info security graphic

Graduate Certificate in
Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture

Program summary

Gain advanced knowledge of enterprise information security technology, gap analysis, migration planning, and network strategy with this online enterprise information and security technology architecture certificate program.

Application deadline

Apply by July 1 to start August 26

Credits and costs

9 Credits $1,017 per credit

Earn an Online Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture

In today's highly competitive business environments, enterprise-wide decision-making depends on first acquiring detailed and high-level summary information, much of it based on the integration and management of IT resources from a strategic and business-driven viewpoint.

The 9-credit online Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture program, offered by Penn State World Campus in partnership with Penn State's College of Information Sciences and Technology, can provide information technology and business professionals with advanced knowledge of:

  • the enterprise information technology stack
  • enterprise architecture gap analysis
  • migration planning
  • governance and measurement
  • security and network management strategy, including intrusion detection, encryption, authentication, and network management

This certificate is designed to help you gain an important career advantage in the areas of enterprise architecture and security technology architecture.

The Penn State Difference

This program combines a highly focused curriculum with a flexible, convenient, online format, allowing you to maintain your professional commitments as you acquire a valued credential. You can learn from faculty who have extensive experience teaching in online education environments, with a range of expertise in such fields as cybersecurity, business, information science, computer science, engineering, and artificial intelligence.

Your Course Work

With this certificate's comprehensive curriculum, you can build a strong knowledge base and technological skills that encompass enterprise architecture and technology, giving you the expertise you need to advance in the ever-expanding field of security architecture.

Who Should Apply?

If you're working in a field related to enterprise architecture, this certificate can help you expand your understanding of integrating enterprise architecture and technology, allowing you to add a respected credential to your résumé and help you advance your career. The program is also appropriate if you have a strong background in information technology, business, or engineering and security, or have other certifications such as CISSP, PMP, or TOGAF.

Courses

You can earn the Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture as a stand-alone certificate or as a step toward completing the online Master of Professional Studies in Enterprise Architecture and Business Transformation program. If you apply and are accepted into the master's degree program, the 9 credits you earn in the certificate may be applied toward the master's degree.

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Theoretical foundations and practice of the enterprise information technology architecture.

    • Prerequisite

      EA 871

    • Note

      Prerequisite waived for this certificate

  • 3
    credits

    Analytical skills to produce credible, meaningful answers to critical risk management questions across enterprise architecture layers, including the supply chain.

    • Prerequisite

      EA 871

    • Note

      Prerequisite waived for this certificate

  • 3
    credits

    Essential skills and knowledge for effectively utilizing networks and internet technologies to facilitate, manage, and secure data communications and applications.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,017 per credit
12 or more $12,203 per semester

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,027 per credit
12 or more $12,325 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, should be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall DeadlineApply by July 1 to start August 26
  • Spring DeadlineApply by November 1, 2024, to start January 13, 2025

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.

Admission Requirements 

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.

A bachelor's degree in a related area (e.g., engineering or science), while not necessary for admission, is helpful in the successful completion of the certificate. It is expected that students will have a solid foundation in information technology and enterprise architecture with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

A copy of an official transcript from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed — Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

GPA and Test Scores — For admission to the certificate program, a 2.75 GPA, either overall or from the last 60 credits, is needed. To be awarded the certificate, students must successfully complete 9 credits of graduate course work with a grade-point average of 3.0. A minimum of 2 years relevant work experience is recommended.

GRE scores are not required and will not be accepted as part of your application.

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

Reference (1) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering the name, email address, and mailing address of one professional reference. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to your reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform the recommender they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.  

Program-Specific Questions/Materials

Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.

Program-specific questions — Please submit your responses with your application.

Statement of Interest — Please include a written personal statement in your application to share information that you deem important to your candidacy. Be sure to include why you are a qualified applicant and how this degree will assist you in meeting your future career goals. You may wish to describe aspects of your background and interests — intellectual, personal, and/or professional — and how you will uniquely contribute to the IST community and/or the related professions. As a suggested length, limit your statement to one or two pages, double-spaced. At the top of each page, please indicate "STATEMENT OF INTEREST," along with your name, numbering each page.

