Graduate Certificate in Internet and Network Technologies

The Internet now connects computers and networks across the world, allowing people and devices to communicate and share information through wired and wireless protocols. In fact, the internet is so pervasive in our lives that understanding how these networks work as well as how they can be used securely is essential knowledge in Information Technology. The Internet and Network Technologies certificate will provide students with the specialized knowledge required to design, operate, and maintain wired and wireless computer networks. 

The target audience is professionals in organizations or fields interested in network design or engineering and would pursue the certification for job knowledge and career enhancement. Those students will be admitted as non-degree seeking, MIT-Commonwealth students.

We also expect graduate students, full- or part-time and currently enrolled in a VT graduate degree program related to internet and network technologies, to be interested in adding this certification as a supplement to their degree.

How To Apply:

External applications should complete the VT-MIT online application as a certificate-seeking student at https://vtmit.vt.edu/admissions/apply-now.html

MIT Graduate Certificates

Admission Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Internet and Network Technologies

Virginia Tech requires admission to the Graduate School and completion of a Graduate Certificate Application for both degree- and non-degree seeking certificate applicants. 

Degree-seeking applicants: The Graduate School requires completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or greater for admission to Certificate Status. MIT applicants with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0 may qualify for Commonwealth Campus admission and will need to comply with MIT requirements of Commonwealth Campus status prior to admission to Certificate Status. Students pursuing a degree and a certificate simultaneously are classified within their degree program.

For students interested in pursuing both the MIT degree and the certificate(s), no more than fifty percent of certificate courses will be included toward completion of the MIT degree. 

Non-degree seeking applicants: Applicants that wish to obtain a graduate certificate only, without being enrolled in a VT degree program, may apply by completing an abbreviated application to MIT's Certificate program. The Graduate Certificate Application Form is required after admission.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Earn a GPA of 3.0 or greater or credits earned during the last half of their undergraduate degree.

• Submit official transcripts.

• Meet the academic background requirements of the admitting academic unit.

• International Applicants must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). 

• Earn a minimum TOEFL score of 577 paper-based (PBT) or 90 internet-based test (iBT). For the iBT, earn a minimum of 20 on each subject test (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing).

• Earn a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

• Some departments have higher TOEFL or IELTS score requirements than those set by the Graduate School.

Course Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Internet and Network Technologies

Number of Credit Hours: 

A total of nine credit hours are required. Transfer credits are not permitted. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the designated courses.

Required Courses: 

ECE 5480 Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things: Cybersecurity principles and technologies motivated by the evolving ecosystem of the Internet of Things (IoT): devices, operating systems, sensors, data storage, networking and communication protocols, and system services. IoT device and system security and privacy vulnerabilities, analysis and attack mitigation techniques. Pre: ECE 5484 or CS 5044.

ECE 5484 Fundamentals of Computer Systems: Fundamental principles and concepts of computer systems. Computer hardware; Boolean logic; number systems and representation; design and operation of digital logic; analysis of instruction set architectures and computer organization; and specification of data communication and networking standards. Pre: Proficiency in a high-level programming language (e.g. C#, C, C++, or Java), practical training, and/or work experience related to developing computer software systems.

ECE 5485 Networks and Protocols: Fundamental principles and concepts of computer networks; application, transport, network, and data link protocols. Contemporary and emerging networks; Internet protocols. Principles of quality of service, network security, and network management. Pre: ECE 5484.