Applied Cybersecurity Certificate (ACS): A Guide for Suffolk University Students
Earn professional GIAC certifications as you complete the program.
Designed for working professionals with 100% online option available.
Median starting salary of $90,000 USD based on reported earnings from program graduates.
SANS.edu is an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
This program supports DoD cybersecurity workforce readiness.
Earn An Applied Cybersecurity Certificate While Completing Your Suffolk Degree
Suffolk University and SANS.edu have partnered to give eligible Suffolk students the opportunity to earn the Applied Cybersecurity Certificate (ACS) from SANS.edu—along with multiple industry-recognized GIAC certifications—while completing their undergraduate degree.
- There is no additional cost for eligible Suffolk students to participate in this program.
- There are no extra application or transcript fees for these courses.
- GIAC certification exams are included, except for the cost of any retake exams.
Graduate with More Than a Degree
Through This Partnership, You Can
- Take SANS.edu cybersecurity courses alongside your Suffolk classes.
- Earn the Applied Cybersecurity Certificate (ACS) from SANS.edu.
- Gain GIAC certifications that employers value for entry into the cybersecurity field.
- Receive academic credit toward your Suffolk degree for approved SANS.edu courses.
Program Benefits
- Gain real-world cybersecurity skills and certifications before you graduate.
- Earn credits toward your Suffolk degree while building your professional credentials.
- Position yourself for high-paying roles in cybersecurity.
Admissions Timeline
Apply by the 15th of any month.
Receive a decision 30 days later.
Start courses as soon as one month after admission.
How Suffolk Students Can Participate
Start in your junior year at Suffolk.
To be eligible:
- Be a Computer Science major in the College of Arts & Sciences, a Cybersecurity minor or a Business Analytics & Information Systems major pursuing Cybersecurity concentration in the Sawyer Business School, or a Cybersecurity major.
- Begin your study at Suffolk college in Fall 2026 or later.
- Receive permission to participate from the Computer Science department (for Computer Science majors) or the relevant SBS department (for cybersecurity minors)
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 at Suffolk and 2.5 at SANS.edu and good academic standing at both colleges once enrolled.
Note: Applications from certain countries (including Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran) may require additional approval and may not be eligible for admission. This is subject to change based on SANS’ internal policies.
Visit Suffolk University’s partnership page for more details.
To apply:
- Apply to the undergraduate certificate program through the SANS.edu application portal.
- To be admitted, you must pass the SANS.edu Aptitude Assessment (two attempts are allowed with a 6-month waiting period between attempts).
- Use the code SuffolkSANSWaiver to waive your application fee.
- View the steps for applying on the SANS.edu undergraduate admissions page.
Career Outcomes at a Glance
We know the employment status of 99% of our upper division undergraduates. The results below are based on student survey responses and represent employment in cybersecurity roles.
“SANS.edu made the difference between my being an unemployed college graduate and a well-compensated cyber professional.”
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.
How Our Applied Cybersecurity Certificate Partnership Works
Start in your junior year.
Start at SANS.edu after receiving department approval from Suffolk and passing the SANS.edu assessment exam.
Take one class each semester.
The program consists of 4 online courses you’ll take one at a time, with personalized support from a student advisor from start to finish.
Earn 4 Professional GIAC Certifications
As part of our program, you will earn 4 of the most highly regarded certifications in cybersecurity.
Get Career Services for Life
Our Career Center will help you choose a career path, build your resume, prepare for interviews, and land a job or advance your current career.
The Curriculum | 12 Credits
Eligible Suffolk University students who are admitted to the Applied Cybersecurity Certificate program take SANS.edu cybersecurity courses alongside their Suffolk classes. Students receive academic credit toward their Suffolk degree for approved SANS.edu courses.
Click on each course title for a full description.
Core Courses | 9 Credits
Elective Courses | 3 Credits (Choose One)
Cyber Defense
Penetration Testing
Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Cloud Security
Industrial Control Systems Security
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.
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.
Join 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.
Success Stories
- Slide 1 of 3
“
My SANS undergraduate certificate has opened up an exciting new career path. It has bolstered my resume with real-world experience and comprehensive certifications.”
Loveona JonesDatabase Engineer, SAICRead Loveona's Story - Slide 2 of 3
“
SANS.edu offers a level of support and resources that I have never seen. Support comes from the instructors, all active experts in the field; the behind-the-scenes staff; and members of the Career Center.”
Cathy SowaDirector of Information Security (CISO), Valdosta State UniversityRead Cathy's Story - Slide 3 of 3
“
There’s so much value at SANS.edu—from the education to the networking to the career support. It’s especially empowering for people like me—women, career changers, and those who’ve been out of school for a while.”
Riché WileyCybersecurity Specialist, IA Interior ArchitectsRead Riché's Story
Where Innovation Meets Real-World Performance
The SANS Technology Institute’s innovative, hands-on approach to cybersecurity education translates directly into success—in competitions and in the cyber workforce.
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, earning the #1 Power Ranking and fielding the #1, #2, and #4 individual players in the Experienced Student bracket.
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.
SANS.edu Sentinels Earn 2nd Place in the NSA Codebreaker Challenge
Congratulations to the SANS.edu Sentinels for earning second place in the Division I category of the National Security Agency’s 2025 Codebreaker Challenge—and to the 8 SANS.edu students who successfully completed the challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions?
Contact SANS.edu
Reach out to SANS.edu Admissions.
Contact Suffolk University
Reach out to Professor Dmitry Zinoviev.