Intensive Cybersecurity Training Program

Safeguard Your Future With Expert-Led Training

Considering a career in cybersecurity? The University of Memphis offers an online 24-week Intensive Cybersecurity Training Program through Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) designed to help true beginners successfully transition into entry-level to intermediate roles and learn to leverage today’s most in-demand tools and technologies.

Powered by Infosec, a leading cybersecurity training company, this online, noncredit cybersecurity training program includes 640 hours of industry-driven curriculum, live classes taught by cybersecurity experts, one-on-one career coaching and interactive cybersecurity labs. You will acquire the skills companies are actively hiring for and build a demonstrable portfolio through real-world projects. You will also receive a CompTIA Security+ exam voucher, Certificate of Completion from UofM, and access to our career coaching services, which will help you create an impressive résumé and prepare for your future job interview.

We provide this skill-based cybersecurity training using a unique live, online consortium with other students from participating universities and institutions nationwide. With multiple annual start dates and flexible financing options, you can kickstart your cybersecurity training when it works best for you!

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Program At a Glance

• $15,000
• 24 Weeks
• Live, Online, Part-Time
• Multiple Cohorts Annually
• Noncredit training offered through Professional and Continuing Education
• Financing Options Available

What Sets This Program Apart

UofM offers the Intensive Cybersecurity Training Program with entry-level professionals in mind. This cohort-based program offers a mix of self-paced and live online training, along with hands-on exercises, allowing you to fast-track your cybersecurity career in just over six months—no disruptions to your current work schedule. No prior experience in cybersecurity, programming, or systems administration is required. Since the training is delivered through our Professional and Continuing Education unit, the enrollment process does not require admission to the university meaning you can be enrolled quickly for the next cohort. Discover comprehensive training that includes:

• 640 Hours of Training: This online cybersecurity training is a mixture of self-paced assignments, interactive labs, and 360 hours of live instructor-led sessions on evenings and weekends.
• Expert Support and Accountability: Stay on track with cohort-based learning and get live, real-time support from experienced industry professionals with more than 10 years in the cybersecurity field.
• Demonstrable Skills: Build a professional portfolio by completing capstone projects throughout your program. You will also prepare to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam and have the option to earn Skills Verification Credentials to prove your expertise to employers.
• Knowledge Retention Assurance: Receive on-demand access to 1,400+ cybersecurity courses and cyber ranges, helping you hone your skills while you prepare to start your cybersecurity career.
• Career Coaching: Get access to one-on-one career coaching services and a digital career services platform that will provide you with additional support and tools to launch your cybersecurity career.

Cybersecurity Careers You Will Prepare For

Gain the knowledge and skills needed to position yourself as a qualified candidate for common entry-level cyber roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that cybersecurity positions like information security analysts are experiencing rapid growth nationally (33% increase by 2033) and high salaries, making now a great time to train for a career primed to flourish for years to come.

CompTIA notes that the Security+ certification is the industry standard for validating baseline skills needed to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. Some of the roles this credential prepares you for include junior IT auditor/penetration tester, systems administrator, network administrator, and security administrator. For example, cybersecurity analysts in the Memphis metropolitan area command salaries of $95,476 annually, according to Lightcast labor insights data.

What You Will Learn 

In just over six months, you will build a robust foundation in cybersecurity through a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience. 

Self-paced Prerequisite Coursework
Cybersecurity Foundations 101: Modern Computing Technologies and Operating Systems
Cybersecurity Foundations 102: Introduction to Cybersecurity

Learn about modern computer technologies and different operating systems; then explore the field of cybersecurity, its core concepts and career pathways.  

Weeks 1-6 Cohort Begins
Course 201: Foundations of IT & Computer Operations

Starting with help desk operations and ITIL fundamentals, this course covers Windows administration, system management, network infrastructure and security basics. Learn essential skills like troubleshooting methodology, system backup and recovery, performance monitoring, and network configuration.

Weeks 7-12
Course 301: Network & Systems Administration

Progress from network infrastructure fundamentals through Windows Server administration, Linux systems management, cloud infrastructure, network security and system integration. Develop hands-on skills in router configuration, Active Directory implementation, Linux service management, cloud deployment and security controls.

Weeks 13-24
Course 401: Cybersecurity Engineering

The first six weeks (401a) focus on governance and operations, covering GRC fundamentals, data security, SIEM implementation, cloud security, and SOC operations. The second six weeks (401b) transition to hands-on security engineering and penetration testing, including offensive security techniques, vulnerability assessment, exploitation methodologies and specialized areas like web, mobile and IoT security.

(Optional Post-Program) Skills Verification Credentials

After this training program, you can sit for an additional assessment and gain up to three Skills Verification Credentials delivered through Infosec. Credentials are given in the following three areas: Penetration Testing, Cyber Threat Hunting, and Incident Response. These verification credentials will be available via the Skills Library, and you will receive an MP4 file that can be shared to showcase your expertise to peers and potential employers.

