Advance your career by mastering secure software development—online through 9-12 months of study at one of three top universities.
Why Secure Programming Now?
- Stand out in a turbulent tech market. Employers increasingly need secure‑coding expertise to protect critical software and data.
- Turn core skills into a security specialty. Move from “good programmer” to “security‑minded developer” and unlock roles previously out of reach.
- Learn from nationally recognized cybersecurity faculty. Each university in the SWEEPS coalition has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE).
- Scholarships available. Limited full‑tuition awards cover program costs for qualified applicants.
Choose the University That Fits You
| UC Davis (CA) | Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) (MA) | Univ. of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) (MD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal for | Early career software engineers & grad students ready to specialize | Mid‑ to senior‑level developers seeking a graduate credential | Early‑, mid‑, or advanced professionals looking for stackable options |
| Delivery | 100% online, instructor‑led | 100% online, instructor-led | 100% Online + optional virtual workshops |
| Credential | Academic Certificate (4 courses) | Graduate Certificate (4 courses) | Academic Certificate (4 of 5 courses) |
| Key Topics | Computer security, secure & robust programming, network security | Principles, vulnerabilities, compliance, advanced exploit defense | Secure coding, software security, career‑stage electives |
| Scholarships | NSA‑funded awards | Full‑tuition scholarships available | Select tuition assistance |
| Start Date | Fall start (wait‑list open) | Multiple intakes yearly | Rolling admissions |
| Link | Coming soon — join interest list | Explore WPI Program › | Explore UMBC Program › |
Outcomes You Can Expect
- Competence you can prove—earn a university‑backed academic certificate.
- Portfolio‑ready projects that demonstrate secure code audits, exploit mitigation, and network‑hardening tactics.
- Career mobility into roles such as Secure Software Engineer, Application Security Analyst, or DevSecOps Specialist.
Ready to Get Started?
- Select your university from the table above.
- Apply online.
- Secure your seat and scholarship (where available).
- Can’t commit to a full Certificate? Sign up for one of our short offerings.
Have questions about which path is right for you? Email sweeps-query@ucdavis.edu and we’ll help you compare options.
About the SWEEPS Coalition
The Strengthening Workforce Education: Excellence in Programming Securely (SWEEPS) initiative is funded by the National Security Agency’s NCAE‑C program and unites UC Davis, WPI, and UMBC to expand the nation’s secure‑coding workforce. (NCAE SWEEPS)