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Online Courses in
Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Launch your cybersecurity career in only six months with our accelerated Cybersecurity Bootcamp training.

Cybersecurity Bootcamp (powered by ThriveDX) is a fully online accelerated training program designed to successfully prepare people with little or no background in IT for entry-level jobs in cybersecurity, a highly in-demand and lucrative career path.

The bootcamp can be completed in an asynchronous format on your own time or via twice-weekly live (synchronous) online classes. The entire curriculum is designed to be completed in just six months but students have access to the material for up to 12 months from their program start date.

Why Cybersecurity?

With the rate of cyber-attacks reaching record highs, there is an urgent need for workers in cybersecurity. The field has had NO unemployment for nearly a decade and forecasts 35 percent job growth throughout the next year. With plentiful opportunities and competitive compensation, an accelerated Cybersecurity Bootcamp is the best way to gain the necessary skills to fill these positions.

Developed around military training methodologies and hands-on learning, the program focuses on the essential skills employers seek. The bootcamp prepares you with technical knowledge and the essential skills required for a successful career in cybersecurity.

Courses & Syllabus

Upcoming Bootcamps

Asynchronous Program

Start Dates

  • Sep 24
  • Oct 29
  • Dec 10
Apply Now

Live Program

Start Dates

  • Nov 4
  • Feb ’25
  • Aug ’25
Apply Now

Application Criteria & Eligibility

Admission Criteria & Eligibility

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

Online Application

  • Please create an account and apply online. There is no application fee.
    • In the Student Profile section within the application itself, select “Professional Development”
      as the Student Type, then select “Cybersecurity Bootcamp” as the Academic Program.
    • Please note that you do not have to upload anything to the Materials section of the application.

All Official Transcripts

  • For a transcript to be considered official, it must be mailed in a sealed envelope from that institution’s
    Registrar’s Office directly to Loras College Graduate Admissions. (Transcript “issued to student” as well as
    faxed and copied transcripts will not be considered official).
  • All official transcripts can be mailed to: Loras College Graduate Admissions, Attn: Megan Henderson, 1450 Alta Vista Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
    • Official electronic transcripts ordered through a service such as Credential Services or National Student
      Clearinghouse are also acceptable.
    • Please have your transcripts sent immediately after you have submitted your online application. A high school transcript is only required if you do not have any college credit.

Application Deadlines

  • Students may begin the 24-week Cybersecurity Bootcamp at the end of each month. Loras offers rolling admissions for this program, but the application and official transcripts should ideally be submitted at least one month prior to the start of your desired session.

Enrollment Process

  • Immediately after our receipt of your application and official transcript(s), you will be notified in your online
    Applicant Status Portal of your next steps. You will be asked to pay a $100 confirmation deposit to confirm
    your spot in the program. Once the deposit is received, you will receive registration information.
  • Please note that federal financial aid is not available for this program.

Program Costs

Cost

The cost of the entire Cybersecurity Bootcamp is $7,500. The bootcamp cost will be $8,000 for all start dates after January 1, 2025.

Payment

Students have two options for program payment:

  • Self-pay the entire program balance to Loras College before the first day of the bootcamp.
  • Utilize a twelve-month payment plan, with payments made directly to ThriveDX. The first payment is due three business days before the first day of the bootcamp. The certificate of completion will be issued once the student has fulfilled all academic requirements and full payment is made.
    • For all bootcamps starting prior to January 1, 2025, each payment will be $625/month.
    • For all bootcamps starting after January 1, 2025, each payment will be $667/month.

Withdrawal/Refunds

Students who withdraw from the Cybersecurity Bootcamp within one week (seven days) of the first day of the bootcamp will receive a full refund.

Please note that the confirmation deposit and credit card convenience fees, if applicable, are not refundable. Students who drop out on day eight 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 directly with their employer and/or private loans.

Try one course

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 ideal for those curious and who want to get familiar with this exciting industry. This thirty-hour course is broken down into ten “week” formats, but you may progress on your own time.

Learn More
Course Syllabus (PDF)

Registration

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

  • Complete the free Loras College Special Course Application. Select “Professional & Continuing Education” as the Course Registration Type.
  • 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.
  • Once you submit the application, please follow the prompts to make the course payment.
  • 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.

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.

Train for In-demand Roles

Major tech companies no longer require college degrees and now focus on skill and promising prospects of those with hands-on, practical skills gained from bootcamps

Competitive Entry-level Salary

The average annual pay for a national entry-level cybersecurity salary in the US is $99,400/year and the average annual pay for a cybersecurity position is $124,392/year.

Your experience may differ. Job placement not guaranteed. Salaries are prepared independently by ZipRecruiter and Talent.com. Salaries vary based on a number of factors, including location, work history, and personal qualifications.

Future-proof Job Sector

The number of unfilled Cybersecurity positions now stands at over 4 million professionals, up from 2.93 million this time last year. This includes 561,000 in North America.

Take a Free Cybersecurity Challenge

Which cybersecurity roles can I get?

Cybersecurity careers are plentiful and a variety of roles are available at financial institutions, retailers, research companies, accounting firms, credit unions, government organizations—the list is endless.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 thirty-hour intro to cybersecurity module which will bring everyone to the same level of necessary technical expertise.

What is the format of the bootcamp?

The bootcamp can be completed in an asynchronous format, or via twice-weekly live (synchronous) online classes. The entire curriculum consists of 480 hours of content, designed to be completed in just six months- but you have access to the program materials for up to twelve months from your program start date. The platform will be available to you 24/7. There is also a messaging platform where classmates and facilitators can communicate.

Asynchronous format: you may begin the bootcamp at the end of each month, typically the last Tuesday, unless it’s a holiday. Every Tuesday, students will have access to the next module. Facilitators will have office hours every week where students can get live help and collaboration.

Live format: this consists of live online classes, typically held from 5pm-9pm CST two weeknights per week.

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

Upon successful completion of the bootcamp and full program payment, 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 a CertNexus First Responder certification if you wish, at a 20 percent reduced cost as a result of completing the program through ThriveDX Impact 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? Do you offer refunds?

Costs are found on the tuition and fees page. If, after beginning the bootcamp the student decides it is not a good fit, students may receive 100% tuition refund up until one week after the first day of the bootcamp. After the first week, no refund will be given.

Do you provide job placement assistance upon completion of the program?

Loras and ThriveDX do not provide formal job placement but do provide a number of resources that can be found in the program module “Your Career Guide to Success”. You’ll have access to technical resume development, LinkedIn profile development and utilization, as well as the ability to meet with the Career Coaching team once learners have an approved resume.

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. Get more information on how your place of employment can give employer tuition assistance.

Get in Touch

Megan Henderson 

Graduate Admission