Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

STEMpath Cybersecurity Certificate


MSU Denver’s Graduate STEMPath Certificate of Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary program that combines the knowledge of cyber laws/policies, advanced computer science and information systems solutions for individuals not seeking a MS in cybersecurity but wants to teach cybersecurity classes to K-12 level students. MSU Denver offers this certificate to current teachers with an existing BA/BS degree who teach in the Colorado Public School system.   This certificate will provide increased knowledge and understanding of the skills needed to teach cybersecurity to K-12 students.  Both GRE test and any graduate placement test are not required for this certificate.  Should students apply for MS degree in cybersecurity, these tests will be required.

For students enrolled in this certificate, the cost for tuition will be the same as CYBM.   Students with similar courses in their prior experience may request that courses be transferred to meet part of the certificate requirements. 

This is a 24-credit hour certificate.

Admission to the CYBM STEMPath Certificate:
To be admitted to the CYBM STEMPath Certificate candidates must:
  • Submit graduate application and application fee
  • Be a current Colorado school teacher that has been approved by his/her school district or their representative - paperwork for this requirement must be submitted
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Submit official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended. A minimum undergraduate GPA 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 is required
Application Deadline
  • For fall admission, the application deadline is June 1.
Credit for Prior Learning or Life Experience

The Graduate STEMPath Certificate of Cybersecurity allows up to 9 credit hours of prior learning experience in the following areas:

  • Career literacy and workforce readiness for the fields of Computer Science, Information Technology, and Cybersecurity with an emphasis on equity and accessibility in the classroom 
  • Training to implement a culture of innovation through strategic thinking
  • Training in information science.
Testing Out Policy
  • The Graduate STEMPath Certificate of Cybersecurity does provide an option to test out of 9 credit hours of coursework at the graduate level if they have experience, knowledge, and skills in the above three areas.

For this certificate, students can test out or receive prior learning credit for a total of 9 credit hours.  They cannot combine these paths. 

Readmission Policy

Students who seek readmission should contact the MSU Denver Cybersecurity department.   Students seeking readmission must also be in good academic standing.  

Degree Completion
Graduate Course Registration Eligibility

Only students who are formally accepted into the Graduate STEMPath Certificate of Cybersecurity Certificate program can register for any Graduate STEMPath Certificate of Cybersecurity Certificate courses.

GPA Requirements

Students in the Graduate STEMPath Certificate of Cybersecurity must complete the degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. No grade lower than a “C” will count toward the degree. Students receiving a “D” or below will be required to repeat the course.

Duplicative Coursework

The Graduate STEMPath Certificate of Cybersecurity does not allow any course to count toward either the B.S. in Cybersecurity or the Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity.

Grades and Notations

The Graduate STEMPath Certificate of Cybersecurity does not grant plus and minus grades. Students should refer to the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the Graduate Catalog for a listing of all grades and notations including incomplete and withdrawals. 

Program Policy for Incomplete Notation

Students who have an incomplete notation should contact a MSU Denver advisor for assistance.

Teaching Cybersecurity


These courses allow students to understand how to teach cybersecurity topics to K-12 students.   Students with similar courses in their prior experience may request that courses be transferred to meet this part of the certificate requirements.

Externship and Field Work


These courses help develop the hands on skills needed to demonstrate cybersecurity practices to high school students.

Total Credit Hours


24 credit hour certificate