Online Classes Cybersecurity Bootcamp Begin your cybersecurity career in less than a year with part-time
evening classes in this non-credit, non-degree program.

  • No Experience Necessary
  • Hands-On Training
  • Job Search Assistance

Why
Cybersecurity?

Whether you want to change careers, you're ready to upskill, or you're looking for practical experience, our non-credit, non-degree bootcamp can help you achieve your career goals.

  • High Demand

    As industries innovate and certain jobs become obsolete, the tech workforce gap continues to grow, offering professionals skyrocketing opportunities in cybersecurity.

  • Diverse Career Paths

    The cybersecurity field is brimming with variety and allows people of all interests and backgrounds to pursue a career path that fulfills them.

  • Competitive Salary

    The large workforce gap results in hefty competition among employers to attract top talent, meaning organizations pay more for skilled cybersecurity professionals, including entry-level positions.

Is a cybersecurity career-prep program
the best next move for you?

Find out for free by taking our online cybersecurity mini-course.

Is a cybersecurity career-prep program
the best next move for you?

Find out for free by taking our online cybersecurity mini-course.

  • arrow icon Led by a seasoned cybersecurity instructor
  • arrow icon 4 lessons broken down into easily digestible topics
  • arrow icon Beginner-friendly overview of essential cybersecurity concepts
  • arrow icon Exclusive insights from cybersecurity experts from Amazon and Cisco
  • arrow icon 40 minutes of self-paced videos
  • arrow icon Discover if cybersecurity is the right career for you

Everything You Need to

Secure

Your Future!

At the Penn State Behrend Cybersecurity Bootcamp, offered in partnership with ThriveDX, your success is our purpose. The program is curated to ensure learners of all backgrounds complete the program with the skills and knowledge necessary to go from novice to professional in less than a year. No previous experience is required.

Get a glimpse into the industry without having to financially commit to the Complete Program. Why risk your savings? Our stand-alone 4-week Introductory Course is here to help you make the best decision for your future.

Our non-credit, non-degree 36-week program ensures comprehension and competency of even the most complex cybersecurity concepts. Attend live classes and access recorded sessions any time to playback sections you may have missed or revisit a topic you want to reinforce. With a routinely updated curriculum, our fully online evening classes give you the hands-on experience you need to excel in your career.

Each course is developed and led by real cybersecurity experts to help learners meet industry standards. Multiple instructors are present in every live session to give each learner the attention they need. Office hours, Q&A sessions, and individual mentorship opportunities are also available to provide insights that can only come from years of experience.

Gain real-world cybersecurity experience with TDX Arena. This assessment and training platform delivers immersive gamified learning and focused training with live tests and immediate feedback. Experience actual cyberattacks and scenarios, test your growing knowledge and skills, and develop your aptitude for tech, all within an immersive environment. This robust hub of resources includes study guides, question banks, and “Cyberpedia” to help you further your learning.
✔️ Practice Arena: Sharpen your skills on everything from the fundamentals to the most advanced cybersecurity concepts.
✔️ Challenges: Test your knowledge in an immersive, virtual environment that mimics real scenarios you would face on the job.
✔️ Cyberpedia: Enhance your cyber knowledge and study for certification exams with supplementary content, guides, and quizzes to truly set yourself apart from the rest.

Our career outcomes team consists of experts in jobs search assistance. From an early stage, you’ll receive interview coaching, craft a professional resume, and receive tips on how to set up a LinkedIn profile that highlights your strengths and skills for employers.
✔️ Dedicated Coaching and Personal Branding
✔️ Access to Job Leads and Industry Professionals
✔️ Continued Coaching up to 6 Months Post-Completion

Student Success Managers provide a personal touch to your learning experience to further your success. From day one, SSMs guide you, keep you accountable, and facilitate additional resources when necessary, such as exam retests and tutoring sessions.

