How to Apply - Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Information Systems Security
Deadlines and Important Dates
Deadlines for submitting an application are below. Acceptance of your application makes you eligible for preferred registration for your courses, which is why we encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible.
- July 1 for fall semester admission
- October 15 for spring semester admission
Admissions Help
Thank you for your interest in continuing your information systems security education through Penn State World Campus. New and prospective students must submit an application for admission when applying to either the master's or a certificate program, along with a nonrefundable application fee. If you have any questions throughout the admissions process, please contact an admissions counselor.
Prerequisites
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
For admission to the certificate program, a 2.75 undergraduate grade-point average (GPA), either overall or of the last 60 credits, is needed. A 3.0 GPA must be obtained in order to successfully complete the certificate.
Application Materials
A completed application submitted electronically following the directions provided in the online application.
One- to two-page personal statement explaining how this program relates to your professional experience and can help you reach your career goals.
Current Résumé highlighting any IT experience and/or certifications you have
Name of One Recommender — Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to the recommender requesting the completion of a reference form contained in the email. Please inform the recommender they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
No GRE is required.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. All international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with some exceptions. Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School "How to Apply" page.
Two official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution that you attended regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. (Penn State even has a convenient transcript request form. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State.) Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Mail transcripts to:
Sherry Rogers
College of Information Sciences and Technology
The Pennsylvania State University
101P Information Sciences and Technology Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-9461
Fax: 814-865-7882
Email: mps@ist.psu.edu
How to Apply
Individuals seeking admission to this program must complete and submit the Penn State Graduate School online application. Be sure to read the admissions requirements carefully, as each program has unique requirements.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.