The Cybersecurity Boot Camp at UNC Charlotte

Big data needs big protection. That’s because 90 percent of the world’s data has been created in just the last two years*. And as computer networks grow, so too does the quantity of vulnerable information.

The Cybersecurity Boot Camp at UNC Charlotte is a challenging, part-time program that takes a multidisciplinary approach to attaining proficiency in IT, networking, and modern information security, throughout the course of 24 intensive weeks. 

• Gain experience with a host of popular tools such as Wireshark, Kali Linux, Metasploit, Nessus, and more.
• Learn skills applicable to certifications such as the CompTIA Security+, Network+, Linux+, Server+, and Cloud+.
• Advance your skillset even if you’re currently employed or in school through convenient evening classes.
• Benefit from a comprehensive set of career services to help equip you for success as you work to change career paths or advance in your current position.

*https://www.ibm.com/blogs/insights-on-business/consumer-products/2-5-quintillion-bytes-of-data-created-every-day-how-does-cpg-retail-manage-it/

Why apply?

If you are eager to become a digital defender and learn how to keep data safe from prying eyes, or if any of the below describe you, enrolling in this program could help put you on the path to achieving your goals:

• You are currently working in a technical field and want to expand your cyber knowledge, better understand how to keep data secure, and learn hands-on skills to apply on the job.
• You are a part of a company that has urgent cybersecurity needs to protect the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of data and software.
• You understand the growing need for cybersecurity professionals and want to become a part of making the internet a safer space. 
• You are a tech enthusiast looking to start your career in tech and get your foot in the door in the world of networking and security. 

At The Cybersecurity Boot Camp, students get hands-on training in networking, systems, web technologies, databases, and defensive and offensive cybersecurity. You will also learn methods, techniques, and best practices for accurately conveying the severity of the risks facing an organization’s security posture.

You’ll learn from skilled instructors and gain real-world experience by collaborating with your peers. Through hands-on application, you’ll gain the confidence you need to tap into the industry. The curriculum* will dive into the foundational skills for cyber and network security, including:

Networking:

• Packet Analysis
• Wireshark

Systems:

• Windows and Linux Administration Techniques
• Windows and Linux Hardening

Cybersecurity:

• Secure Network Design and Architecture
• Risk Management
• Cryptography
• Vulnerability Assessment
• Identity and Access Management

Ethical Hacking and Penetration:

• Kali Linux
• Metasploit
• Hashcat
• Burp Suite
• Web Vulnerabilities and Security

Cybersecurity Careers:

• Digital Forensics Incident Response
• Penetration Testing
• Vulnerability Assessment
• Security Operations and Analytics

Programming and Scripting:

• Bash Scripting
• PowerShell Scripting

*The material covered is subject to change. Our academic team adjusts to the market demand.

By the time you complete the program, you will know how to:

• Conduct vulnerability assessments using tools like Metasploit to profile an application for vulnerabilities, and then exploit those vulnerabilities
• Utilize specific AI/ML techniques for threat detection, prevention, and offensive security strategies
• Identify suspicious patterns of user behavior to identify bots, intruders, and other malicious actors
• Write Bash scripts to automate security and operating systems tasks

About the Boot Camp

This boot camp, offered in partnership with edX, is made available through a unique consortium delivery model to provide skills-based learning to participants across North Carolina and beyond. Participants will be taught by a university-approved instructor, while learning alongside students from other consortium-participating universities and institutions. Upon meeting the completion requirements, participants will be issued a certificate by UNC Charlotte School of Professional Studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Part-Time Schedule

• 24-week program
• Classes held three weekdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET or 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. ET