edu Is Designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the NSA

“The CAE-CD designation is a testament to the quality of our cybersecurity faculty and programs. Our graduates are helping to meet the urgent cybersecurity needs of the U.S. government, industry, academia, and research, and we are proud to be part of a select group of cyber programs to have received this important designation.”

- Ed Skoudis, SANS Technology Institute President

Read the Press Release Learn About the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

NEW: Research Review Journal Volume 5

Explore the latest research from SANS.edu graduate students — professionals on the front lines of cybersecurity — tackling today’s toughest threats across AI, cloud security, digital forensics, zero trust, malware detection, and more.

Download the Journal

Meet the First Paller Scholars

The first cohort Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship winners exemplify the mission of our scholarship program to identify exceptionally talented international students (non-US citizens) who are committed to making the world a safer place through cybersecurity. Each of the Paller Scholars selected in January 2024 was awarded a full scholarship to a SANS Technology Institute graduate program.

Catalin Bejan

Romania Initially drawn to cybersecurity by hacker films, cybersecurity analyst Catalin Bejan looks forward to gaining leadership and advanced technical skills, as well as 9 GIAC certifications, as a Paller Scholar.

Akin Bello

Nigeria Security Analyst Akin Bello, who aims to hone both the soft skills and hands-on skills required for success in cybersecurity, is excited about learning from diverse perspectives and mentoring emerging talent.

Michał Bełzak

Poland Pen tester and red teamer Michał Bełzak pursued the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship for the chance to get a top-tier education, challenge himself, and prepare to make contributions in research and education.

Ana Maria Bogdan

Romania Cyber Risk and Security Manager Ana Maria Bogdan seeks to make meaningful contributions to cybersecurity research and to support others in entering, transitioning within, or advancing their careers in cybersecurity.

Vivian Boisabi

Kenya Application Security Specialist Vivian Boisabi became a Paller Scholar to enhance her skills in ethical hacking, risk management, and advanced cybersecurity techniques to protect global cyber infrastructures.

Mark Lester Dampios

Philippines Pen tester Mark Lester Dampios aspires to excel in presentations, ensuring his audience fully comprehends his ideas, and to share cybersecurity knowledge both locally and internationally.

Ruta Punka

Latvia Information Security Specialist Ruta Punka transitioned to cybersecurity from a career in law and became a Paller Scholar because she values diversity, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact.

Elena Revzina

Latvia Cybersecurity Engineer Elena Revzina pursued a Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship to refine her analytical skills and deepen her expertise in threat analysis.

SANS.edu Sentinels Earn Top Honors in National Cyber League Fall 2024 Competition

The SANS Technology Institute once again showcased its dominance in cybersecurity education with outstanding performances in the fall 2024 National Cyber League (NCL) competition.

#1 Power Ranking (NSA Centers of Academic Excellence)
#1 Power Ranking (Experienced Student Bracket)
#1 Team (Standard Student Bracket)
#2 Power Ranking (Standard Student Bracket)
#3 Team (Experienced Student Bracket)
26% of the Top 100 individual players were SANS.edu Sentinels (Experienced Student Bracket)

Read the Press Release Shop for Sentinels Merchandise

SANS.edu Sentinels Earn 2nd Place in the NSA Codebreaker Challenge

Congratulations to the SANS.edu Sentinels for finishing in second place out of 572 registered schools in the National Security Agency’s 2024 Codebreaker Challenge. SANS.edu led the competition with five students completing all tasks, more than any other participating college.

Read the Press Release

The SANS.edu Advantage

Because cyber threats are constantly changing, our courses are continually updated for real-world relevance. But that's just the beginning.

GIAC Certifications

Earn professional certifications employers recognize and respect in each of our programs.

World-class Faculty

Learn the latest skills and techniques from the world's top cybersecurity practitioners.

100% Online Option

You have the option of completing our programs through live or rewindable online courses.

Flexible Schedule

Our programs are designed to fit into your busy life and work schedule.

Powerful Network

Make connections with some of the most talented students and teachers in the industry.

Learn from the Best

SANS Technology Institute faculty members are rock stars of the cybersecurity field, with a broad base of expertise in government and industry. Their up-to-date examples and deep knowledge ensure that what you learn in class will be useful immediately on the job.

100%

Every member of the SANS.edu faculty is a highly skilled professional currently working in cybersecurity.

150+

More than 150 open source cybersecurity tools have been created by SANS Faculty.

40+

SANS faculty members have authored more than 40 books on information security.

3.5K+

SANS faculty members have produced more than 3,500 research papers and webcasts on information security topics.

SANS Courses and GIAC Certifications

Cybersecurity employers send more than 40,000 of their employees to pursue SANS courses and GIAC certifications each year, confirming the value they see in up-to-date, real-world SANS courses and in the skills validation of GIAC certifications. These are the same courses and certifications you’ll complete at SANS.edu — with support from a student advisor, for college credit, at SANS.edu academic pricing.

Hands-on Courses with Proven Results

SANS courses are continually updated for real-world relevance and feature more than 1,700 hands-on labs, so you’ll be prepared to apply the skills you learn in class on the job from day one.

Certifications Ranked #1

Cybersecurity professionals ranked GIAC certifications as the most valued certifications when selecting job candidates for interviews. (Source: cio.org) Students earn GIAC certifications, along with their degree or certificate, as part of every SANS.edu program.

