ADDENDUM

Cybersecurity Certificate

The Cybersecurity Bootcamp program at Plymouth State University is an accelerated training program designed to successfully prepare people for entry level jobs in the field of cybersecurity (https://www.plymouth.edu/cybersecurity/frequently-asked-questions/). Developed around military-grade cyber-defense methodologies and hands-on learning, the program prepares students with technical knowledge and essential skills sought by employers. In 480 hours of course content, students will cover a vast range of state-of-the-art and emerging topics in cybersecurity (https://www.plymouth.edu/cybersecurity/wp-content/uploads/sites/197/2021/01/Cybint-Bootcamp-Syllabus-2020-PSU.pdf). The program contents include basics of system and network administration, cyber forensics, cyberattacks and defense mechanisms, ethical hacking, malware analysis, incident handling and response, secure design principles, threat intelligence, and risk management processes. Each course module comes with intensive lab work and students will apply their acquired skills and knowledge in live hands-on training scenarios to prepare themselves for work in the field. Graduates of this program will have the background and knowledge necessary to pursue CompTIA Security+ certification.  

The Bootcamp program is designed to align with United States Government’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The program is conducted by Plymouth State University’s faculty members on a platform developed by Cybint Solutions – an international company with extensive experience in providing technical and academic support for cybersecurity education around the globe.   

In order to receive a certificate of completion, students must actively participate in all course modules, have an attendance record of at least 80% in all live sessions (18.5 hours/week is considered full-time), and have an average grade of 60% or higher. Student grades will be calculated as a weighted percent drawing from the following four assessment categories: course module assessment grades (60%), final exam (10%), final scenarios (20%), facilitator's evaluation (10%). 

During the 2021-2022 academic year, this program begins on January 17, 2022 and concludes on June 30, 2022.