UMBC Training Centers has launched the Cyber Academy to address the tremendous need for Cyber professionals in the workforce. The Cyber Academy is a full time, intensive training program designed to prepare students for immediate employment in Cybersecurity job specialties within government and industry. The Cyber Academy – Certificate in Computer Network Operations will develop civilians and military personnel from a basic competence with computers and technology up to the level of a competent, entry-level professional as a Cyber Analyst or Operator. This program is closely aligned with the recent National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) release of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework. Applications for the Cyber Academy – Certificate in Computer Network Operations program will be accepted in mid-February. If you are interested in being notified when the official application process opens up, please click here.
Program Details
The Cyber Academy – Certificate in Computer Network Operations will prepare students for a role within an organization in cybersecurity defense, vulnerability assessment or penetration testing. Topics covered include the following.
- Hardware and Computer Architecture
- Networking
- Network Security Fundamentals
- Basic Programming and Scripting
- Windows Operating System Fundamentals and Administration
- Linux Operating System Fundamentals and Administration
- Basic Network Attack Methodology
- Malware Analysis
Professional Certifications
The Cyber Academy – Certificate in Computer Network Operations enables program participants to earn the following professional industry certifications.
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTia Security+
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
These certifications illustrate to employers your professional achievements and your dedication to ongoing professional development. Additionally, there are many roles in the government and with government contractors that require these certifications, such as those required by DoD Directive 8570.
Selection into the Cyber Academy will be based on the following components.
- “Whole person” approach
- Aptitude assessment
- Tiered knowledge assessments
- Security screening (National Agency Check)
- Prior educational and work history
- Passion and initiative
Program Logistics
The Cyber Academy – Certificate in Computer Network Operations is a four month full time program which will begin in June and run through September, 2013. Classes will be held every weekday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at 6996 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. For the inaugural open enrollment Cyber Academy – Certificate in Computer Network Operations cohort, the cost will be $14,995.00 per student. Students have the option of paying for this outright or can participate in a tuition deferral program which is described below. Under the tuition deferral program, $4,995.00 is paid at the beginning of the program. Within 12 months of completing the program, when a student obtains employment as an IT or cyber professional, the outstanding balance is due for their training. This can be paid for by their employer or by the student.
Audience
This program has two core audiences:
- Current employees of organizations who require additional hands-on training to meet existing cyber workforce gaps. These employees can have little IT background and be taken through the entire program, or can come with basic foundational skills and moved directly into training for a specific specialty area.
- Individuals seeking to enter the fields of information technology and cybersecurity who are interested in employment with government agencies, government contractors and commercial enterprises in the region. While cyber is the primary focus, this program provides excellent preparation for work in any commercial or civilian IT organization.