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Penn State Behrend
Program Catalog
Cybersecurity Bootcamp | 32 Weeks
Welcome to Your Future
We’re thrilled that you’re considering a career in cybersecurity! Change can be challenging, but taking
this first step is a powerful move toward a brighter tomorrow.
Our Cybersecurity Bootcamp is thoughtfully designed for learners of all levels, even those with no prior
tech experience. With a comprehensive curriculum, an AI-powered platform, a supportive community,
and a practical approach, you’ll gain the skills needed to launch a rewarding career in cybersecurity.
Read on to learn more about the program and take your first step toward a successful future today!
Table of Contents
03 Introduction
04 Why Cybersecurity?
05 About the Bootcamp
05 Overview
05 Application Process
06 What You Will Learn
07 What’s Included
07 Learning & Practice with TDX Arena
08 Instruction
09 Review
09 Certification Prep
10 Career Services
Let’s Connect
Have questions about the program? Ready to enroll?
Our Advisors are ready to help.
Cybersecurity Bootcamp 2
Introduction
About Penn State Behrend
Our mission is to provide the Penn State educational experience to anyone,
anytime—focusing on convenience, flexibility, and quality in delivering non-
credit, non-degree programs online.
Our goal is to encourage inquiry and active learning, helping our students
gather knowledge to solve problems, make decisions, and define values around
real-world issues that apply to their work and community environment.
Our innovative project-based approach to digital education simulates the
typical workday functions of a professional currently working in the field. Penn
State Behrend Digital Skills Bootcamps learners gain real-life experience with a
curriculum centered on hands-on learning and career development.
The Cybersecurity Bootcamp is offered through the Continuing Education
services of Penn State Beaver, Penn State Behrend, Penn State Greater
Allegheny, and Penn State New Kensington.
The Penn State Behrend Digital Skills Bootcamp was developed in partnership
with ThriveDX, the world’s premier digital and cybersecurity education provider.
ThriveDX brings over a decade of research and expertise in digital education,
knowledge transfer directly to the classroom, and a commitment to ensuring
the highest-quality digital technology education to future generations.
About ThriveDX
ThriveDX is a leader in cybersecurity education, partnering with top universities to deliver AI-driven, hands-on training through
expert-led instruction. At the core of our training is our TDX Arena Platform—an adaptive, AI cyber lab that simulates real-
world threats, provides instant feedback, and customizes labs to each learner. Our 300+ elite instructors from top companies
bring real-world expertise to every session. With up-to-date AI labs, gamified learning, and job-focused training, ThriveDX
ensures learners gain practical skills, industry certifications, and career-ready experience to thrive in cybersecurity.
ThriveDX has received the following industry accolades:
Most Transformational Growth Top Cybersecurity Education Provider Market Leader – Cybersecurity
Company In Workforce Learning in North America Training
Let’s Connect
Have questions about the program? Ready to enroll?
Our Advisors are ready to help.
Schedule a Call
Cybersecurity Bootcamp 3
Why Cybersecurity?
The industry is booming. The world needs you.
As our technology improves and connects us more than ever,
keeping our digital world safe is crucial.
85 million $13.8 trillion 267% growth
unfilled cybersecurity jobs in cybercrime damages in U.S. cybersecurity jobs—far
globally by 2030 projected by 2028 outpacing other industries
Cybersecurity isn’t just about tech—it’s about protecting businesses,
governments, and individuals from cyber threats. Whether you have experience
in problem-solving, critical thinking, or teamwork, you already have the skills to
succeed in this field.
Top Roles in Cybersecurity Analyst Network Security Engineer
Cybersecurity
Incident Response Specialist Digital Forensics Investigator
Average Entry-Level Cybersecurity Salary: $95,000+ (talent.com)
No tech background? No problem.
This bootcamp will take you from beginner to job-ready.
We’ve seen motivated learners from many different
backgrounds shift to a career in cybersecurity, including:
` Government Personnel ` Airline Staff
` Business Owners ` Banking & Finance
` Restaurant Employees ` Military & Law Enforcement
` Real Estate ` Stay-at-Home Parents
` Retail Workers ` Healthcare & Education
Let’s Connect
Have questions about the program? Ready to enroll?
Our Advisors are ready to help.
Schedule a Call
Cybersecurity Bootcamp 4
About the Bootcamp
Overview
Bootcamp Class Times Time Learning
Length & Frequency Commitment Format
32 weeks Evenings, Mon/Wed Part-time 60% virtual class
or Tue/Thu 40% self-study
Includes Learning Environment Prerequisites
` TDX Arena access You'll join live online sessions, No tech experience or degree
engaging with your instructor, peers, required—just bring your motivation!
` Career services
and TDX Arena—our AI-powered
You must be 18 years old to begin.
