Format:
100% online
Learn on your own time
Duration:
6 months, 15-20 hrs/wk
Finish early by putting in more hours
Apply by:

Cohort starts

Why Enroll in a Cyber Security Bootcamp?

If you’re looking for job security, there are few career paths safer than cybersecurity. As the digital sphere continues to grow across the globe, being able to guarantee the safety of any given digital space is of ever-increasing importance. With an estimate of over 3.5 million unfilled positions by 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing careers in the world. 

Cybersecurity threats continue to develop, which makes finding the best ways to combat them an ever-evolving task. By taking part in a cyber security bootcamp online, you can develop an array of skills, including technical proficiency, risk management, data analytics, and threat intelligence. 

At National University, our online cyber security bootcamp offers a fully online experience that teaches you the hands-on skills you need for the industry. Our mix of content crafted by industry experts with detail-oriented projects are designed to properly prepare students for the rigors of the job itself. With a diverse array of technical laboratories and personal projects to choose from, you’ll get the real world experience you need.

The Premier Online Cyber Security Bootcamp

Through our online cyber security bootcamp, you’ll learn all the fundamentals of cybersecurity. This extensive learning process all leads up to a mentor-led capstone project, where you’ll run through a five-step, structured walkthrough penetration test of a fictionalized company. Throughout the course, you’ll develop a full mastery of many technical skills, including IT security, IT auditing, and general security error identification. Best of all, you’ll learn all of these skills on your own time.

At National University, we take great pride in preparing our students for the professional steps they need to succeed, which is why our cyber security bootcamp includes a range of mock exams and quizzes that are exclusively designed to prepare you for the globally-recognized CompTIA Security+ exam. We’re so confident in our ability to prepare you for this test, that our bootcamp includes a free voucher to sit for the exam itself!

When you’ve earned your certificate of completion from our cyber security bootcamp online, you’ll be prepared to start a career in cybersecurity. Our team is fully equipped to help you find the job that’s right for you, including helping you build a stellar cybersecurity resume, assisting in your job search, and mastering the interview process. You’ll also be paired with an experienced, 1:1 career coach who will help you every step of the way. 

Careers In Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity positions are very much in demand and, as businesses continue to trend towards becoming increasingly online, that demand is only going to grow. Notably, the average salary for cybersecurity professionals ranges between $50k and $120k, meaning you can earn a serious mint after completing a cybersecurity bootcamp. According to CompTIA, the following are in particularly high-demand and feature competitive salaries:  

  1. Network Engineer/Architect: $83,510

  2. Incident Analyst/Responder: $89,000

  3. Systems Engineer: $90,920

  4. Cybersecurity Consultant: $91,000

  5. Cybersecurity Specialist/Technician: $92,000

  6. Cybersecurity Analyst: $95,000

  7. Vulnerability Analyst/Penetration Tester $103,000

  8. Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator: $105,000

  9. Software Developer/Engineer: $110,140

Extensive Curriculum

The curriculum at our Cyber Security Bootcamp is designed to fully prepare you for your future career. The course takes approximately six months to complete, requiring that you devote around 15 to 20 hours per week. Course work includes learning resources, practice exercises, virtual labs from InfoSec learning, and nine optional career-related units. This bootcamp will help you develop skills in a selection of fundamentals.

Six Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

  1. Host-Based Security

  2. Network Security

  3. Identity and Access Management

  4. Security Assessment and Testing

  5. Security Operations

  6. Application Security

Course Breakdown

Our cybersecurity bootcamp is divided into the following 21 learning units:

  • 1 Getting Started Unit

  • 11 Technical Units

  • 3 Basic Priming Units:

    • An Optional Cybersecurity Basics Unit

    • A Cybersecurity Fundamentals Unit

    • An IT Project Management Unit

  • 6 Core Concept Units

  • 1 Capstone Project Unit

  • 1 CompTIA Security+ Preparation Unit

  • 9 Career Preparation Units

Course Sequence

  1. Getting Started with Cybersecurity Career Track

  2. Cybersecurity Basics

  3. Cybersecurity Fundamentals

  4. Creating Your Job Search Strategy

  5. IT Project Management

  6. Host-Based Security

  7. Your Elevator Pitch and LinkedIn Profile

  8. Network Security

  9. Effective Networking: Building Your Network

  10. Identity and Access Management

  11. Networking: Informational Interviews

  12. Security Assessment and Testing

  13. Find the Right Job Titles and Companies

  14. Security Operations

  15. Application Security

  16. Capstone Project

  17. Preparing For and Getting Interviews

  18. CompTIA Security+ Prep Unit

  19. Effective Interviewing for Cybersecurity

  20. Salary Negotiation and Career Next Steps

  21. Congratulations and Next Steps After Course Completion

Goal-Oriented Technical Units

While attending our comprehensive Cyber Security Bootcamp, you’ll take part in multiple technical units that are specially designed to help you achieve success in the field, ultimately setting you up to build an exceptional career for yourself. Some examples include:

Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Through a hands-on approach to detecting IT security concerns, this unit teaches you all the fundamental principles of cybersecurity. It includes the following topics:

  • Threat actor types and attributes (hackers, DarkNet entities, social engineering, etc.)

