Cybersecurity

The training is 100 percent online, but it’s interactive.  You will complete your Google certificate program on the Coursera platform.  You will interact with your squad and access career coaching services through the Merit America platform.  Both provide a blended online learning environment where you will participate in live virtual meetings and complete coursework independently online through industry-recognized partners, like Google.

You will leverage learning tools such as the widely used digital workplace platforms and software, including: Zoom, Slack, Google Suite, and our customized Merit America Learner Portal.

To be eligible for any of Merit America’s programs, the following must be true:

• You have a high school diploma or GED.
• Associates and bachelor’s degree holders are welcome.
• You do not have a graduate degree and are not currently enrolled in a graduate program
• You are a resident of the U.S. and authorized to work in the U.S.
  • DACA and Temporary Residents must have a status/visa that does not expire within six months of the Immersion start date.
  • Residents of U.S. territories are eligible for our program.
• You are 18 years of age or older.
• You will be seeking full-time employment upon completion of the program.

Merit America programs are flexible to fit into your busy schedule. Depending on the program, you’ll spend about 15–25 hours per week completing online coursework and 3–5 hours per week in live sessions focused on career coaching and peer workshops. Technical advisors are available to help talk through technical coursework questions as needed.

Live sessions typically take place outside of standard business hours, and while you can complete coursework on your own time, there are required assignments and deadlines that must be met to move forward in the program.

When you join Merit America, there’s a team dedicated to your success.

Your program career coach helps you build the professional and job search skills you need to succeed in today’s market—from refining your resume and preparing for interviews to networking effectively and navigating job offers. They’ll also work with you to chart a clear career path aligned with your goals.

Your squad is made of a talented people just like you, and you’ll work alongside them to complete coursework and develop projects.

Your technical advisor is available to direct you to appropriate resources if you’re struggling with your Google IT Support certificate coursework.

Your alumni career coach provides continued support after you complete the program—including help identifying opportunities that match your goals, refining applications, and preparing for interviews. 

We can’t guarantee job placement or salaries, but we do provide you with a structured training curriculum, professional career development, and dedicated job-placement support. Because of this, the majority of job-seeking alumni are placed in new jobs within three months of completion.

But we can guarantee you won’t have to pay if you don’t obtain employment within 2 years after completing the Immersion phase of your program as defined in our Tuition Refund Guarantee.

Merit America’s Cybersecurity program offers a combination of technical training from organizations like Google and professional skills development. You’ll earn the Google Cybersecurity Certificate while learning critical technical content and honing essential professional skills with personalized support from Merit America coaches.

Upon completing the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, you’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of key cybersecurity practices, including:

• Information Security
• Network Security
• TCP/IP
• Cryptography
• Threat Analysis
• Security Frameworks (NIST CSF, RMF)

The program provides hands-on experience with Python, Linux, SQL, and tools such as Splunk, Chronicle, Wireshark, Tcpdump, and Suricata. You’ll explore various security domains, including Network Architecture, Threat Detection, Security Audits, Incident Response Playbooks, and Packet Analysis, preparing you to protect networks, devices, and data from cyber threats.

In addition to technical training, you’ll receive guidance from a dedicated career coach to refine your professional skills and create a clear roadmap for success in the cybersecurity field.

Upon completing the program, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of cybersecurity roles, including but not limited to Junior Security Analyst, Junior Incident Responder, Tier I SOC Analyst, SOC Technician, Junior Network Administrator, Network Support Technician, Network Security Analyst, Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, Desktop Support Technician, Information Security Technician, Junior Vulnerability Manager, and Vulnerability Analyst, among others.

You can view the full program syllabus here!