It’s easy to get started. Whether you're focused on advancing your career or continuing your education, UMGC offers the ideal program to help you reach your goal.
DoD 8570 Certification Courses
Department of Defense Directive 8570 (DoD 8570) requires all DoD employees who conduct information assurance functions to carry an approved certification specific to their job classification. UMGC's undergraduate courses in the computer networks and cybersecurity program are designed to help prepare students for specific DoD 8570 certification exams.
| DoD Certification | Exam Number | UMGC Course |
| CompTIA A+ | 220-701; 220-702 | CMIT 202 |
| CompTIA Network+ | N10-004 | CMIT 265 |
| CompTIA Security+ | SYO-201 | CMIT 320 |
| (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Securities Professional (CISSP) | CMIT 425 | |
| EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | CMIT 321 | |
| CERT Computer Security Incident Handler (CSIH) | CMIT 460 |
As you’re pursuing these certifications, you may be able to get a discount by purchasing an exam voucher using your UMGC e-mail address.
If you already hold the above DoD 8570 or other IT certifications, you may be able to satisfy certain program prerequisites and earn credit toward a UMGC degree.
Cybersecurity Designations
UMGC has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and as a Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by the DC3 Academic Cyber Curriculum Alliance.
Get Started & Register
1
Apply for admission to UMGC: Complete the online application for admission. It typically takes about 10 minutes. Be sure to select your employer or organization on the application form.
2
Complete a tuition benefits verification form: Complete a verification form for each term that you plan to enroll in courses.
3
Earn credit for your education and eligible experience: Submit your official transcripts from any previous institutions of higher education.
4
Register for classes: Once you're admitted to UMGC, you will receive a student ID (EmplID) so you can register for courses online. Check the schedule of classes to view courses, and then register for classes online using the MyUMGC Student Portal.
* The tuition discount will not be applied to the following graduate programs and related courses: Master of Business Administration; Master of Science in data analytics; Master of Science in digital forensics and cyber investigation; Master of Science in cybersecurity management and policy; Master of Science in cybersecurity technology; graduate certificates in business analytics, cybersecurity management and policy, cybersecurity technology, and digital forensics and cyber investigation; all doctoral programs; and select legacy programs. The tuition discount will apply beginning in the term in which you notify UMGC of your eligibility. Tuition discounts will not be applied to previous terms.
Additional discounts may be available for Federal employees and their spouses and eligible dependents. Undergraduate and standard graduate program tuition for students who meet the criteria for Maryland residency will be the applicable in-state rate. Tuition for active-duty military; members of the Selected Reserves, National Guard, and the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and the spouses and dependents of these student groups will be the applicable military or specialty rate. If you are a student using Post 9/11 benefits, please contact an advisor at 800-939-8682 to determine if you can apply both benefits.