Start Your Application

Begin the graduate school application

  • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
  • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
  • Choose "Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture"  as the certificate 

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.

Technical Requirements 

Review the technical requirements for this degree program.

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by July 1 to start August 26. How to Apply

Start or Advance Your Career

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.


Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree

A figure standing halfway up a set of stairs leading towards a graduation cap

Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Degree Program Related to This Certificate

Some or all credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree program:

Learn to link business strategy with tactical execution by gaining an interdisciplinary background in business, engineering, information sciences, and project management. This online master's program was created with the help of industry leaders, government, and corporations.

Learn more about the Master of Enterprise Architecture in Enterprise Architecture and Business Transformation  

Contact Us

To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology, please contact: 

Chrissie Fitzgerald
Graduate Programs Manager
College of Information Sciences and Technology
The Pennsylvania State University
E108 Westgate Building
University Park PA 16802
[email protected]

For general questions about Penn State World Campus, please contact: 

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]

Faculty

  • Michael R. Bartolacci

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Industrial Engineering, Lehigh University
    • Degree
      MBA, Lehigh University
    • Degree
      B.A., Engineering, Lafayette College

    Dr. Michael R. Bartolacci is an associate professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State Berks. He conducts research in telecommunications modeling, electronic commerce modeling, customer relationship management, manufacturing modeling, and international aspects of telecommunications.

  • David Fusco

    • Degree
      Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Management, Drexel University
    • Degree
      M.Ed., Saint Francis University
    • Degree
      B.S., Computer Science, Penn State

    Dr. David Fusco is an associate teaching professor and director of experiential learning in the College of Information Sciences and Technology at University Park. Dr. Fusco teaches courses in cybersecurity, enterprise technology integration, and leadership. In 2018, Dr. Fusco received the George J. McMurtry Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award.

  • Edward J. Glantz

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
    • Degree
      MBA, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
    • Degree
      B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.A., General Arts and Science, Penn State

    Dr. Edward J. Glantz, P.E., has been with the College of IST faculty since 2009. Prior to joining IST, Dr. Glantz served 10 years as a faculty member of Penn State's Smeal College of Business. His career spans more than 20 years of managing technology, research, and marketing in the manufacturing and telecommunication industries, including startup work.

  • David Hollar

    • Degree
      M.S., Computer Science, Rochester Institute of Technology
    • Degree
      B.S., Computer Science, Lenoir-Rhyne University

    David Hollar is a principal enterprise architect for the MITRE Corporation’s Enterprise Strategy & Transformation Innovation Center, providing advice and guidance to senior executives within the federal government. He has more than 25 years of experience working with federal government and private industry on system development, enterprise architecture, and transition planning and execution. His areas of interest and expertise also include enterprise transformation, technology strategy, and risk analysis.

  • Rosalie Ocker

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Computer and Information Science, Rutgers University Graduate School of Management
    • Degree
      MBA, Lehigh University
    • Degree
      B.A., Economics, Albright College

    Dr. Rosalie Ocker is an associate teaching professor in the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State University Park. Prior to working in academia, Dr. Ocker was a consultant at Arthur Anderson (now Accenture), where she worked in the financial services sector, developing financial trading systems for firms on Wall Street. She also worked at Morgan Stanley as an internal consultant. Dr. Ocker teaches EA 871: Enterprise Architecture Foundations I and EA 594: Capstone Project.

  • Mahdi Nasereddin

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Industrial Engineering, University of Central Florida
    • Degree
      M.S., Industrial Engineering, University of Central Florida
    • Degree
      B.S., Industrial Engineering, University of Central Florida

    Dr. Mahdi Nasereddin is an associate professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State Berks. His current research interest is in the application of artificial intelligence, simulation metamodeling, simulation optimization, and experimental design.

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by July 1 to start August 26. How to Apply