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The Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education Cyber Bootcamp

Get the Skills You Need to Fight Cybercrime

Through the Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education Cyber Bootcamp powered by Fullstack Academy, you’ll gain the tools to land a job in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.


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Program at a Glance

12-26

Weeks

10/01

Apply By

10/07

Next Start Date

$2,000

Potential Scholarships

Why Learn Cybersecurity with Cal Poly EPaCE?

As a cybersecurity professional, your primary objective is to defend digital assets—guarding an organization’s systems and sensitive information from online attacks. The cybersecurity field offers robust career and financial opportunities and plenty of available jobs.

With instances of cybercrime slated to grow and evolve, the need for adaptable, solution-focused professionals to fight it is greater than ever. If this sounds like you, consider a career in cybersecurity to maximize your earning potential, job satisfaction, and critical defense skills.

The Demand for Cyber Talent in California

There are more than 500,000 cyber jobs available in the U.S., according to CyberSeek, with about 20,000 of them designated for entry-level professionals. And, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analyst positions will grow by 33% through 2031.

In California and remotely, businesses of all industries are actively seeking cybersecurity specialists, including employers like Google, Facebook, and Amazon.

These companies are hiring for roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Network Security Analyst, and Security Tester. Graduates of the Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education Cyber Bootcamp have the skills to qualify for these roles and more.

Bootcamp Application & Start Dates

    Part-Time
    Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Oct. 07, 2024 - Apr. 16, 2025
    Mon / Wed
    4:00pm - 7:00pm PT
    Open
    Apply by Oct. 01, 2024
    Apply
    Part-Time
    Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Oct. 08, 2024 - Apr. 10, 2025
    Tue / Thu
    6:00pm - 9:00pm PT
    Open
    Apply by Oct. 01, 2024
    Apply
    Full-Time
    Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Oct. 21, 2024 - Jan. 24, 2025
    Mon - Fri
    7:00am - 3:00pm PT
    Open
    Apply by Oct. 15, 2024
    Apply
    Part-Time Morning
    Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Oct. 29, 2024 - May 01, 2025
    Tue / Thu
    6:30am - 9:30am PT
    Open
    Apply by Oct. 22, 2024
    Apply

Fullstack Academy is one of the longest-running and most reputable bootcamp providers in the nation, with incredible student reviews, years of experience in education, and impressive graduate outcomes.

Now, it brings its hands-on learning approach to the Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education Cyber Bootcamp to develop professionals to fight the global threat of cybercrime.

How the Cal Poly EPaCE Cyber Bootcamp Works

The Cal Poly EPaCE Cyber Bootcamp is designed for students to pursue high-quality tech education while continuing to balance work or other commitments. Our program provides you with the flexibility to fit career development into your life.

  • Part-time and full-time bootcamp programs are available.

  • Bootcamp classes include live online instruction taught by industry-experienced professionals, group projects with fellow students, and independent learning assignments.

  • Additional support is available from the instructional team each week during select weekday afternoons and evenings—and by appointment on Saturday mornings.

  • All classes are held Monday-Friday.

    • 7:00am-3:00pm PT

  • Select one class schedule and time from the options below when you apply.

    Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    • 6:30am-9:30am PT

    • 4:00pm-7:00pm PT

    • 6:00pm-9:00pm PT

    Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays.
    • 4:00pm-7:00pm PT

In addition to classroom lessons, part-time students can anticipate spending 6-8 hours studying and working on outside assignments each week. Full-time students can expect to spend 12-15 hours each week on outside assignments.

Class time options vary by month and are subject to change. To see available class times for your cohort of choice, complete your application or schedule a call with a student advisor.

Apply Today

Cal Poly EPaCE Cybersecurity Tuition

There are many ways to pay for your Cal Poly EPaCE bootcamp experience, including self-pay, employer-pay, local/state government assistance, scholarships, and personal loans. Learn more about payment options.

NEW! Tuition for the Cybersecurity Bootcamp is more affordable than ever. Plus, for a limited time, you can save an additional $2,000 with the Tech Trailblazer Scholarship.

Tuition: $14,995 $12,995
Tech Trailblazer Scholarship: -$2,000
Reduced Tuition with Scholarship: $10,995

Apply and enroll in an upcoming 2024 Cyber Bootcamp cohort to receive the scholarship.

  • Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education Tech Bootcamps is committed to making tech education more accessible, so we’re reducing the enrollment deposit to $99* (normally $1,000) for a limited time. Get started on your journey before the deposit increases!

    Enrollment Deposit - $1,000 $99*
    Tuition During Program - $12,896
    Total Tuition - $12,995*

    *Offer eligibility: Upon admittance into the program, pay the refundable $99 deposit in full prior to the enrollment date.

  • $500 Community Scholarship

    For Cal Poly EPaCE alumni, current students, and employees. All Cal Poly campuses are eligible.

    $1,000 Military Scholarship**

    For active-duty service members and military veterans.

    **Valid ID required.

    $2,000 Tech Trailblazer Scholarship

    For students who apply and enroll in an upcoming 2024 Cyber Bootcamp cohort.

Apply Today

Cybersecurity Jobs and Salaries in California

In the field of cybersecurity, there are many career paths to follow based on your skills and experience. When you opt into comprehensive career coaching, you’ll receive the guidance you need to navigate the industry.

With professionals in high demand in California and beyond, the cybersecurity industry offers a multitude of career and financial opportunities once you enter the field. Companies across the nation are hiring for roles like IT Help Desk Specialist, Systems Support Specialist, Cybersecurity Analyst, and Solutions Architect.

RoleAverage Entry-Level Salary in California*
IT Help Desk Specialist/Computer Support Specialist$55,956
Network/Systems Support Specialist$63,902
System Administrator/Network Administrator$74,217
Cybersecurity Analyst$88,268
Network Engineer/Solutions Architect$90,558

*California Cybersecurity Salary Data via Glassdoor™

Apply Today

Cybersecurity Curriculum

Cal Poly EPaCE students learn cybersecurity fundamentals and the in-demand skills to fight cybercrime including:

  • Asset and inventory management like networking basics, Linux command line, and bash scripting;

  • Red Team (Offense) for fighting web vulnerabilities, penetration testing, OWASP Top 10, and social engineering;

  • Blue Team (Defense) for log analysis, security information and event management, digital forensics, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and incident response;

  • Generative AI techniques for cybersecurity using tools like ChatGPT and Bing AI through a free elective course;

  • And more!

To prepare students for real-life work scenarios and environments, students also take part in career simulations alongside their cybersecurity training. Students are also taught resume writing, salary negotiation, and other career preparation skills throughout the program to equip them for their job search after graduation. Plus, bootcamp students are prepared to take industry-recognized certification exams with additional studying.

    • Orientation
    • The security mindset
    • Confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA) triad
    • Threats, vulnerabilities, and risks
    • Virtualization

    • Linux Command Line

    • File systems

    • Users and groups

    • Bash scripting

    • Networking

    • Wireshark

    • Encoding and encryption

    • Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model)

    • Firewalls

    • Variables, loops, and conditionals

    • String and list methods

    • Dictionaries

    • Regular expressions

    • Log parsing

    • Windows administration and management

    • Active directory

    • Group policy

    • Web vulnerabilities

    • Penetration testing

    • OWASP Top 10

    • Social engineering

    • Burp Suite

    • Cross-site Scripting

    • SQL injection

    • Metasploit

    • Logs/log analysis

    • Splunk and security information and event management (SIEMs)

    • Digital forensics

    • NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Classes are hands-on with the majority of students’ time spent learning how to monitor and secure systems, networks, and applications, as well as how to appropriately respond to cyber breaches. Along with the classroom sessions, students can attend a weekly lab where they can review key concepts, catch up on homework, and work alongside peers.

Apply now

Earn Cybersecurity Certifications with Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education

Preparation for the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Security+ exam is built into the Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education Cybersecurity Bootcamp curriculum. You will study and test for this industry-recognized certification during your bootcamp program. By earning your CompTIA Security+ certification, you’ll demonstrate your job readiness to potential employers.

CompTIA Security+ Certification

This entry-level certification validates:

  • Understanding of security principles and elements of effective security policies

  • Ability to analyze strategies of cybercriminals and determine development and deployment methods to mitigate vulnerabilities

  • Understanding of how security is enforced for wireless and remote access

  • Ability to establish disaster recovery, business continuity, and fault tolerance strategies

Cost of exam included?

