SANS.edu Applied Cybersecurity Certificate (ACS): A Guide for USCA 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.
Enhance Your University of South Carolina Aiken Cybersecurity Degree with SANS.edu
Through the partnership between the SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu) and the University of South Carolina Aiken, students in USCA’s Bachelor of Science program in Applied Computer Science-Cybersecurity have the option of completing the 12-credit Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity at SANS.edu as part of the USCA cybersecurity degree program.
Admissions Timeline
Apply by the 15th of any month.
Receive a decision 30 days later.
Start courses as soon as one month after admission.
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 the SANS.edu Partnership Works
To participate, UCSA students must be in good academic standing with an overall GPA of at least a 2.5, and have at least a 3.0 GPA in introductory courses (100 and 200 level) in mathematics, computer science, and the physical sciences.
Step 1: Begin in Your Junior Year
Apply and start the SANS.edu program fully online after completing 60 credits in the BS in Applied Computer Science – Cybersecurity program at USCA.
Step 2. Complete Online Courses and Earn GIAC Certifications
If admitted to SANS.edu, take one SANS course online each semester during your junior and senior years, for a total of 4 SANS courses and 4 GIAC certifications (the 12-credit curriculum described below).
Step 3. Get Career Services for Life
The SANS.edu Career Center will help you choose a career path, build your resume, prepare for interviews, and land a job.
The Curriculum | 12 Credits
Students in USCA's 120 credit hour Bachelor of Science program in Applied Computer Science - Cybersecurity have the option of completing the 12-credit Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity at SANS.edu, which will replace 9 credit hours of cybersecurity courses in the traditional UofSC Aiken cybersecurity degree and the 3 credit hour technical elective.
Click on each course title for a full description.
Course Equivalency
- ACS 3401 Security Essentials: Network, Endpoint, and Cloud for CSCI A425 (3) Network Security
- ACS 3504 Security Incident Handling and Hacker Exploits for CSCI A515 (4) Ethical Hacking
- ACS 4508 Advanced Digital Forensics and Incident Response for CSCI A545 (3) Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics
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.
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
Tuition
Total Program Cost: $18,600
Tuition includes the cost of the courses, textbooks, and 4 GIAC certification tests that serve as exams for courses.
Get the Credit You Deserve
If you’ve taken a SANS course and passed the corresponding GIAC certification, for example SANS SEC275 and the GFACT certification, you may be able to waive one course into this program.
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.
Step Up Payment Program
Eligible undergraduates in the ACS and BACS programs can manage tuition costs through an interest-free graduated payment plan.
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.
Need More Information?
We’re happy to help. Join us for a free info session or request more information today.