Cyber Security Specialist

The Cyber Security Specialist (CSS) program helps ITSA graduates and certified IT professionals in entry-to-mid-level roles prepare for six networking and cybersecurity certifications, so they can move up and specialize in networking, cybersecurity or information assurance. The program includes six courses; upon completion, the candidate will know how to plan, configure and operate simple WAN and switched LAN networks, how intruders escalate privileges, and what steps can be taken to secure a system.

Coursework and practice tests prepare students for Linux Essentials, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA, CompTIA CySA+ and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker. All eligible students may receive at least one certification exam voucher upon request for each exam at no cost.

The program is an interactive learning experience, from live-streamed instructor-led sessions to lab simulations, with support a click away. Six certifications come from notable leaders in the business: CompTIA, Cisco, EC-Council and the Linux Professional Institute. Students learn how to think like a hacker, identify potential vulnerabilities and protect a major enterprise from cyberattacks. ITSA and CWP graduates may transfer credit for courses already completed, reducing both the length and cost of the program, and relevant certifications and experience can also earn transfer credit.

Students must meet with a member of the Admissions Team to be considered for acceptance, and MyComputerCareer determines acceptance into any program. For the Texas campuses, high school completion, a GED or equivalent, or a college degree is required, and proof of attainment must be supplied. The minimum age for enrollment is 17; applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian's signature on the enrollment agreement as well as their own. Applicants also need a government-issued ID and must pass an internet speed test (2MB upload and download minimum).

Prerequisites. Applicants must be a graduate of the ITSA program, or have two years of IT industry work experience, or one year of IT industry work with at least an associate degree, or proof of an active A+ certification. An updated resume is required to show work experience, and military work experience in computer technology counts.

CSS is 720 clock hours (45 academic quarter credit hours) delivered fully online (Interactive Distance Learning), with an enrollment term of 30 or 42 weeks. Classes meet a few days or nights per week; the CSS and CSE schedule is 6:30pm to 11:30pm two times a week plus a two-hour learning lab. Each course is typically 5-7 weeks at 17-24 hours per week. The website lists the program as fully online through the Indianapolis, IN campus.

Program cost. Tuition for CSS is $22,613. The total program cost of $26,305 also includes CEH curriculum ($1,072), curriculum ($2,520) and a registration fee ($100), which are non-refundable once the student starts. Credit for courses already completed may reduce both the length and cost of the program.

Federal aid. Being nationally accredited by ACCET allows MyComputerCareer to offer federal financial aid programs under Title IV, including Federal Pell Grants and Federal Student Loans, to those who qualify.

Other funding. The school accepts GI Bill and other VA education benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation, DoD SkillBridge and Military Tuition Assistance, and offers payment plans. Scholarships and grants are available, including the Scarlett Sunshine Scholarship, a full-tuition award for veterans or members of veteran families (applications open November 1 to December 31). Financial Aid Specialists help each student build a financial plan.

The program is designed for individuals seeking a career as an IT professional in the complex computing environment of medium to large organizations. Example occupations include security consultant, systems analyst, firewall engineer, Cisco network engineer, infrastructure network engineer, security analyst, data security engineer, IT security risk management, information system security specialist, security engineer, information security officer, and threat and vulnerability analyst.

Lifetime Career Services. MyComputerCareer provides lifetime career services to students and graduates of its vocational programs, including resume and cover letter preparation, interview preparation, job referrals, career counseling, application assistance and refresher courses. The Career Services team networks with employers across the country to assist students in their job search. The school cannot by law guarantee a job; background checks are a standard part of many employers' hiring processes.

Live, instructor-led classes. All classes are live and instructor-led, with video and offline self-study components. Online classes are live and interactive: students have real-time access to the lead instructor during class, plus mentoring instructors who provide personalized tutoring and support during and outside class hours. Most training uses interactive labs and software simulations to solve real-world problems.

Support while you study. Students have access to lead instructors, mentoring instructors for personalized tutoring, Student Success Coordinators, technical support for online students, study resources and practice labs, peer study groups and the Career Services team.

Equipment. Whether taking classes online or on campus, students need a laptop with a webcam and microphone and a reliable high-speed internet connection. Courses do not require textbooks; all course materials are available electronically.

Attendance and graduation. Students must complete 80% of the scheduled clock hours in each course. To graduate, a student must complete all credit hours in the program with a cumulative grade of 70% or higher (2.0 GPA), within 143% of the published program length. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion or Diploma, based on the program.