Merit America uses dynamic enrollment, which means new cohorts begin every two weeks — you don’t have to wait months for a single fixed start date. Once admitted, you’ll choose the cohort that fits your life, and if the timing isn’t right, you can defer to a later one.

Here’s how it works:

• Apply when you’re ready. No application deadlines.
• Once admitted, claim a spot in an upcoming cohort. Spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis — completing your onboarding steps early gives you the most flexibility.
• Or defer to a later cohort if the timing isn’t right.
• Complete onboarding steps like coach selection and device setup.
• Begin your program when your cohort opens.

This structure ensures every learner starts when they’re ready — supported from day one.

Merit America provides a blended online learning environment where you will participate in live virtual meetings and complete coursework independently online from industry-recognized partners, like Google.

We 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.
• Associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree holders are welcome.
• 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’s Cybersecurity program is designed to fit into your busy schedule with a commitment of approximately 18 hours per week — a mix of self-paced online coursework and live, topic-based workshops focused on career coaching and skills practice. Technical advisors are available to help talk through coursework questions as needed.

Live workshops 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.

Live workshops 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 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, and the support continues after you complete the program.

You’ll also join live, topic-based workshops alongside other learners on the same journey. You can pick the sessions that fit your schedule and the skills you want to focus on, like interviewing, resumes, or LinkedIn.

Your technical advisor is available to direct you to appropriate resources if you’re struggling with your Google Cybersecurity Certificate coursework.

And our Career Services team provides on-demand support, with optional structured programs like the Alumni Career Accelerator if you want a focused job-search sprint.

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 under the Merit America Guarantee, if you qualify by fulfilling the requirements, and don’t earn at least $40k a year within two years of the Immersion end date of your program, you may be eligible for a full refund.

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, and 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 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 Junior Security Analyst, Junior Incident Responder, Tier I SOC Analyst, SOC Technician, Junior Network Administrator, Network Support Technician, Network Security Analyst, Information Security Technician, Junior Vulnerability Manager, and Vulnerability Analyst, among others.

You can view the full program syllabus here.