Yes*

Monetary Value?

$2,499

*Students will receive a voucher for one CompTIA Security+ exam attempt.

Landing a Cybersecurity Job in California

Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education students will gain valuable insight into how to build a successful career in cybersecurity from day one of the course. Throughout the bootcamp experience, students may access live workshops, office hours, and on-demand content to help build a job search toolkit—which includes an optimized resume and LinkedIn profile.

Following successful completion of the Career Success Program, students can choose to opt into additional coaching support and receive guidance for up to a year following graduation in:

  • Growing your professional network

  • Resume and LinkedIn profile optimization

  • Interview and assessment prep

  • Salary negotiation workshops

  • And much more!

Students also graduate from the program with a portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability to solve real business problems for real companies.

Fullstack Academy grads have landed jobs with some of the world's leading companies.

Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education Tech Bootcamps are powered by Fullstack Academy. The companies listed above have hired Fullstack Academy graduates.

Who Should Attend the Cyber Bootcamp

The Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education Cybersecurity Bootcamp powered by Fullstack Academy is specifically designed for beginners. There’s no experience required to apply, be accepted, or succeed.

Successful bootcamp students have backgrounds in:

Successful bootcamp students have backgrounds in:

Teaching

Finance

Retail

Customer service

Graphic design

Admin

Biology

And more

Apply today and join others just like you on the first steps to a life-changing career.

Apply now

FAQs

  • The cyber curriculum is broken down into these areas:

    1. Cybersecurity Fundamentals

    2. Asset and Inventory Management

    3. Network Systems

    4. Programming with Python

    5. System Administration

    6. Red Team - Offense

    7. Blue Team - Defense

    Students also participate in career simulations throughout the program and interactive labs. With bootcamp preparation and additional studying, students will also be equipped to take exams for multiple industry-recognized certifications.

    For the Cybersecurity Bootcamp syllabus, click here and fill out the form.

  • Yes, the Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education Cyber Bootcamp is beginner-friendly. It’s specifically designed for professionals without previous experience in cybersecurity. While some background knowledge is helpful, the only expectation is that students have general computer literacy skills in basics like efficiently using the Internet/cloud and Windows.

  • Students can prepare to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam with training provided in bootcamp and additional studying. A voucher for one attempt at the exam is included in tuition.

  • There's no preparation required to succeed in the course, but we recommend familiarizing yourself with the industry and working through Cybersecurity 101.

  • Your time with our career success team will include everything from workshops to one-on-one office hours to phone chats before big interviews. Alumni will also have access to a job board and have the opportunity to be connected with companies and organizations in our Employer Partner Network that are actively seeking qualified candidates.

  • You do need to provide your own computer for the bootcamp. It can be a laptop or desktop as long as it meets the minimum machine specifications of your chosen program. Because the bootcamp is live-online, you are required to have a webcam and microphone in order to participate in class.

    Ensuring you have a computer that meets the requirements for your course is an essential part of setting yourself up for success in our bootcamps.

    For full computer requirements, visit our Online Learning page.

  • Many of our part-time students continue working full-time while completing their bootcamp. Each week, students can expect to spend 9 hours in class and another 6-8 hours studying and completing assignments outside of class.

    Full-time students should not continue working due to the immersive nature of our programs. By focusing solely on their training, they’re set up to thrive in our accelerated 12-week program.

  • No, Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education Tech Bootcamps are not for credit and cannot be applied toward a degree or certificate program. Rather, they’re offered through Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education and facilitated by Fullstack Academy instructors and staff to provide in-demand tech skills training for current or prospective tech professionals.

  • No, part-time bootcamp students cannot mix and match class dates or times. You must select one of the established schedule options for your cohort of choice during the application process.

Ready to Start Learning?

Once you’re ready to start your tech journey, here are the steps you can expect in the admissions process.

Cyber image 2
  1. Fill out our online application form
  2. Take our nontechnical assessment
    • No cyber experience required
    • Covers logical reasoning
    • Sent to you immediately upon submission of application
  3. Receive an entrance decision
Start Your Application Now Request Syllabus