Become a
Digital Defender

University of Minnesota Cybersecurity Boot Camp | Learn Cybersecurity in 24 Weeks

  • Global Network: Gain access to a network of 250+ employers looking to hire.
  • CompTIA Partnership: Get a head start on certification test prep.
  • Student Success: Stay on track with personalized academic support.
  • Career Support: Access free professional resources throughout your career.

Get Program Info

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Next Start Date: June 17, 2024
Time to Complete: 24 Weeks, part-time
Live Online Classes: 9 hours per week
Student at laptop
The Support You Need to Transform Your Career

Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand global fields today. We’re committed to equipping you with the fundamental skills you need to make an impact while providing unparalleled support and resources before, during, and after your boot camp.

  • Work with an admissions advisor who will prepare you for your boot camp.
  • Get 24/7 on-demand learning assistance via text or video chat.
  • Access a 1-on-1 tutor if you get stuck.
  • Connect with a powerful network of engaged instructors, TAs, peers, and alumni.
Student at laptop
Join the Front Lines of Digital Defense

The economic impact of cyber crime is growing: In 2020, the average cost to businesses affected by a data breach in the United States was $8.64 million, up 32% from 2015, and nearly double the global average.1

You can help protect organizations and populations — and change your entire career trajectory. As the world grows more connected and automated (and therefore, more vulnerable), the demand for cybersecurity specialists is on the rise. Information security is one of the fastest-growing fields,2 and No. 6 on Glassdoor’s Top 50 Jobs in America.3

1Statista.com
2Bureau of Labor Statistics
3Glassdoor

Top Employers Hire Our

Boot Camp Learners
Our boot camp learners go on to work for some of the world’s top companies, including over 62% of the Fortune 100.
Student at laptop
Further Your Career
Our Career Engagement Network will help you apply the tools and knowledge you have learned to advance your career. We will help you optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile, prepare for interviews, and build your portfolio. You’ll also have access to free career resources throughout your professional life.
A Proud CompTIA Partner

We know how important certification is for our students; that’s why we chose CompTIA as a partner to provide you with a complimentary CertMaster test prep tool and an exam voucher to take the CompTIA certification exam of your choice: Security+, Network+, Linux+, Server+, or Cloud+.

While the boot camp itself does not provide test preparation, a portion of the final module is dedicated to helping you learn and leverage the CertMaster Test Prep Tool for the Security+ exam and some CEH content to get you started.

Innovative Curriculum. In-Demand Skills.

In 24 weeks, University of Minnesota Cybersecurity Boot Camp will prepare you with the technical skills you need to protect digital environments. Through an immersive hands-on curriculum, you will not only learn fundamental cybersecurity methods, but also put them into action through practical exercises.


The curriculum is delivered through live, online classes and high-quality coursework. Our instructors are fully vetted by the university and offer 1-on-1 virtual guidance to learners throughout the program.

Learn to think like a cybersecurity professional by assessing threats and mitigating risks.

  • What you will learn:
  • CIA Triad
  • Governance
  • Risk Analysis and Risk Mitigation
  • Compliance
  • Disaster Recovery
  • Business Continuity Planning

Gain hands-on experience working with the command line and bash commands that are prominent in IT roles. You will configure and audit servers, as well as harden and secure them from malicious attacks.

  • What you will learn:
  • Linux Server Configuration
  • Windows Server Configuration
  • Tar, Cron, and Cron Jobs
  • Logging
  • Bash Scripting and Programming
  • Active Directory
  • Kerberos

Dive into network configuration, design, protocols, and data communication.

  • What you will learn:
  • Network Architecture, Operations, and Security
  • Wireshark and Traffic Analysis
  • Email Security
  • Wireless Security
  • Cryptography and Encryption
  • Port Scanning
  • Cloud Security and Virtualization

Dive into SIEMs and network security monitoring, practice responding to different breaches and attacks, and learn how to recover deleted data as part of preparing evidence for a legal case.

  • What you will learn:
  • Splunk
  • Monitoring and Logging
  • Incident Response
  • Forensics
  • Data Extraction and Recovery

Gain a thorough understanding of web applications, databases, and the vulnerabilities and hardening associated with them.