` Cert prep & up to cloud-based training platform
three certifications, for hands-on practice. You'll also You will need access to a desktop
with one for hands- complete some independent work to or laptop and have a reliable
on competency reinforce what you’ve learned. internet connection.
Application Process
Enrolling in our program is simple and straightforward.
There are no prerequisites, no application fees, and no entrance exam.
01 02 03
Schedule A Call + Apply Secure Funding Choose a Cohort + Enroll
Meet with an Admissions Your Admissions Advisor can Submit your deposit and
Advisor to talk through your help you find the best funding reserve your seat in the next
career goals, discuss your to fit your needs. Depending on available cohort to begin your
questions about the program, your situation, you may be able path to a new future! New
and make sure you’re a good to take advantage of direct cohorts begin periodically
fit for the field. If you meet the monthly payments for 0% throughout the year, and
prerequisites and would like to interest. Financing options are applications are accepted at
move forward, we can complete also available, but can vary by any time.
your application during the call. financial situation and goals.
Let’s Connect
Have questions about the program? Ready to enroll?
Our Advisors are ready to help.
Schedule a Call
Cybersecurity Bootcamp 5
What You Will Learn
Program Structure
Designed for all skill levels, the bootcamp is structured into three main
phases: Fundamentals, Infrastructure, and Advanced. Each phase is
divided into focused 4-week modules, allowing you to dive deep into a
specific area before progressing to the next. Each phase and module
blends guided instruction, self-paced learning, and hands-on practice,
so you can start applying your skills right away and gain real experience
to boost your resume as you go.
Career-related activities, TDX Arena certification, and
post-bootcamp certification prep are also included.
Cyber 101 | Elective Prework
This self-paced course is optional, but recommended if you have
no prior tech experience. It focuses on the essential knowledge
and skills needed to lay the foundation for the program.
Fundamentals | Weeks 1-12 Your Focus
Begin the bootcamp with a deep dive into cybersecurity and - Computer Networking Fundamentals
networking basics. Complete this phase with a foundational - Microsoft Security Systems Administration
understanding of essential cybersecurity concepts. - Integrating Your Infrastructure Security
Infrastructure | Weeks 13-24
Develop essential skills to create and manage secure networks - Securing Your Network
while adopting a hacker’s mindset to anticipate potential - Designing Your Cybersecurity Infrastructure
threats during this section. Complete the phase with knowledge - Social Engineering and Ethical Hacking
of critical security measures, endpoint security, and other vital
concepts that are key to safeguarding organizations.
Advanced | Weeks 25-32
Learn to investigate attacks using digital forensics and hone - Digital Forensics and Incident Response
skills to identify system vulnerabilities proactively in this final - Threat Hunting and Intelligence
phase. Upon successful completion of this phase, you will
receive your Cybersecurity Bootcamp certificate of completion.
Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Elective Certification Exam Prep | Weeks 33+
After completing the bootcamp, you gain access to
certification prep materials, vouchers, and discounts that can
help you prepare for certification exams from organizations
like CompTIA®, AWS, and CertNexus®*
*For details, visit thrivedx.com/cybersecurity-program-disclaimers
Cybersecurity Bootcamp 6
What’s Included
We believe that the best way to learn is by doing.
That's why our program offers virtual training with
hands-on exercises and online classes led by
cybersecurity professionals. This approach prepares
you with experience and job-ready skills as you enter the
cybersecurity workforce.
Learning & Practice with TDX Arena
Unique to our program, TDX Arena is an AI-fueled
powerhouse learning platform that will not only help you
apply concepts you learn in class to real-world situations
throughout the bootcamp, but also help you work through
areas you’re having trouble with. You can also access
more challenging activities when you’re ready to push
yourself further.
Get a Sneak Peek
AI Assistant
Available whenever you need it throughout the bootcamp,
look to Eve, our AI bot, for help with questions specific to
cybersecurity or information related to program support
resources and policies. When working in TDX Arena, Eve
can provide you with hints and tips during an activity. You
can also get help with troubleshooting or support during
practice in labs and Challenges.*
Challenges Practice Arena
As a collection of real-world cybersecurity Hands-on interactive labs and exercises in the
challenges, this element of TDX Arena, features Practice Arena are required as part of the bootcamp
dynamic threat simulations and scenarios that curriculum. They help you apply what you’ve learned in
mirror real-world attacks. Use the activities in class by immersing you in the world of cybersecurity—
Challenges to test your skills in areas you’re starting from the basics and leading you to master
interested in, apply knowledge you’ve learned in advanced, real-world attack and defense scenarios.
class, and tackle increasingly complex problems
when you’re ready.
Cyberpedia
This built-in information source provides comprehensive
guides, in-depth resources, and interactive quizzes.
Access it for information related to cyberattacks, core
cybersecurity principles, and cutting-edge cyber tools.