  • Intro to Security+ certification

  • Three-legged stool (CIA)

  • Threat-modeling

  • Red-team vs. blue-team

Identity and Access Management

Identity and Access Management, also known as IAM, is one a key discipline within the cybersecurity sphere. It allows an organization to manage user identities, including how they access resources and data. This unit covers the following topics:

  • Authentication models and components

  • Defining access control models

  • Rights, permissions, and policies

Security Assessment and Training

Throughout the Security Assessment and Testing unit, you will learn how to conduct security assessments and the best forms of remediation. You will also learn how to create Information Security (IS) audit test plans, which will give you insight into how IS auditors approach their engagements. This unit includes information on the following:

  • Conducting risk assessments and audits of controls

  • Assessing vulnerabilities

  • Vulnerability remediation

Top-of-the-Line Student Support

We love helping our students study at home, on their own time. With the help of our student advisors, mentors, and career coaches, you’ll have full access to all the support you need. 

  • Your student advisor: Get help every step of the way with your personal advisor. 

  • Unlimited 1:1 mentor support: Meet weekly with your personal cybersecurity mentor, and take advantage of additional calls as needed. 

  • Career prep: Get optional 1:1 career coaching to help you perfect your resume and find the job that’s right for you.

  • Online community: Give and receive constructive feedback from fellow students and expert mentors. 

National University

Industry Master Mentors

At National University, our expert mentors are always industry professionals. With the help of our cybersecurity experts, you can fully develop your knowledge and skills.

  • Weekly 1:1 video calls: Get help tuning your projects, address obstacles, and build professional goals.

  • Accountability: Maintain personal responsibility by tracking your goals and achievements.

  • Unlimited mentor calls: At no extra cost, get additional 1:1 as needed from your mentors. 

Meet some of our mentors:

mentorAvatar
Jay James
Cyber Security Operations Lead
mentorAvatar
Alissa Torres
Senior Threat Hunter
mentorAvatar
Mark Adams
Sr Manager, IT Security & Compliance
mentorAvatar
Leonard Simon
MSSP Manager

Is The Cyber Security Bootcamp Right for You?

If you love solving problems, enjoy the idea of protecting people and their assets, and have a strong sense of collaboration, then our cybersecurity bootcamp is a perfect fit for you! 

Course Prerequisites:

  • You must possess the determination to complete all required course units.

  • You will need to pass a short evaluation for baseline soft skills, including communication, motivation, professionalism, a commitment to learning, and an analytical mindset.

FAQ

What is cybersecurity?

In general, cybersecurity consists of the process and techniques used to protect sensitive data, computer systems, networks, and software applications from cyber attacks.

Some of the most popular topics covered in cybersecurity include:

  • Unauthorized access to systems and data.

  • Disrupting the normal functions of a business and its processes.

  • Using ransomware attacks to encrypt data and extort money from victims.

Does cybersecurity require coding?

Entry-level roles generally do not require any coding experience, but programming is a powerful skill to have in your toolkit as you progress in your career. This course will teach you basic Python, Perl, and Powershell. No coding experience is required for acceptance into the Cyber Security Bootcamp with National University.

What skills are needed to work in cybersecurity?

Professionals working in the cybersecurity field must have a strong analytical mindset, robust communications skills, and a highly collaborative work ethic. In this course, you’ll also build the following technical skillset:

  • Incident response

  • Threat intelligence

  • Operating system security

  • Application security

  • Network scanning tools

  • Network mapping

  • Firewall

  • IDS/IPs

  • Vulnerability assessments

  • IT controls

  • Basic Python Scripting

  • Security information and event management (SIEM) analysis

  • Packet capture and log analysis


While building the technical skillset, Cyber Security Bootcamp students will have access to the following tools:

  • Nmap for network scanning

  • Wireshark: A free and open-source network protocol analyzer

  • Metasploit for vulnerability scanning, enumeration, executing attacks, and more

  • Kali Linux for digital forensics, penetration testing, ethical hacking, and more

  • Kleopatra for security key encryption

  • Autopsy for digital forensics

  • Splunk for DevSecOps

  • OpenVAS for vulnerability scanning

  • Zenmap, the graphical interface of Nmap, used for scanning, network mapping, and more

  • GoPhish to run phishing simulations

  • Low Orbit Ion Cannon for stress testing and denial-of-service attack application

What type of jobs can you do after a cyber security bootcamp?

You’ll be able to gain an entry-level position as a cybersecurity analyst, specialist, and incident analyst/responder.

Graduates also pursue other roles, such as SOC analyst, cybersecurity engineer, cybersecurity consultant, cybersecurity manager / administrator, systems engineer, network engineer / architect, software developer / engineer, vulnerability analyst, cyber crime analyst/ responder, and IT auditor.

How long does it take to complete a cyber security bootcamp?

This course is designed to be completed in 6 months or less depending on how much time you dedicate each week. It is completely self-paced with you in the driver’s seat.

What is the salary of someone working in cybersecurity?

Depending on your work experience, geographic location, role, and work sector, you can expect to make between $89,000 and $105,000.

Is cybersecurity in high demand?

Yes, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow 33% through 2030, much faster than average for other occupations.

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, there are an estimated 3.5 million unfulfilled cybersecurity jobs as the demand to fill these jobs far outweighs the number of individuals qualified to undertake a complex field.

Is a cybersecurity bootcamp worth it?

Yes! You’ll have the skills you need to succeed in 6 months’ time with a support system ready to help you in your job search.

How much does a cybersecurity bootcamp cost?

  • The full tuition of the program is $11,900. If you pay upfront, you get a 7% discount.

  • Pay monthly only for the time you need, up to 6 months.

  • Financing options available.

For more details on how tuition payments work, see the frequently asked questions page.

More Questions About the Program?

Complete the "Apply Now" form to schedule a call with our Admissions team, email Carolina, our Admissions Manager, who can help you think through the decision, or explore frequently asked questions.

National University

Syllabus Request

Apply Now:

Upcoming Programs