Cybersecurity Bootcamp

 

Admission Criteria and Eligibility Information:

• High school diploma/GED (minimum).
• Students do not need an IT background to enroll in this program.

Application Checklist

 

 

View Full Bootcamp Syllabus

 

 

Are there prerequisites for the Bootcamp?

No, there are no prerequisites for the Bootcamp. The program is open to any student who has at least a high school diploma/GED, and no prior IT experience or knowledge is necessary.

Prior to (or during the beginning of) the Bootcamp, all students will complete a 'pre-work module' which will bring everyone to the same level of necessary technical expertise.

 

What is the format of the Bootcamp?

This part-time Bootcamp includes 480 hours of content delivered over 24 weeks. The topics are taught in a sequenced format (students do not work ahead). You will virtually meet with your classmates and facilitator over Zoom twice a week (Monday & Thursday nights or Tuesday & Friday nights at 6pm CST). Each virtual class is scheduled for up to 4 hours, but half of that time is reserved for the Facilitator's office hours. Some topics will require more actual live class time than others. On average, students can expect to self-study for a few hours per week outside of the scheduled class times. The platform will be available to you 24/7. There is also a messaging platform where classmates and facilitators can communicate.

 

How will I learn practical cybersecurity skills?

In order for you to practice the skills you learn, the Bootcamp includes over 100 unique hands-on exercises that run in virtual machines. These are safe environments where you will be able to run different operating systems, access various tools without installing them on your computer, and practice confidently without putting your computer at risk.

 

What if I have to miss one of the live sessions?

The live online classes are not recorded, so students can simply coordinate with their Facilitator to discuss anything that will be/was missed.

 

What if I already have some IT knowledge? Do I still need to complete the entire Bootcamp?

This program is designed so that every student moves through each/all 12 modules in sequence. It is not possible to essentially “skip over” any of the modules. However, if you already have knowledge of certain areas, then instead of spending the anticipated few hours per week outside of class studying, you may only need to spend a little bit of time per week to complete that module before moving on to the next.

 

What are the minimal computer requirements and what is the recommended setup?

To participate effectively in the Bootcamp, you will need a laptop that is able to run video conferencing (including a working camera and microphone) and has an up-to-date operating system, as well as a stable high-speed internet connection. In addition, a second screen is recommended for optimal experience. The entire Bootcamp is browser-based so there is no need to install any app or software.

 

What certifications will I get from the program? Is there an exam?

Upon successful completion of the Bootcamp, you will receive a Certificate of Completion issued by ThriveDX Impact and Loras College confirming that you completed Cybersecurity training aligned with the United States government’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

 

After you have completed the Bootcamp coursework, no outside licensing-type exam is required in order to be able to apply for entry-level Cybersecurity jobs. However, you will have the background and knowledge needed to pursue CompTIA Security+ or CertNexus certification if you wish, at a reduced cost as a result of completing the program through ThriveDX Impace and Loras College.

 

What types of jobs will I be able to apply for after the Bootcamp?

Our curriculum is aligned with the NICE-NIST Framework and we will prepare you to apply for jobs like Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Forensics Analyst, and Cyber Incident Responder. Skills in cybersecurity are universal, therefore, after you graduate from the Bootcamp you can apply for positions anywhere in the world.

 

What is the cost of Bootcamp?

The entire cost of the 24-week Bootcamp is $5,500 per person.

 

Do you offer refunds?

If, after beginning the Bootcamp the student decides it is not a good fit, students may receive 100% tuition refund up until two weeks after the first day of the Bootcamp. After the first two weeks, no refund will be given.

 

Does Loras offer any discounts for alumni, groups, or other selected individuals?

Loras College offers a 10% tuition discount to students employed by a Loras Corporate Partner. For more information on how your place of employment can become a corporate partner, please visit loras.edu/corporatepartnerships.

 

 

Cost

The cost of the entire Cybersecurity Bootcamp is $5,500.

 

Payment

Students have two options for program payment:

1. Utilize tuition reimbursement from their employer via completion of Loras’s Employer Tuition Reimbursement Form, OR:
2. Self-pay the entire program balance before the first day of class.

Students who wish to utilize tuition reimbursement from their employer must complete Loras’ Employer Tuition Reimbursement Form before the first day of their first class. Students will still be issued regular billing statements from Loras, but will be exempt from any service charges and will be exempt from having to make full payment until after the end of each class (or until after program completion for CFP Certification or Cybersecurity Bootcamp students). Students or employers are welcome to make payments directly to Loras along the way if they would like, but it is not required. If the employer reimbursement criteria are not met and/or reimbursement is denied, the student must bring their account current immediately before any future registration will be permitted. Student’s balance must be paid in full within 30 days of the last day of each term (or within 30 days of program completion for CFP Certification Education and Cybersecurity Bootcamp students), and prior to Loras/ThriveDX issuing the student a certificate of completion.

Students who do not complete Loras’ ETR Form must self-pay their entire program balance before the first day of class. Students who fail to make payment for the program by that date will be asked to remit payment or be removed from the program.

 

Withdrawls/Refunds

Students who withdraw from the Cybersecurity Bootcamp will receive a full refund up to two weeks (14 days) after the first day of the Bootcamp. Students who drop out on day 15 of the program or anytime thereafter will receive no refund and will be financially responsible for the full cost of the Bootcamp.

 

Financial Aid

Please note that federal and institutional aid is not available for this program. However, students are able to utilize employer tuition reimbursement and/or private loans.

 

Contact us if you have additional billing or employer reimbursement questions

Carrie Jones, Director of Student Accounts
carrie.jones@loras.edu
563-588-7232

 

Overview

Intrigued about cybersecurity but not ready to commit to the full Bootcamp? Register for the Intro to Cybersecurity course, an online, self-paced introductory course that's ideal for learners who are curious about the world of cyber and want to get familiar with this exciting industry. This 30-hour course is broken down into 10 "week" formats, but students may progress on their own time. Learn more here and view the syllabus here!

 

Cost and Payment

The cost of the Intro to Cybersecurity course is $500. Payment must be made in full prior to being able to start the coursework. Please note that financial aid is not available for this course. Any student who completes the Intro to Cybersecurity course and subsequently registers for the full Cybersecurity Bootcamp will receive a $500 discount off the cost of the Bootcamp.

 

Registration

This introductory course is open to all interested students, and no IT background is required. In order to enroll in the course:

1. Complete the free Loras College Special Course Application. Select “Professional & Continuing Education” as the Course Registration Type.
2. You may begin the course at any time. If you'll be completing the course anytime between late January and mid May, please select "Spring" as the Entry Term. If you'll be completing the course anytime between mid May and late August, please select "Summer" as the Entry Term. If you'll be completing the course anytime between late August and late January, please select "Fall" as the Entry Term.
3. Once you submit the application, please follow the prompts to make the course payment.
4. After payment is received, our Registrar’s Office will be in touch with information about course specifics.

Questions? 

Contact the Loras Registrar's Office at registrar@loras.edu or 563.588.7779.