Fighting the Cybersecurity Threat: MIT xPRO Launches New Professional Certification in Cybersecurity in Collaboration with Emeritus

BOSTON, June 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With ransomware, malware, phishing and other cyber-attacks threatening the security of companies, government entities, and organizations across the globe, a timely new Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity will launch on June 30 from MIT xPRO. The intensive 24-week online learning program, delivered through Emeritus, trains professionals to mitigate and combat digital security threats, and builds upon recognized security principles from the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST).

Led by eight faculty from MIT's Sloan School of Management and its Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), the new MIT xPro Cybersecurity course will begin with a study of baseline fundamentals, setting the stage for deeper dives into offensive and defensive methods and practices. It also covers hardware and software threats, cloud security, cryptography, privacy concerns, and legal responsibilities, and provides the framework, scope of knowledge, and tools to equip individuals for cybersecurity jobs worldwide.

"With more than 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the United States, and more than four million globally, there is a dire need for well-educated and highly skilled cybersecurity professionals across both the private and public sectors," said Dr. Keri Pearlson, Executive Director of the research group Cybersecurity at MIT Sloan (CAMS). "We are proud to play an important role in helping train a vital future workforce, with highly specific skills and knowledge."

Delivered through Emeritus, the course engages learners through online video lectures, interactive text lessons, and practical exercises based on real case scenarios. Coursework will be supplemented by guest speakers from within the industry, and potential employers seeking promising job candidates. Of particular note, the course – which requires a commitment of 15-20 hours per week – includes personalized feedback from experienced cybersecurity practitioners in a supportive environment, as well as live weekly office hours with program facilitators, career coaches, and industry mentors. 

"It is evident that cybersecurity threats are not only on the rise, but, increasingly, have the grave potential to significantly upend daily lives and routines," said Lisa Rohrer, Head of University Partnerships for Emeritus. "We are pleased to once again collaborate with MIT on a world-class affordable and accessible program that helps answer the call for highly trained individuals who can help businesses and government entities, alike, protect against what are truly significant threats."

MIT xPRO: Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity is geared for both those without prior experience, and those with a working knowledge of computer science who want to specialize in protective standards. The course is now open for application; to learn more, visit https://executive-ed.xpro.mit.edu/professional-certificate-cybersecurity.

About MIT xPRO
MIT xPRO's online learning programs leverage vetted content from world-renowned experts to make learning accessible anytime, anywhere. Designed using cutting-edge research in the neuroscience of learning, MIT xPRO programs are application-focused, helping professionals build their skills on the job. To explore the full catalog of MIT xPRO courses and programs, visit xpro.mit.edu.

About Emeritus
Emeritus is committed to teaching the skills of the future by making high-quality education accessible and affordable to individuals, companies, and governments around the world. It does this by collaborating with more than 50 top-tier universities across the United States, Europe, Latin America, India, and China.  Emeritus' short courses, degree programs, boot camps, and senior executive programs help individuals learn new skills and transform their lives, companies, and organizations. Its unique model of state-of-the-art technology, curriculum innovation, and hands-on instruction from senior faculty, mentors, and coaches educates more than 100,000 students per year across 80 countries. Founded in 2015, Emeritus, part of the Eruditus Group, has more than 1,000 employees globally and offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Shanghai, Singapore, Palo Alto, Mexico City, New York, London, and Dubai. The company has raised over $160 million in capital and is backed by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Sequoia India, Leeds Illuminate, and Prosus Ventures. Learn more at Emeritus.org and Emeritus LinkedIn.

SOURCE Emeritus