Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
You apply online at UCF's Office of Graduate
Studies. Follow the links Applicants -> Non degree Applicants, go
to the bottom of the page under "Graduate Certificate Programs,"
then click on the "Application" link to apply. You need to make
arrangements to submit official transcripts of earned undergraduate degree(s),
immunization form, and pay an application fee.
When do I apply?
The best time to apply for admission to the program is for the fall semester
when the first two beginning courses are offered. Students who have sufficient
background can apply to any of the three semesters during the year (fall,
spring, and summer). The application deadlines are: July 15 (fall semester),
Dec 1 (Spring semester), and April 15 (Summer semester). (We also try
to accommodate late applications if possible.) Please use the university's
academic calendar to find important dates and other deadlines.
What are the admission requirements?
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Ideally we expect students to have adequate knowledge of computer systems (DOS, Windows, Linux) and computer networking, and have a 3.0 GPA (or close to it) on a 4.0 scale. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.
What is the cost for the program?
The certificate consists of 5 courses (4 required plus one elective),
15 credit hours. All certificate program courses are graduate level courses.
There is significant cost difference in tuition and fees between Florida
residents and non-Florida residents. Please use the current
tuition link for information about the cost for tuition and
fees. However, non-Florida residents may apply to the online, non-FL track of
the graduate certificate and pay comparable tution under an alternate tuition model.
Please see the item on "online classes" below for details.
What is the length of the
program?
It usually takes four semesters to complete the five courses. Typical
class schedules include two courses (CGS 5131 and CHS 5503) in the fall
semester, one courses (CGS 5132) in the
spring, one course (CHS 5518) in the summer, and one course
CET 6887 (previously DIG 5835) in the following fall. Other electives may also
be offered during the year.
Can I take the courses online?
Yes, the courses of the certificate program has been converted to online
format starting in the fall semester of 2006. However, there are constraints
and cost considerations for online students:
- To register for courses online you need to fill out the attached questionnaire so that we can better determine if online classes are suitbale for you;
- The unversity recently approved an alternate tuition model for online, non-FL track students of the graduate computer forensics certificate. Basically the tution cost per course is $1000 (3 credit hours) for students admitted to the online, non-FL track. You would apply to UCF Graduate Admissions Office by choosing the onliine, non-FL track of the graduate certificate. Once admitted please fill out the course registration form and submit to the University's Division of Continuing Education to register for classes and pay tuition.
If you have any questions, please contact us at gccf@cs.ucf.edu
