Cyber and National Security
InfoSec GRC Analyst
Tackle the challenges of today's digital landscape head-on with the University of South Florida’s new Information Security Governance, Risk, and Compliance Analyst program, an online program designed to meet the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Dubbed InfoSec GRC Analyst program, this four-module training is for people in governmental, military, and first-responder roles. It aims to equip participants with essential skills to navigate the complex world of information security governance, risk, and compliance. With expert instructors, a comprehensive curriculum, and flexible learning options, participants in this online training program will learn how to advise organizations on implementing security controls that can reduce cyber risks – and will earn a Credly digital badge to prove it.
Curriculum & Course Details
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 “I'm Interested” 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 student or have a college degree to apply?
No, participants do not have to apply to be 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 . 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.
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. 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.
Policies & Procedures
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
Quick Details
Duration: Must be completed within 60 days
Cost: Free for up to 250 participants with priority enrollment for veterans, municipal, military, or governmental employees in Sarasota and Tampa Bay.
Connect with a program advisor