*For details, visit thrivedx.com/cybersecurity-program-disclaimers
Cybersecurity Bootcamp 7
Instruction
Industry Experts
You’ll learn from a network of over 300 seasoned cybersecurity experts,
hand-picked from top companies like Google, Tesla, IBM, Meta, Microsoft, and
Amazon. Gain practical insights from professionals who have safeguarded
some of the world’s most critical infrastructure, and stay ahead of the latest
threats, tactics, and technologies straight from the front lines.
Job-Focused Curriculum
The Cybersecurity Bootcamp curriculum and activities in TDX Arena are
regularly updated to align with the NICE Framework, ensuring you have the
skills needed to apply for cyber jobs in the following areas:
` Systems Administration ` Defensive Cybersecurity
` Network Operations ` Digital Forensics
` Systems Security Analysis ` Incident Response
Work with Industry Tools
Learn from a program that incorporates the latest advancements in
cybersecurity tech tools and practices. Industry tools you’ll work with include:
PF
Windows pfSense Python Wireshark Linux Splunk Snort IDS
Autopsy Digital AWS Management Packet Tracer Artificial
Forensics Console Intelligence
AI-Focused Webinars Hands-On Experience in Real-World Simulations
Join optional webinars throughout the program that Learn by doing as you complete practice activities based
focus on keeping you up-to-date on the latest developments on actual events in our proprietary, AI-driven cyber lab,
in Artificial Intelligence. Topics vary based on current TDX Arena.
events, but can include subjects like: an introduction to
AI, quantum computing, or thwarting malicious AI bots.
Let’s Connect
Have questions about the program? Ready to enroll?
Our Advisors are ready to help.
Schedule a Call
Cybersecurity Bootcamp 8
Review
OnDemand Library
Visit the library to review class discussions and live
teaching sessions as many times as you need to
understand key concepts.
Review Sessions
Connect with subject matter experts outside of class
time to discuss challenging lesson topics and more.
Review Sessions are offered twice a week and can
be accessed via the Learning Hub.
Certification Prep
After completing the bootcamp, you can gain access to
cert exam prep and discounts.*
CompTIA® Security+
` An elective 8-week course focused on preparing
learners for the CompTIA® Security+ Exam
` A voucher to use toward the cost of the CompTIA®
Security+ certification exam
AWS Cloud Practitioner
` A complimentary self-study AWS Cloud
Foundations course
` An exam voucher discount for the AWS Cloud
Practitioner Certification exam
CertNexus®
` A 20% discount for CertNexus® certifications and
prep material
*For details, visit thrivedx.com/cybersecurity-program-disclaimers
Let’s Connect
Have questions about the program? Ready to enroll?
Our Advisors are ready to help.
Schedule a Call
Cybersecurity Bootcamp 9
Career Services
Once the bootcamp begins, as part of your tuition, you gain immediate access
to career resources.These resources are offered in two phases to help you
build the skills and confidence needed to carry you through job hunting now
and in the future.
Core Access
Guided Instruction + Tools + Templates
During the bootcamp’s first month, you can begin a self-paced career
services-focused course with tools and templates designed specifically for
cybersecurity bootcamp students. In short segments, the curriculum dives into:
` Career Exploration: Discover paths that may align with your interests.
` Technical Resume Creation: Learn to highlight your cyber-specific
accomplishments and transferable skills.
` LinkedIn Profile Development: Ensure your profile is discoverable by
hiring professionals.
` Job Search: Design a personalized plan that aligns with your priorities.
` Networking: Connect with professionals who can support your career
growth without feeling awkward.
` Interview Prep: Ready yourself to handle technical and behavioral
interview questions.
Resume-Focused Workshops
Attend career-focused events where you learn to build a technical resume that
will catch the attention of the industry’s hiring professionals.
Let’s Connect
Have questions about the program? Ready to enroll?
Our Advisors are ready to help.
Schedule a Call
Cybersecurity Bootcamp 10
Advanced Access
Once you have completed the full career-focused course and our staff has your
approved resume on file, you can access:
1:1 Job Search Support AI-Powered Interview Prep
Connect with Learner Services virtually for help customizing Practice interviewing on your own time, then get
and executing your job search strategy. No matter what immediate feedback from our partner platform’s AI bot.
your background is or what level of support you need, our Interview recordings can also be shared with your Learner
team is equipped to meet you where you are. Services Manager for additional feedback at a later date.
Exclusive Job Board Access Advanced Workshops & Events
View job openings that were chosen by our team Learn from and connect with industry professionals and
specifically for cyber program students. You can also hiring organizations during virtual networking events and
track your application-related activities and notes on our panel discussions.
job search management platform.
Post-Bootcamp Support
Career support doesn’t end when you complete the program. You have
access to staff support, events, recordings, materials, and templates for
up to 6 months after you’ve finished the bootcamp.
Let’s Connect
Have questions about the program? Ready to enroll?
Our Advisors are ready to help.
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