Admissions

Now accepting applications for autumn 2024 & spring 2025. 

Admissions Process

The following items make up the Cybersecurity Offense and Defense Certificate (CODC) application packet. After an application is received, the CODC program will contact you and assist you with the next steps in the admissions process. The program has rolling admissions, so under typical circumstances, once a complete application is received, you should receive a decision within 5-7 business days or earlier. 

 

All CODC applicants must submit and application packet made of the following items:

 

1. Application

Applicants for admission to the CODC program must complete an Ohio State Graduate Admissions online application.  

 

2. Resume

Include an updated copy of your resume listing work experience. The resume can be uploaded in the online application system.

 

3. Academic credentials and transcripts

Copies of transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended must be submitted for degree verification and undergraduate GPA calculation. Unofficial copies can be uploaded in the online application system to form a complete application packet, but official copies of all transcripts (raised seal or notarized) must still be submitted to the Ohio State Graduate Admission's Office.

Note: You do not have to submit transcripts for course work or degrees received from The Ohio State University.  

 


4. Letters of recommendation

Arrange to have two recommendations prepared. One reference should be from your immediate supervisor. The second reference can be from previous employers, people in managerial positions who supervised your work, colleagues who have worked closely with you, or a person familiar with your qualifications or academic background and potential for graduate study. You will have the option of allowing your recommendations to be submitted electronically or in paper form. Instructions are provided for either method within the online application.

 

5. Statement of Intent

Include a short essay about why you wish to enroll in the CODC certificate. 

 

6. Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $60 is required. OSU alumni may be eligible for an admissions fee waiver.

 

7. Test Scores

A GRE score is not required for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or above (from the last undergraduate or advanced degree earned) provided they qualify by meeting the CODC program admission requirements and have earned a degree from an ABET accredited institution. During the admissions process, a recommendation to enroll in the Graduate Bridge Program (to qualify for admission to the CODC certificate) will be considered for the following student populations: international applicants, applicants with a degree from a non-ABET accredited institution, or applicants who have a GPA below 3.0 from the last undergraduate or advanced degree earned. 

Please contact the program with questions at eng-profed-cyber@osu.edu or 614-514-5826.

Admissions Requirements

To prepare applicants for success in the CODC certificate, we recommend having an earned bachelor's degree in engineering and specifically Computer Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering.  Applicants with other engineering degrees or non-engineering undergraduate degrees may be considered depending upon the type of degree and years of technical work experience. 

Please contact the program with questions at eng-profed-cyber@osu.edu or 614-514-5826.

 

Note for International Applicants:

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores more than two years old when we receive your application will not be accepted. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 on paper based or 79 on internet based. 

Applicants who are citizens of, or who have received a bachelor’s degree or higher in, one of the following countries are exempt from the TOEFL requirement:

Anguilla, Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Caicos Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, England, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Scotland, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks, United States, and Wales.

Once admitted, international students must complete Ohio State's ESL Composition Placement Test to demonstrate proficiency in academic English. Based on results of the ESL Composition Placement Test, students may have to take additional coursework in English as a Second Langauge. Students with a TOEFL (iBT) score of 114 or higher or 101 or higher and a 28 on the writing section will be exempt from the ESL Composition Placement Test.

Additional information on international student testing is available here. 

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