Applications Security
Certificate of Achievement Computer Information Systems · Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Program Description
The Applications Security Certificate of Achievement provides best practices and competencies for students to design, install and implement secure applications and services; manage, and optimize application to ensure compliance with security controls; help prevent, detect, investigate and respond to Applications Security threats and attacks; facilitate Applications Security vulnerability assessments, penetration tests and risk assessments; investigate Applications Security events and incidents, including forensic analysis; represent security interests on project teams by ensuring security standards and requirements; conduct security research, analysis and review of application solutions to ensure compliance with company security policies; evaluate new products and technologies to protect against existing and emerging security threats; and develop and implement information security policies and procedures.
A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon completion of the courses specified in the program requirements. This program can be completed in four semesters.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities may include Information Security Analysts, Computer and Information Systems Managers, and Computer Systems Analysts.
Learning Outcome(s)
- Design and secure applications and services to protect critical assets.
- Develop, test, and implement secure applications to safeguard critical information.
- Manage ongoing maintenance and updates to applications and services to respond to changing security threats.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: Select 27 - 30 Major Requirement Units from the courses below: | 27-30 | |
| Core Courses: | 21 | |
| CIS 54 | IT Security Goals, Strategy, Policy, and Leadership | 3 |
| CIS 55 | Hacker Techniques, Exploits, and Incident Handling | 3 |
| CIS 56 | Secure Coding in Java and .NET | 3 |
| CIS 57 | Web Application PEN Testing | 3 |
| CIS 59 | Applications in Information Security | 3 |
| CIS 60 | Computer Forensics Fundamentals | 3 |
| CIS 71 | Introduction to Information Systems Security | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3-5 | |
| CIS 5 | Introduction to Computer Science | 5 |
| CIS 6 | Introduction to Computer Programming | 5 |
| CIS 7 | Control Structures and Objects | 4 |
| CS 20 | Python Application Programming | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3-4 | |
| CIS 51 | Introduction to Information Technology Project Management | 4 |
| CIS 98 | Database Programming with SQL | 4 |
| CIS 178 | Build Automation for DevOps and QA | 4 |
| CIS 221 | Cyber Safety, Online Identity, and Computer Literacy | 1-3 |
| CIS 247 | Information Systems Skills Challenge | 1-4 |
| COPED 469 | Work Experience in Security Administration | 1-4 |