Graduate Certificate in Secure Programming Training for Software Developers

Graduate Certificate
Two adults sit in front of a TV screen showing the screen of a computer with lines of code
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SWEEPS Secure Programming Training

Strengthen Workforce Education for Excellence in Programming Securely (SWEEPS) is a collaboration between the National Security Agency and a coalition of cybersecurity initiatives, and top-ranked universities and community colleges to teach software developers how to increase code security without sacrificing efficiency. 

By enrolling in a 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 

Important Dates

Application Timeline: Rolling admissions 

Delivery Mode: Hybrid 

Scholarships: Available for US citizens or permanent residents, and priority will be given to applicants with prior military or first responder experience.

Online Flexibility

Workshops, Boot Camps, and Certificates

Training for All Levels, from Career Changers to Experts 

Scholarships Available

Curriculum

Program Descriptions

Program Type 

Description 

Duration 

Participating Schools 
Workshop  A virtual workshop for college educators and IT professionals, providing introductory-level training on secure programming.  One day (8 hours) virtual classroom  WPI, UMBC 
Course  A self-paced online course for early career software engineers, IT professionals, graduate students, and college educators.   45 hours (3 semester credits/ 4.5 quarter credits)  UCD, UMBC 
Summer Camp  A one week intensive camp taught online in virtual classrooms for software engineers, graduate students, college educators, and IT and cyber professionals, expecting an in-depth understanding of secure programming.  5 days (5 hours/day) virtual classroom  UCD,  WPI 
Certificate  For mid-senior level software engineers, cyber professionals, IT professionals, and graduate students. This is an intensive four course study that earns an academic certificate..  1 academic year (Approx. 12 Semester Credits) of online study  UCD, WPI, UMBC 
Clinic  For college students with beginner-level programming experience. The clinic consists of virtual meetings that you can schedule to review code projects.  30-minute virtual meetings  UCD, WPI, UMBC 

FAQs

Who Would Most 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. 
What You’ll Learn
  • 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.
What You’ll Get
  • 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) 

The Agencies and Educators Behind SWEEPS

SWEEPS is driven by an industry-leading coalition of national universities and cybersecurity organizations and is funded by the National Security Agency. Members of the coalition include: 

Craig Shue
Craig Shue
Professor & Department Head, Computer Science
Expert Bio

Professor Shue's expertise lies in network security. He focuses on using system and network measurements to understand what is happening on a network to protect traditional computers and IoT devices. He also build systems that can detect and prevent attacks to keep organizations and regular Internet users secure. He can speak about all these topics and his research about vulnerabilities in and attacks on multi-factor authentication. Professor Shue has provided analysis for media organizations including NPR and The Associated Press on the July 2024 global technology outage stemming from a defective CrowdStrike software update.

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Receive information about enrolling in WPI’s new graduate certificate in Secure Programming Training for Software Developers