The Strengthen Workforce Education for Excellence in Programming Securely (SWEEPS) initiative is a joint effort among the National Security Agency, various cybersecurity initiatives, and leading universities and community colleges. Its aim is to equip software developers with the skills needed to enhance code security while maintaining efficiency.
By enrolling in our 100% Online SWEEPS Secure Programming Training Program, you will:
- Learn high-demand skills to advance your career in secure software development, secure programming and testing, and cybersecurity
- Learn the latest data security standards and how to reduce security vulnerabilities that leave software, systems and infrastructure open to cyberattacks
- Join dedicated programmers across the country to meet the rapidly growing need for increased software security
NSA-Funded Cybersecurity Secure Programming Certificate – Now accepting applications
Cybersecurity Informatics – Secure Programming Certificate Information
Cybersecurity Informatics – Secure Programming Specialty
Cybersecurity informatics is a field that combines cybersecurity principles with the broader study of information, aiming to protect information systems and data from threats. The Cybersecurity Informatics certificate provides a foundational knowledge of securing and protecting large computer systems and develops a strategic knowledge of security models, risk management, legal and compliance issues, and crisis management. The Secure Programming specialty provides students with specialized knowledge in how to use secure programming to support cybersecurity goals. This speciality requires participants to be US citizens or permanent residents. Scholarships for this program are available at the following link : https://wpi.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1TSSLILcDbPa18O
-
12 Credits
-
Tuition is $934 per credit. Scholarships available for US citizens and permanent residents
-
Finish in as little as 9 months
-
100% Online
-
No GRE requirement
-
Undergraduate degree required. An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
-
Must apply through: https://wpi.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1TSSLILcDbPa18O
-
Application Fee – $50 – Can be waived with the code SWEEPS2025 on the UMBC Application Page
-
Deadlines
Students will be required to complete 4 of the following courses:
-
IS 659 – Principles of Cybersecurity – This course provides an introduction to the principles of cybersecurity. It focuses on theory and practice of cybersecurity concepts shedding light on hacking, theft, and exploitation of information assets. Topics include authentication, access control, password management, cryptography, software vulnerabilities and malware, network security attacks, operating system attacks, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, etc. Offered Spring 2026
-
IS 672 – Computer and Network Security – This course surveys threats to computer and network security and methods for preventing intrusions. We study how vulnerabilities to these threats arise in the development and use of computer systems and survey the controls that can reduce or block these threats. The course will consist of weekly readings, homework questions, and hands-on labs. Offered Summer 2025.
-
IS 682 – Cloud Security – This course introduces students to classic techniques and common tools used to secure applications and storage in the cloud. The course uses the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform and discusses multiple tools and techniques available in AWS to control access, and secure data and applications. Resources and tools covered include but are not limited to AWS Config, AWS Cloud Trail, AWS Artifact, the AWS Compliance Center, AWS Organizations, and AWS Web Application Firewall (WAF). Offered Fall 2025
-
IS 698A – Secure and Robust Programming – This course is focused on coding and programming language. Offered Fall 2025.
- IS 698B – Secure Programming and Network Security – This course will cover processes and interprocess communication/synchronization; Network protocols for security; validating network inputs and outputs; implementing security in network programming; random number generation. Offered Spring 2026
Visit our Online MS webpage for the application process.
Who Would Benefit from Completing this Program
- Junior software engineers interested in transitioning to secure programming roles early in their careers
- Mid- to senior-level cybersecurity professionals interested in advanced training in secure programming
- IT professionals working in government, schools, healthcare and other sectors interested in advancing their expertise in secure programming
- Educators and students enrolled at two-year and four-year colleges and universities who are looking to increase their knowledge and training in data security standards and secure programming.
- Concepts, principles, and examples of secure programming.
- Common misconceptions and practices for improving security.
- Compliance and legal requirements related to secure programming.
- Intensive tutorials on advanced topics, including in-depth walkthroughs and analysis of vulnerabilities, exploits, and defense mechanisms beyond the basics.
- Advance Your Career: Learn in-demand and highly transferable technical skills that expand your career options and increase your income
- Academic Credibility and Practical Application: The SWEEPS Secure Programming Training programs have been developed by leading universities and informed by industry best practices, giving you a unique blend of research, theory and on-the-job application
- Comprehensive Offerings: From career-transitioning beginner to senior programmer, we offer training and skill-development for every stage of your career
- Convenience and Flexibility: From 3-hour online classes to in-person bootcamps, the SWEEPS Secure Programming Training programs provide you the flexibility to grow your skills in a format that matches your needs and lifestyle
- Make a Difference: Help protect our country and its citizens from the cyber criminals and “bad actors” who exploit vulnerabilities in our software, systems and infrastructure
Software Security Training for Every Stage of Your Career
The SWEEPS Secure Programming Training programs offer professional training at every stage of your cybersecurity career, and learners can take SWEEPS programs at
- University of California, Davis (UCD)
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Apply for a Workshop
The workshop will be taught online via virtual classroom technology. Students will be expected to attend during a single day from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern time (there will be a half-hour break for lunch). Workshops are taught by Worcester Polytechnic Institute and University of Maryland, Baltimore County and are planned for the following dates (please note that dates may change):
Note: Only US Citizens and Permanent Residents are allowed to participate in this program.
March 10, 2025. Taught by WPI
March 14, 2025. Taught by UMBC
April 14, 2025. Taught by UMBC
May 12, 2025. Taught by UMBC
May 19, 2025. Taught by WPI
June 2, 2025. Taught by WPI
June 6, 2025. Taught by WPI
June 12, 2025. Taught by UMBC