  • What you will learn:
  • Burp Suite
  • Webshells
  • Searchsploit and Metasploit
  • XSS Vulnerabilities and Payloads
  • File Inclusion and Command Injection Vulnerabilities
  • Zenmap
  • SQL Injection
  • Penetration Testing Execution Standard
  • Pivoting Networks

Focus on certification prep for Security+ and CEH exams, and conclude the program with a final group project.

Now You’re Ready
By the time you’ve completed the boot camp, you will have mastered in-demand skills, built an
impressive portfolio of projects using real-world data sets, and earned a Cybersecurity Certificate
from the University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies in Saint Paul.
Learn on Your Schedule
This is a part-time program designed for working professionals like you who want to learn
cybersecurity to advance careers, enhance skills for a current role, or change career paths.
Time to complete 24 weeks
Live classes 9 hrs/week
Homework & projects 20+ hrs/week
Class time Classes are held three weekdays
from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Invest in Your Career With the Right Financial Options Cybersecurity boot camp fee: $11,245
Early Registration:
Enroll by the early registration deadline and get $1,000 off your tuition cost when paid in full.
Interest-Free Payment Plan:
Pay an initial deposit and split the rest of your tuition into monthly installments with no interest.
Alumni Scholarship:
University alumni are eligible for a $500 scholarship.
Americorps:
The program is eligible to use your AmeriCorps award.
Workforce Funding:
Workforce development assistance may be available through federal, state, and local offices.
Employer Funding:
Use available educational benefits or tuition sponsorship from your employer.

edX Boot Camps does not receive any commissions or payments for referrals or successful loan applications. The lender’s loan approval criteria will apply and you should consider the terms and conditions of any loan carefully. We are not credit advisors. We make no representations about whether you will be given a loan or whether a loan will be suitable for you. We are not responsible for representations made to you by any credit provider.

What Boot Camp Graduates

Are Saying
  • “I chose to attend because I wanted to change careers. Doing the boot camp allowed me to demonstrate that I was familiar with cybersecurity concepts and tools. I gained valuable hands-on experience that I could show future employers. Career Services helped me build my network and improve my resume and online presence. I was able to get a job as a security analyst shortly after graduating.” - Brianna F.
  • “This boot camp has impacted me tremendously for the better. I can't thank everyone enough. It was such a great experience that blew away my expectations. I still can't believe how incredibly nice the instructor and TAs were. As well as my peers in the class. I will never forget this boot camp. I am so thankful I could have been a part of it. My career and life has changed for the better.” - Ugonna O.
  • “I had a great experience with the class. The instructor, as well as the TAs, did an incredible job not only teaching, but also adapting to the sudden and complete transition to online learning. I chose to attend this program because I knew that I wanted to work in cybersecurity and this would be a great way to get my foot in the door and start learning the necessary skills required to do so. Thanks to this class I now have a full-time Security Analyst position and am continuing to learn and hone my craft every day.” - Matt K.
A Powerful Educational Partnership

About The University of
Minnesota College of Continuing
and Professional Studies


Established in 1913, the College of Continuing and Professional Studies is one of the most diverse of the University of Minnesota’s 18 colleges and schools. The college’s purpose is to inspire and serve an expanding population of learners in all stages of life. Each year, the College serves thousands of learners working toward individualized or applied degrees and certificates, accessing University courses, or participating in boot camps, short courses, and events.


This program is offered through the University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies, in partnership with edX.


About edX


edX, part of 2U Inc., works with respected universities and organizations to deliver innovative, skills-based training to a community of over 45 million learners around the world to support them at every stage of their lives and careers. edX delivers boot camps through an immersive learning experience with expert services and valuable resources. As of 2021, graduates have been hired by 6,700+ companies, including more than 62% of the Fortune 100.

The Next Cybersecurity Boot Camp Starts June 17, 2024. Reserve Your Spot Today!
It only takes a minute to request information and be put in touch with a member of the admissions team who can answer questions and get your application started.