✔️ Earn a certificate of completion from the Penn State Behrend Cybersecurity Bootcamp, where the innovative project-based approach to cybersecurity education simulates the typical workday functions of a professional currently working in the field.
✔️ Showcase your skills to employers with digital badges: credentials that can be recognized as official experience. Unlock a new badge with every course completed and watch your library of skills grow!

Curious About Cybersecurity?

Learn about job outlook, what to expect in the tech industry, and more with our free guides.

Cybersecurity
Careers Handbook

What type of cybersecurity jobs are out there? Let this handy guide show you what to expect.

Becoming a Cybersecurity
Professional

See if cybersecurity is right for you with this short guide.

Course Breakdown

With our professional non-credit, non-degree bootcamp, you can begin a cybersecurity career in less than a year.

Expert-led classes with immersive, real-world training prepare you for a successful career—no previous experience required.

  • Introductory Course 4 Weeks

  • Part 1: Fundamentals Phase 16 Weeks

    • Microsoft Security Systems Administration
    • Computer Networking Fundamentals
    • Integrating Your Infrastructure Security
    • Securing Your Network
  • Part 2: Infrastructure Phase 4 Weeks

    • Designing Your Cybersecurity Infrastructure
  • Part 3: Advanced Phase 12 Weeks

    • Social Engineering and Ethical Hacking
    • Digital Forensics and Incident Response
    • Threat Hunting and Intelligence
  • Elective CompTIA® Security+ Certification Exam Prep Course 8 Weeks

  • Cybersecurity Certificate of Completion

Go Further With Industry-Recognized Certifications

Demonstrate your expertise and stand out as a true cyber professional

The research-backed curriculum covers skills and topics integral to cybersecurity certifications. Certification exams are not included in the curriculum or tuition, but our program helps you build foundational knowledge you need to prepare to pass certification exams in the future:*

  • Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
  • CompTIA® Network+
  • CompTIA® CySA+
  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
  • LPI Linux Essentials
  • ISC2 SSCP**
  • GIAC Security Essentials
  • Certified Incident Handler
  • Certified Information Security Manager
  • The Penn State Behrend Cybersecurity Bootcamp includes complimentary access to the AWS Academy curriculum, a $100 credit toward the AWS Academy Learner Lab environment, and 50% off the AWS Certification exam.

    A 20% discount for CertNexus® certifications and prep material is available to learners upon completion of the bootcamp.
  • * While the curriculum includes subjects covered by many industry exams, this bootcamp program solely includes an optional CompTIA® Security+ certification prep course and exam voucher. No other preparatory courses or vouchers are provided as part of the curriculum or cost of the bootcamp program and require additional costs not included in tuition.
  • ** Requires a minimum of one year of cumulative work experience in one or more of the seven domains of the SSCP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) in order to be certified.
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Enroll Today

Defend Tomorrow

Learn Cybersecurity.

Unlock a Variety of Career Paths.

Our part-time online program aligns with the NICE Framework to prepare learners to apply for the following cybersecurity jobs:

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Cyber Defense Analyst
Analyze and respond to threats, implement security measures, and safeguard our systems and data.

Analyze and respond to threats, implement security measures, and safeguard our systems and data.

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Cyber Forensic Analyst
Investigate cyber crimes and breaches by analyzing digital evidence to identify attackers.

Investigate cyber crimes and breaches by analyzing digital evidence to identify attackers.

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Cyber Incident Responder
Detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents by analyzing breaches.

Detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents by analyzing breaches.

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Cyber Infrastructure Support Specialist
Manage IT infrastructure, monitor networks, troubleshoot issues, and implement security measures.

Manage IT infrastructure, monitor networks, troubleshoot issues, and implement security measures.

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Network Operations Specialist
Monitor, troubleshoot, and improve network performance and collaborate with IT on infrastructure.

Monitor, troubleshoot, and improve network performance and collaborate with IT on infrastructure.

Cyber Defense Analyst

Analyze and respond to threats, implement security measures, and safeguard our systems and data.

