Graduate Certificate Program in Purple Team Operations

Designed for working information security professionals, the graduate certificate in Purple Team Operations is a highly technical 15-credit-hour program focused on merging the applied concepts, skills, and technologies used by blue teams (digital defenders) and red teams (digital attackers) - so you can effectively operate and lead at the intersection of those domains, in the current best practice known as purple operations or purple teams.

As the information security industry continues to evolve and mature, organizations are increasingly implementing a more collaborative alternative to the old-fashioned red team vs. blue team methodology. The SANS Technology Institute's Purple Team Operations graduate certificate is the first program of its kind designed to produce technically proficient leaders who are experienced in both domains and are prepared to lead purple teams and operations in increasingly sophisticated ways.

In this hands-on program, you'll begin with a foundational course, then progress through more advanced courses (both blue and red team electives). The capstone course synthesizes your purple team knowledge and skills, culminating with a Defend-the-Flag challenge. You'll emerge from the Purple Team Operations program with 5 industry-recognized GIAC certifications, earned as you progress through the program, in addition to a graduate certificate.

A 100% online option is available.

Applications are accepted monthly.

Learn How To

• Implement a transformational security vulnerability assessment program using fundamental network security knowledge, skills, and tools.
• Master essential defensive techniques and identify indications of an attack in order to detect, respond to, and mitigate incidents on enterprise networks.
• Understand and implement attacker techniques and utilize the full range of penetration techniques in order to breach a network, pivot within it, and disrupt, exploit, or exfiltrate data from it.
• Integrate a broad range of blue team and red team tools, technologies, and mindsets to maximize the synergy of full-spectrum purple security activities.

"I have my master's in computer science, but I completed two graduate certificate programs with SANS so I could truly dive deep into technical areas of cybersecurity and learn from instructors who are leading the industry."
Jeff Sass
Senior Engineering Manager, Adobe

The SANS Technology Institute Advantage

Online and In-Person Study Options

• Choose from a variety of online and in-person course delivery options. A 100% online option is available.

Flexibility for Working Professionals

• Monthly admissions windows mean you can start on your schedule and earn the graduate certificate in roughly two years.

Credentials that Showcase Your Skills

• Earn 5 industry-recognized GIAC certifications that validate your skillset in critical, specialized areas of InfoSec.

World-class Faculty

• Learn skills you can use immediately on the job from some of the world's best cybersecurity instructor-practitioners.

Pathway to a Master's Degree

• Credits earned in the certificate program may be applied directly toward the master's degree program should you later apply and be accepted.