Cyber and National Security

Learn to navigate compliance challenges with the USF InfoSec GRC Analyst program. Start with information security fundamentals and progress to implementing and assessing organizations against industry standards. By the end of the program, participants will be able to advise organizations on ways to implement security controls that can reduce cyber risks.

• Module 1: covers information security fundamentals needed for later modules that focus on identifying threats and vulnerabilities. The module case study focuses on how assessment methods can be operationalized. 
• Module 2: focuses on ways that governance, risk, and compliance actions either work toward better information security or work against it. 
• Module 3: dives into information security assessments, remediation planning, and reporting, giving participants the skills needed to prepare an assessment. 
• Module 4: In the only synchronous segment, the final module guides participants as they synthesize what they've learned by participating in an authentic audit scenario and producing a final report thus demonstrating their newly acquired skills.

Getting Started

Is this really free?  Are there any fees for books, badges, or other materials? 
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, sponsored a project in FY 2023 federal appropriations bill that provided $2 million for USF’s Corporate Training and Professional Education team to develop a remote InfoSec GRC Analyst program that will be free of cost to the first cohort of participants.  
 
Because of Congressman Steube’s work to secure these dollars, this program will be offered completely free of charge for the first 250 participants between July 2024 and June 2025. There will be no fees of any kind.  There are a maximum of 30 active learners at any given time and access is granted on a first come, first served basis. 
 
How do I apply for the program? 
 Simply click the “Register Now” button to get started. The program is open to anyone.  Applications from active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and government employees from Florida District 17 will be given preference. Applications will be reviewed within five business days. Because there are a maximum of 30 active learners at any given time, applicants will be notified if they are able to register immediately or if they will be provided a link to register at a later date when space is available. 
 
Is there priority admission opportunities for veterans and other groups? 
Priority admission will be given to military veterans, first-responders, and critical infrastructure employees residing in Florida’s 17th Congressional District, followed by qualified residents of the 17th District. 
 
How can I recommend one of my employees for this program? 
Supervisor recommendations are not needed; simply refer employees to the application. 
 
Do I have to meet any entry requirements in terms of educational background, certifications, or similar? 
No specific industry certifications are required nor is there a minimum degree requirement. However, those with some technology experience, information systems, or information security work experience OR education are more likely to be successful in the program and will be given priority over those with no background in these areas.  
 
While the first module covers the basics of information security and the fundamentals needed for later lessons, participants should have basic knowledge of computer organization and architecture and mathematics before they begin the program.  
 
Do I have to be a USF student or have a college degree to apply? 
No, participants do not have to apply to be USF students and they are not classified as degree-seeking students. This is a non-credit training program offered by USF Corporate Training and Professional Education. 
 
How will I know if I am selected? 
All applications are considered but priority enrollment is extended to entry-level and transitioning professionals, particularly active-duty members of the military and veterans working within local and regional governmental organizations, particularly in Florida District 17. The team is reviewing applications and all applicants should hear back within five business days.

Due to the overwhelming response, we may populate several cohorts starting at various points throughout the next several months. Because there are a maximum of 30 active learners at any given time, applicants will be notified if they are able to register immediately or if they will be provided a link to register at a later date when space is available. 
 
When does the program begin? 
Content will be available starting July 8, 2024. Once accepted, participants may access the first module immediately and have 60 days to complete all four modules. The final module guides participants as they synthesize what they've learned, complete an authentic audit exercise, and produce a report to demonstrate their newly acquired skills. This session will be scheduled based on participant schedules. 
 
How long do I have to complete the program? 
Because this is a self-paced online program and three of the four modules are available 24/7, participants should move through the program quickly. The final module is the only synchronous segment and must be completed within 60 days from the date that the first module was accessed.  
 
Will there be homework or pre-reading? Will I need to access or buy any textbooks? 
There are activities that learners will need to complete outside of the interactive modules. The final project will require participants to allocate time to complete. All course materials are digital and access is included. 

CONTENT/PROGRAM ELEMENTS 

How do I access the modules? 
Modules can be found in the Canvas learning management system. Participants should receive an invitation to open the course in Canvas. The page can be bookmarked in your browser for easy access. 
 
How can I interact with instructors if the content is prerecorded? 
Participants will receive instructor feedback on assignments as well as on the final project.   Learners will be able to interact with instructors in real-time during scheduled office hours and via messages in Canvas. 
 
Will there be quizzes or tests?  
There will be quizzes in modules 1-3, but multiple attempts are allowed.
 
Is content captioned? 
Yes, all videos will have captions and we will provide transcripts.
 
Can I request an extension if I can't finish the program within 60 days? 
Participants should plan to complete the content in the 60 day period. Extension requests are unlikely to be granted. 
 
Does this program count for Continuing Professional Education Credits or industry credentials? 
Modules do not count toward any degree-seeking program and this program does not qualify for CEUs from the University of South Florida. Any questions regarding using this program for a specific profession or industry certification should be directed to a licensing board or appropriate contact at that organization.  

COMPLETION AND CLAIMING THE BADGE 

Will there be a final exam or a grade on the final project?  
There is no final exam but participants must successfully complete the fourth module to earn the badge. This module is the only synchronous segment and it guides participants as they synthesize what they've learned, complete an authentic audit exercise, and produce a report to demonstrate their newly acquired skills. Learners will prepare a report and present it to instructors, who will provide feedback and determine if the project passes. Details on the project and how to submit it are posted on Canvas. 
 
How will I know if I earned the badge?  
Participants who earn the digital badge will receive an email inviting them to accept the credentials. A new login is required on the Credly site as it is separate from the Canvas learning management system. Credly requires a separate login. 

How do I claim my badge? 
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive an email inviting them to accept their Credly credentials. The Credly site is separate from the Canvas learning management system and requires participants to create a separate login. Watch a how to video here. 

When should I expect to receive it? 
Invitations to accept the badge will be sent within 24 hours after participants submit a post-completion survey. 

How can my employer verify that I earned the certificate? 
Once the digital badge is earned and claimed, employers will be able to click on the digital credential to verify the certification and view information on the topics that were covered in the program. 

How do I put the badge on my social media accounts? 
After claiming the badge and email, participants can display the badge on social media, electronic resumes or in email signatures. Watch this video for more information  about managing the badge. 

My question is not listed here. Who should I reach out to for additional questions? 
Email ce-inquiries@usf.edu to ask additional questions or reach a program advisor. 

COURSE FEES
 
There are no course fees associated with this course. 

ATTENDANCE 

To complete our open enrollment noncredit courses satisfactorily, you must attend 75 percent of multiple class meetings. One-day classes require full-day attendance. Some courses/programs may have additional completion requirements. Check the program description for details and/or check with your instructor. No course re-sits are allowed (participants that have not met the attendance requirement and are seeking a letter of completion for a course may re-register at full cost of attendance for a future offering).    

COURSE WITHDRAWALS/REFUNDS 

USF reserves the right to cancel any noncredit course, in which case registration fees are fully refunded. If it becomes necessary for USF to cancel, postpone or combine courses, or change a course location, you will be notified by email or phone. It is important that we have your current contact information. If a course is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. If a registration is received after the enrollment limit has been reached, a full refund will be issued. 

Withdrawals/Refunds from Corporate Training and Professional Education courses must be in writing, prior to the course start time.  Fees are associated with withdrawals/refunds. 

Submit requests via email to barnesk@usf.edu. No withdrawals or refunds will be issued after course start date.   

Allow 5-7 working days for credit card refunds and 6-8 weeks for check refunds. 

For USF policies: click here