Cyber Forensic Analyst

Investigate cyber crimes and breaches by analyzing digital evidence to identify attackers.

Cyber Incident Responder

Detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents by analyzing breaches.

Cyber Infrastructure Support Specialist

Manage IT infrastructure, monitor networks, troubleshoot issues, and implement security measures.

Network Operations Specialist

Monitor, troubleshoot, and improve network performance and collaborate with IT on infrastructure.

FAQ

It is preferred that learners have some experience with computers, but overall, there are no technical requirements for enrolling in this career-prep program. Learners aged 18 or older of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome to enroll.

You will need a laptop and internet access. All other materials and software will be provided.

Get your copy of our course catalog

As active cybersecurity professionals, our instructors play a role in maintaining the curriculum with modern techniques, methodologies, and technologies. Learners can be confident that they are gaining the relevant experience that employers are currently looking for.

We are committed to your success, so we pair you with Student Success Managers that can help you stay on track throughout the program. We provide you with the tools, materials, and support to ensure you comprehend the material and develop the skills to complete the program and thrive in your new career.

Our 4-week Introductory Course is the best way to find out if cybersecurity is the right choice for you. In this course, you’re learning cybersecurity fundamentals while developing an understanding of the field and how you can contribute as a professional. No experience is required to enroll in the Introductory Course and it will help you make an educated and confident decision about moving on to the Complete Program.

Our non-credit, non-degree Cybersecurity Bootcamp, offered in partnership with ThriveDX, is a professional online, part-time program that is accessible for learners of all skill levels. No experience? No problem! We focus on in-depth training via live classes led by industry experts to prepare even the most novice learner for a cybersecurity job in less than one year; you will also be introduced to concepts that are relevant for industry certification exams.* With our Introductory Course, you can try the course before you commit to the Complete Program to help you protect your investment as you search for a suitable career. We put your success before anything else. Aside from providing a valuable, market-driven curriculum to help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge, we offer a variety of resources to help you overcome any learning challenges, connect you with industry partners, and assist you in finding the cybersecurity role of your dreams.**

* While the curriculum includes subjects covered by many industry exams, this bootcamp program solely includes an optional CompTIA® Security+ certification prep course and exam voucher. No other preparatory courses or vouchers are provided as part of the curriculum or cost of the bootcamp program and require additional costs not included in tuition.

**Job placement not guaranteed.

We enroll our learners in an introductory course that is $180 in total. If you decide to continue on to the Complete Program, the cost will be $18,720, equal to $18,900 in total.

New cohorts open on a rolling basis, year-round. For more information, please contact our ThriveDX partners at 814-826-1323 or at your convenience.

Our career outcomes team provides you with a dedicated career coach to help develop a professional presence and communication strategies in preparation for networking with our industry partners. You will have access to job leads and industry professionals once you have completed the program. While our career coaches are experts at helping learners find tech roles and are available to learners up to 6 months post-program completion, we cannot guarantee job placement.

Have more questions?
why us

Why Us?

The Penn State Behrend Cybersecurity Bootcamp, offered in partnership with ThriveDX, is on a mission to supply the workforce with forward-thinking tech professionals equipped with the practical, technical, and theoretical skills employers are hiring for. Learners complete our part-time online program in less than a year with the in-demand skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to excel in their cybersecurity careers.

This Cybersecurity Bootcamp is offered through the Continuing Education services of Penn State Beaver, Penn State Behrend, Penn State Greater Allegheny, and Penn State New Kensington.

  • arrow icon Advanced, Remote Education Technologies
  • arrow icon Low Student-to-Instructor Ratio
  • arrow icon Synchronous, Virtual Classrooms
  • arrow icon A Library of Recorded Classroom Sessions
  • arrow icon Cyber Simulation Labs
  • arrow icon Weekly Level-Up Sessions
  • arrow icon Live Events and Workshops