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What Is Included

• Approximately 40 hours of prerequisite coursework for the program
• Three weekly virtual sessions over 24 weeks (15 hours/week), totaling 360 hours of live instruction
• 24/7 access to an advanced lab environment to navigate real-world scenarios and apply your knowledge
• Career coaching services through Career.io, including one-on-one support from a professional résumé writer, interview coaching, cybersecurity job application assistance, LinkedIn profile reviews and more
• 12-month access to InfoSec Skills Library upon enrollment, featuring 1,400+ hands-on cybersecurity courses and cyber ranges
• CompTIA Security+ certification exam voucher
• Six weeks of post-program Skills Verification Credentials activities in three focused areas: Penetration Testing, Cyber Threat Hunting, and Incident Response

How We Will Support You

You are not alone. We are here to help you every step of the way to ensure you are positioned for learning and career success with: 

• Enrollment representatives to guide you through the enrollment process, answering your questions and ensuring this program is right for you and your career goals
• Real-time instructor support, including feedback on coursework and projects, career path insights and help overcoming technical or learning obstacles
• Peer support, networking and accountability with a cohort of students from participating universities and institutions nationwide
• Career and résumé services through career.io, including one-on-one professional support to rewrite your résumé and LinkedIn profile and a 30-minute job interview coaching session. Plus, get 30 days of premium access to the career.io platform
• Possibly convert your completion into Credit for Prior Learning (academic credit hours) if you are admitted and enrolled in a degree seeking program at the UofM that accepts this type of credit
• Financing options available

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FAQs

What is the median salary for a cybersecurity professional?

Cybersecurity professionals can find themselves in many roles in a company, but one of the most common job titles is an information security analyst. As of July 2025, Indeed reports that the average salary for an information security analyst is $82,530 per year in Tennessee. 

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity, also known as information technology security and electronic information security, is the practice of protecting sensitive information by defending computers, mobile devices, servers, networks, electronic systems and data from digital attacks. Cybersecurity is often divided into categories. Some of the more common categories include network security, application security, information security, operational security, disaster recovery and business continuity, and end-user education.

Is cybersecurity an in-demand career?

It has become increasingly difficult to implement effective cybersecurity measures because there are more devices than people globally, and cyberattacks are becoming increasingly more innovative. IBM estimated that the average cost of a data breach in 2020 was $3.86 million USD globally and $8.64 million USD within the U.S., including expenses related to detecting and responding to a breach, the lost revenue and downtime, and the long-term reputational damage suffered by a business. Companies are looking for professionals with the knowledge necessary to protect their valuable assets.

According to recent Lightcast data, the demand for information security analysts in the Memphis metropolitan area is projected to increase 25.5% by 2034.

Who should enroll in the Intensive Cybersecurity Training Program?

This program has been designed for beginners, whether you are at the beginning of your career or switching into the cybersecurity industry. It is recommended that you have a general understanding of the Windows client operating system as well as experience with Microsoft products and technologies.

What is Infosec?

If you are new to cybersecurity, you may not have heard of Infosec. But IT and cybersecurity professionals have trusted Infosec to support their career development for over 20 years. In fact, more than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec to develop their security talent and teams.

What is Infosec’s Skill Library?

Infosec Skills provides unlimited access to an extensive library of on-demand cybersecurity training covering every security role from beginner to advanced. Benefits include:

• 190+ prebuilt learning paths mapped to industry standards and the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity
• Hundreds of hands-on labs, including MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques
• Training for CompTIA, ISC2, ISACA, EC-Council, Cisco, AWS, and more

Why are the Infosec Skills Verification Credentials more valuable to employers than traditional digital badging?

The Infosec Skills Verification Credentials offer a unique advantage over standard digital badging by specifically evaluating an individual's application of knowledge through a recorded assessment. This assessment measures numerous factors such as speed, content knowledge, and effective resource utilization, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of real-world skills. 

Employers appreciate this model because it clearly distinguishes between those who can theoretically understand concepts and those who can apply their knowledge practically in a work environment. Traditional virtual badging has become oversaturated and often fails to meet employer expectations, reflecting content knowledge that can be easily inflated or manipulated. In contrast, the Skills Verification Credential demonstrates a candidate's ability to execute relevant skills. This will enhance employability and provide proof of practical abilities, setting students apart from other candidates in the job market.

When will I receive access to the prerequisite coursework?

After you pay your nonrefundable $100 registration fee and confirm your cohort start date, you will gain access to Infosec’s Skills Library and your two foundational courses to begin your self-paced prerequisite coursework.

What does it mean to be a noncredit training program?

Noncredit training programs are offered through Professional and Continuing Education at the UofM. This means that the program is not awarded any academic credit and does not apply to degree programs at the UofM. However, if you are an enrolled student or plan to become one in the future, it is possible that you could earn academic credit for the completion of this training program through Credit for Prior Learning. It depends on your major and if this could satisfy a degree requirement for you so you would want to talk to your academic advisor first. 

Is the CompTIA Security+ certification worth it? 

The CompTIA Security+ credential is an entry-level, vendor-neutral, global information security certification. Earning this certification demonstrates competency to perform core information security functions. Employers who see this certification on a résumé can rest assured that the certification holder is serious about progressing in their information security career. 

CompTIA Security+ is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements.

Have More Questions? 

UofM is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out — we are here to help as you consider this exciting step in your cybersecurity career!

Call us: 1-855-477-9802