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Break into tech with

Cybersecurity

Gain skills and a Google Certificate in 21 weeks without quitting your day job. Pay $0 upfront.

  • 21 weeks
  • 20~25 hrs/week
Two Merit America alumni smile while holding a laptop.
Why Cybersecurity

Why Cybersecurity?

Considering a career change into tech? Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field that offers engaging, challenging, and rewarding work. With the ever-evolving landscape of cyberattacks and the increasing reliance on digital systems, cybersecurity skills are becoming some of the most in-demand in the job market.

Competitive Compensation: Cybersecurity analysts are in high demand across all industries, with median entry-level salaries nearing $85,000.

In-Demand Careers: With a Google Cybersecurity Certificate and professional skills training from our best-in-class coaches, you’re setting yourself up for continuous career advancement. This applies to both small businesses and large organizations, opening doors to over 213,000 entry-level U.S. cybersecurity job openings.

Fulfilling Work: Engage in roles that are not just tech-centric but also people-centric, ensuring the security and integrity of digital infrastructure. Many cybersecurity roles offer flexible schedules, promoting a healthy work-life balance. Our alumni land roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Administrator, Incident Responder, Threat Detection Analyst, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, Cyber Intelligence Specialist, Penetration Tester, IT Support Specialist, Helpdesk Technician, Systems Support Analyst, and Information Security Technician.

An alumn of the Merit America UX Design course smiles behind a laptop.

Ready to get started?

Apply for an upcoming
Cybersecurity cohort

Secure your place in our upcoming Cybersecurity cohorts while there’s still time. This is your opportunity to ignite a career transformation. Don’t wait, apply today!

Our alums work for the world’s top tech companies

$0 Upfront Tuition

Get started with $0 upfront

Build a career based on your potential, not your bank account.

A Merit America learner receiving one-on-one career coaching and job placement support.
  1. Learn in-demand skills
  2. Land a great job
  3. Pay only after the program
  4. Support the next class
Flexible Schedule

Work Life Balance

Your third-party coursework and Merit America career coaching services are online. Live meetings are only 3-5 hours per week. You can complete the coursework in-between work shifts, on weekends – whatever works for your life.

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My Calendar

Monday, January 10

Merit America Program

  • At Work  8am – 3pm
  • Online Coursework  3pm – 5pm
  • Daycare pick-up  5:15pm
  • Family Dinner  6pm
  • 1:1 Career Coaching  8pm
Supported Learning

Work with a team dedicated to your success

Meet regularly with a career coach and squad of your peers to keep you on track. After you finish, you’ll join a network of thousands of Merit America alumni.

Chat

  • Michael, Career Coach

    How’s your coursework going this week?

  • Cora

    I’m really struggling with my resume…

  • Michael, Career Coach

    You’ve got this! Let me connect you with our job success coach, Teresa.

    Also, something to look forward to: you’re only one week away from completing your Google Certificate!

How does Merit America Compare?

Merit AmericaTech BootcampCommunity College
Course Length21 weeks20-24 weeks50-100 weeks
In person/RemoteRemoteRemoteIn-person/Remote
Part-time? 20-25 hours/week Varies Varies
Maximum Payment/Tuition$5,700$16,000-$19,000$5,000-$10,000
Certificate Google Cybersecurity Professional CertificateVaries
Yes
Organization TypeNon-profit (Merit America collaborates with for-profits)For-profitFor-profit or Non-profit
Coaching and Job Search Support Yes Yes Varies
Downside Protection Yes Varies No
Curriculum

Get the Cybersecurity skills employers are looking for

  • Cybersecurity Foundations

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

With a deep dive into the core principles of cybersecurity, you’ll acquire a comprehensive understanding of how to safeguard critical assets, identify potential threats, and address vulnerabilities effectively. The cybersecurity course equips you with practical insights and hands-on experience to navigate the dynamic cybersecurity terrain confidently, ultimately empowering you to thrive in this critical and ever-evolving domain.

  • Technical Specialization

Learn Cybersecurity Tools

You will be introduced to industry-standard tools and technologies, including Python, Linux, SQL, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). With a strong focus on practical skills, you’ll be well-prepared to secure digital landscapes and safeguard critical data. 

  • Professional Skills

Mastering the job search

Engage in hands-on cybersecurity projects that mirror real-world scenarios, encompassing incident detection, threat assessment, and collaboration with stakeholders. Compile these practical experiences in a resume tailored to showcase your expertise. Then stand out in the interview process by working with your Merit America coaching team to create an effective resume and cover letter, and learn the best way to answer common cybersecurity interview questions.

FAQ
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Two career changers view Merit America's curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources
Not sure where to begin?

Learn more about how you can break into a new career