Mark Baggett
ProfessorSANS Faculty Fellow Mark Baggett authored SEC573 and SEC673, leads as CTO of the SANS Internet Storm Center, and empowers defenders to automate security through practical, real-world application.
Learn more about Mark BaggettGraduate Certificate Programs: Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
Graduate Certificate
12 credits
$22,800 USD total program cost
Applications accepted monthly
Requires professional experience + current infosec/related role
4 GIAC Certifications
Earn professional GIAC certifications as you complete the program.
Online or In-Person
Designed for working professionals with 100% online option available.
High Earning Potential
Median salary of $155,000 USD based on reported earnings from program graduates.
NSA Approved
Designated by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
DoD 8140 Approved
This program supports DoD cybersecurity workforce readiness.
Advance Your Career in Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
Think like an attacker—and outsmart them. Upgrade your skills through a highly technical, hands-on program built for working cybersecurity and IT professionals—and apply what you learn immediately on the job.
Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking Skills You’ll Develop
- Scoped vulnerability scanning and exploitation
- Exploit chaining to demonstrate attack paths and risk
- Assessment of system resistance and flaw severity
- Technical reporting and remediation guidance
Admissions Timeline
Apply by the 15th of any month.
Receive a decision 30 days later.
Start courses as soon as one month after admission.
The SANS.edu Advantage
Discover why 99% of our graduates would recommend SANS.edu to their peers.
SANS Courses + GIAC Certifications
Our programs are packed with hands-on labs and include GIAC certifications that employers trust.
World-Class Faculty
Learn the latest skills and techniques from the world's top cybersecurity practitioners.
Flexible for Working Professionals
Start when you want to and learn on a schedule that fits your life—with 100% online options.
Powerful Network
Make connections with some of the most talented students and teachers in the industry.
Dedicated Student Advising
Get personalized guidance from experienced success coaches who support you from enrollment to graduation.
SANS.edu Academic Pricing
Receive SANS.edu academic pricing on SANS courses and GIAC certifications.
“My career advanced at a rate not achievable through other graduate programs. Earning a graduate certificate in pen testing from SANS, and the GIAC certifications along with it, gave me an edge—and opportunities.”
Terry HolmanCI/KR Advisor, TeamWorx Security
Curriculum | 12 Credits
In this hands-on program, you’ll begin with a foundational course and then progress through 3 advanced courses to learn the real-world techniques of pen testers and red teamers. This is the curriculum order for this program.
Required Core Courses | 6 Credits
Specialization Elective Courses | 3 Credits
Students select one of the following courses.
Additional Elective | 3 Credits
Students select one of the following courses.
Explore the Data Behind Our Graduates’ Success
The Alumni Outcomes Report highlights how SANS Technology Institute graduates are launching and advancing cybersecurity careers with high satisfaction, strong ROI, and real-world impact.
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 what you learn in class is immediately applicable 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.
Featured Faculty
Chris Elgee
Assistant ProfessorChris is a senior security analyst for Counter Hack and Cyber Range Lead (S-6) for the Army National Guard's 91st Cyber Brigade. Through his work, he shares his unique insights into cyber security threats to prepare and inspire students.
Learn more about Chris Elgee
Christopher Crowley
Associate ProfessorChristopher Crowley, a SANS Senior Instructor, has 25 years of industry experience managing and securing networks. He has authored numerous courses and is considered a leading expert in building an effective SOC.
Learn more about Christopher Crowley
Joshua Wright
ProfessorJoshua Wright, Senior Technical Director at Counter Hack Challenges and author of SEC504, has spent over two decades teaching and building tools that help defenders identify and counter real-world cyber threats through practical, hands-on learning.
Learn more about Joshua WrightJoin Us For a Free Online Info Session
SANS.edu offers a career-focused cybersecurity education with a lot more flexibility and personalized support than you'll find in a "traditional" college. Join a free online info session to learn how our world-class programs can help you meet your cybersecurity career goals.
Flexible Learning 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.
OnDemand
Our most flexible online option gives you 24/7 access to 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 are held across the country and around the world throughout the year. Meet fellow students and instructors and attend exclusive in-person events.
Success Stories
- Slide 1 of 4
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SANS.edu's course material is delivered by best-in-breed instructors who are experts in their field. I had a SANS instructor who is industry-recognized as one of the top 10 experts in the world on penetration testing.”
Jeff SassDirector of Application Security, AdobeRead Jeff's Story - Slide 2 of 4
“
I looked into several programs. None could truly match SANS.edu’s real-world relevance and the quality of its instruction.”
Queen BrownAdvanced Delivery Architect, WizRead Queen’s Story - Slide 3 of 4
“
SANS is the Oxford of security studies, so expectations are naturally quite high. Living up to those is not a trivial accomplishment!”
Shawna TurnerPrincipal Engineer, NikeRead Shawna's Story - Slide 4 of 4
“
Having a SANS degree tells employers that you have what it takes to do the job. You have the hands-on experience to get the job done from day one. The SANS name truly opens doors.”
Richard “Rick” Halsell Jr.Principal Security Architect, MicrosoftRead Rick's Story
- Slide 1 of 4
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.
- Slide 2 of 4
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
- Slide 3 of 4
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 programs provide a pathway aligned with workforce requirements.
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.
- Slide 4 of 4
SANS.edu Sentinels Excel at Fall 2025 NCL Competition
Competing against more than 7,800 students and 1,200 teams across the US, the SANS.edu Sentinels delivered another standout performance, confirming their reputation as leaders in collegiate cybersecurity.
Highlights include earning the #1 Power Ranking and fielding the #1, #2, and #4 individual players in the Experienced Student bracket.
Tuition
Total Program Cost: $22,800 USD
Tuition includes the cost of the course, textbooks, and certification tests that serve as mid-term or final exams for courses.
Application Fee: $35 USD
Get the Credit You Deserve
Students who have taken SANS training classes and have active GIAC certifications may be able to waive one course and GIAC certification into the program.
Graduate Program Pathways
Save on a master's: Eligible courses and GIAC certifications from this program can be applied to the our master's degree program saving you time and money.
Stack your credentials: After completing this program, you can enroll in another graduate certificate program within one year without submitting a full application.
Funding Options
A degree or certificate from SANS.edu is a great investment in your career. Explore funding options that can make your cybersecurity education more accessible.
Pay Per Course
Students pay tuition per course which allows you the financial flexibility to pay smaller amounts as you go.
Employer Assistance
Because we are regionally accredited, our tuition is eligible for most employer-sponsored education benefit programs.
VA Education Benefits
All SANS.edu programs are eligible for US and Canadian Veterans Education Benefits.
Tuition Payment Program (TPP)
Eligible students can spread out the cost of their degree or certificate program in monthly installments with no interest.
Education Benefits for Federal Employees
All SANS.edu programs are eligible for the education benefits available to US Federal Government employees.
529 College Savings Plans
529 College Savings Plan funds may be used to pay tuition for any SANS.edu cybersecurity degree or certificate program.
SANS Voucher
If you’d like to use a SANS Universal Voucher Account, confirm with your voucher administrator that course tuition is an eligible expense.
Canadian Funding Options
All SANS.edu programs are eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and Canadian veterans’ education benefits.
External Cybersecurity Scholarships
Explore independent cybersecurity scholarships administered outside of SANS.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need More Information?
We’re happy to help. Join us for a free info session or request more information today.