What You’ll Learn

Foundational skills:

• Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Gain an understanding of key cybersecurity concepts and defense strategies
• Threat Detection & Response: Learn to identify, respond to, and mitigate security threats
• Security Monitoring & Reporting: Analyze event logs and create custom reports and alerts
• Network Security: Implement and manage firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and secure protocols
• AI Tools: Integrate AI tools into workflows to enhance threat detection and accelerate incident response
• Professional Skills: Strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving capabilities
• Job Attainment: Develop a strong job application package, effective job search strategies, and workplace readiness skills

In addition to foundational cybersecurity skills, this course provides hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools and scenarios used in real-world environments:

• Proficient use of Splunk (SIEM), IDS/IPS, and OSI modeling
• Endpoint Detection Response (EDR) systems
• Network protocols and packet analysis tools
• Red Team vs. Blue Team exercises
• Ransomware simulations at MSU Denver’s Cyber Range

This blend of technical instruction and hands-on cybersecurity experience gives you a competitive edge when applying for roles in network support, security, or system administration.

Career Pathways

Graduates are equipped for roles such as:

• IT Security Administrator
• System Administrator
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Security Analyst

Admissions Process

1. Eligibility Screening:
   Quick online form to assess basic qualifications.
2. Admissions Overview:
   Virtual session detailing program expectations.
3. Assessments:
   Evaluate your aptitude for the course material.
4. Pre-Work:
   Complete introductory learning modules to prepare for the course.
5. Interview:
   Discuss your goals and commitment with our team.
6. Background Check:
   Conducted securely through Checkr.
7. Admissions Decision:
   Receive notification of your admission status.
8. Onboarding:
   Get set up with the necessary materials and information.

Support Services

Our training programs are rigorous—they demand time, focus, and commitment. But you won’t be doing it alone.

From day one, you’ll join a supportive cohort that learns and grows together through study groups, project teams, and encouragement when challenges arise. Beyond peer support, ActivateWork provides you with wraparound services designed to help you thrive during training and long after graduation:

Career Coaching

A dedicated career coach will guide you every step of the way—from day one of training through your job search and onboarding at your first role. Expect personalized advice, regular check-ins, and resources to keep you moving forward.

Professional Skills Development

Our in-person Career Development Days build the durable skills employers value most: communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and a growth mindset. These aren’t just “soft skills”—they’re the foundation for long-term success.

Job Search Support

We’ll help you craft standout resumes and cover letters, sharpen your interviewing skills through technical and behavioral mock interviews, and build a strong LinkedIn presence and personal brand. You’ll learn proven job search strategies—including how to leverage AI tools—and gain access to our employer network.

Zero-Percent Loan

We know a full-time program is a big commitment. That’s why enrolled learners can apply for an interest-free loan to help cover living expenses during training. Plus, you can choose to defer payment until you have the income to handle it.

Alumni Network

Your ActivateWork community doesn’t end at graduation. Stay connected through networking events, alumni programming, and ongoing career navigation support.

Free Upskilling for Life

Technology never stands still—and neither should you. Graduates receive lifetime access to free technical upskilling courses through our partner, Per Scholas, so you can keep your skills sharp and your career moving forward.