Course Delivery Options

Your mind has no borders. Why should your college? Our online and in-person course options are designed to fit your life and how you like to learn. (Note that the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate is a 100% online program.)

OnDemand

Our most flexible option gives you 24/7 access to online courses recorded by top cybersecurity practitioners. You can rewind and repeat content, including hands-on labs, quizzes, and exercises.

Live Online

Study from home — and save on travel and lodging expenses — through live, interactive scheduled online courses with SANS instructors and hands-on labs in a virtual environment.

In-Person

Immersive weeklong courses with hands-on labs are held across the country and around the world throughout the year. Meet fellow students and instructors and have the chance to attend special events, NetWars, vendor presentations, and more.

Success Stories

The SANS Technology Institute prepares some of the brightest minds in cybersecurity for lasting careers that make a meaningful difference. See why these students chose SANS.edu for their cybersecurity education and what they're up to now.

Loveona Jones

Loveona Jones completed the Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity during her senior year at a different college. Learn how she got her start in cybersecurity and won prestigious internships with the U.S. Department of State and a Fortune 500 company.

Cody Williams

Cody Williams completed the Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity in just under a year and landed his first cybersecurity job before completing the program. See why Cody thinks there’s a place for everybody in cybersecurity, particularly for those who fear having a boring desk job.

Cathy Sowa

Cathy Sowa made a mid-career change to cybersecurity. Discover how this former middle school teacher and adjunct professor gained the skills and confidence to enter the cybersecurity field.

Will Green

Will Green's talent for cybersecurity capture the flag (CTF) competitions earned him a place on the US Cyber Team. Discover his tips for aspiring CTF competitors and cybersecurity professionals.

Kaela Manger

Kaela Manger chose the bachelor’s degree program at SANS.edu to gain skills that would enhance her value as an information security professional and to secure highly valued GIAC certifications.

Jesse LaGrew

Between completing his bachelor’s degree at SANS.edu and starting the SANS master's degree program, Jesse LaGrew was named Chief Information Security Officer of his organization and helped the SANS.edu Sentinels win the National Cyber League competition.

Shawna Turner

Shawna Turner earned a master's from SANS.edu while working full time at Nike, so online course options and the ability to adjust her schedule to her life needs were critical to her success. Discover how this former theater tech transformed herself into a cybersecurity subject matter expert.

Karim Lalji

Karim Lalji, Senior Manager and North America Penetration Testing Lead for Accenture, considered other cybersecurity master's programs, but found them too theoretical. He chose SANS.edu because it was the “gold standard,” but was still blown away by the depth of knowledge provided. Learn more about Karim’s story.

Richard “Rick” Halsell Jr.

Richard “Rick” Halsell Jr. defended the Army against network breaches and today is Principal Security Program Manager at Microsoft. Learn about his career journey and see why this master's degree holder chose to pursue two graduate certificates at SANS.edu.

SANS.edu Programs are DoD 8140 Approved

If you're a Department of Defense (DoD) employee or contractor who wants to earn a career-focused cybersecurity degree or certificate, our DoD 8140 approved college programs can open new doors of opportunity. All SANS.edu programs are DoD 8140 approved except for our graduate certificate program in Software Supply Chain Security, which is not yet approved.

US Department of Defense 8140 Cyber Workforce Qualification Program
DoD 8140 establishes baseline standards for qualifications that directly support operational needs and workforce readiness. All DoD personnel assigned to positions requiring the performance of cyberspace work are affected by DoD 8140.

Service members
DoD civilian employees (including non-appropriated fund employees)
Contractors
Foreign nationals

Learn more about DoD 8140

Take Your Next Step

Need more information? We’re happy to answer your questions. Join us for an info session, email info@sans.edu or call 301.241.7665.

Ready to apply? We look forward to learning about you and your cybersecurity career goals.

Request Info Apply Now

Our Grads Get Hired

Our alumni work for organizations large and small, including Fortune 500 companies, military and government organizations, and leading cybersecurity firms. Here are just a few.

Accenture	Discover Financial Services	Northrop Grumman
Adobe	Dragos	OpenSecurity
Akamai	Epic	Oracle
Alert Logic	Expel	Prudential
Amazon	EY	PwC
Aon Cyber Solutions	Facebook	Raytheon
Apple Inc	Fortra	Red Canary
Artic Wolf Networks	Highmark Health	Rendition Infosec
Bank of America	IBM	RSA
Blizzard Entertainment	JHU/APL	SAIC
Boeing	Jigsaw Google	Salesforce
Booz Allen Hamilton	JPMorgan Chase	Sandia National Laboratories
CACI	KBR	SixGen
Capital One	KPMG	Symantec
Cisco	Mantech	Synack
Coalfire	Mastercard	Tanium
Coretelligent	Microsoft	Verizon
CrowdStrike	MITRE	Walmart
Deloitte	NIST	Wells Fargo Bank

Student Reviews

The decision to choose a master's degree from SANS.edu was the best one I have ever made. This transformed me into a true cybersecurity professional.

Viswanath Srinivasan Chirravuri

Software Security Director - Thales DIS USA

SANS.edu made the difference between my being an unemployed college graduate and a well-compensated cyber professional.

Cody Williams

Cybersecurity Analyst III, Security Automation - Sutter Health

SANS gives you both the technical knowledge and the soft skills to persuade and convince an audience. It offers the highest quality technical security training on the planet.

Michael H. Matthee

Principal Application Security Engineer

Discover the Best Cybersecurity Degree and Certificate Programs