Start your journey into cybersecurity with foundational courses in computer networking, Python scripting, and operating systems. These courses give you the core skills needed to protect and defend digital systems from the ground up.
Financing and flexible payment options available. Learn more
Start your cybersecurity journey with a strong foundation in computer networking, operating systems, and Python scripting. These courses will introduce you to the core concepts of cybersecurity and teach you the fundamentals of IT so you can secure systems from cyber attacks. You’ll gain hands-on experience with virtualization tools, learn the fundamentals of Linux and Windows security, and develop the skills to troubleshoot and secure networks. By the end of these courses, you’ll be well-prepared to take on more advanced cybersecurity challenges, with a solid understanding of the basic principles that keep digital systems safe from threats.
The SMU x Flatiron School difference:
Pre-requisites: No prior experience required. These courses are designed for beginners.
On completion of this program, you may choose to continue on to Cybersecurity Foundations I.
Industry-approved curriculum to support your journey into cybersecurity
Introduction to Cybersecurity - 3 weeks
In this introduction to cybersecurity course, you'll learn about computer hardware, basic networking, and virtualization software. You'll explore computer components like the CPU, RAM, and storage, and gain hands-on experience with the Linux command line. The final assessment involves finding flags on Windows and Linux virtual machines, providing a foundational understanding necessary for securing IT systems against cyber attacks.
What you'll learn:
Introduction to Python - 3 weeks
This introductory Python course equips you with essential programming skills for cybersecurity. You'll learn scripting basics, compiled vs. interpreted languages, algorithms, and data structures. The course also covers Python libraries and functions. It concludes with a project where you'll develop a Python script to analyze data, preparing you to use Python effectively in real-world cybersecurity challenges.
What you'll learn:
Introduction to Operating Systems and Networking - 3 weeks
This course teaches you to secure computer networks and systems, covering Linux and Windows operating systems, computer networking, and troubleshooting techniques. The final assessment involves analyzing a network diagram and virtual machines to troubleshoot connectivity issues.
What you'll learn:
Flexible small group class are the best way to learn from top industry mentors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.
Upfront - Save 10%
$2,700
Pay as You Go
$3,000
3 monthly payments of $1,000
Yes! Upon the completion of each program in the pathway, you will receive a Credly digital badge from SMU and a certificate from Flatiron School. Digital badges can be used in email signatures or digital resumes, and certificates can be displayed on portfolio websites and social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
Thousands of our community members use their program certificates and badges to demonstrate skills to potential employers — including our hiring partners — along with their LinkedIn networks. Our curriculum is powered by Flatiron School, whose programs are well-regarded by many top employers, who contribute to our curriculum, hire our community, and partner with us to train their own teams.
Nope! This program is designed for complete beginners - no experience required.
It is VERY occasionally possible to skip the essentials program and go directly to Foundations I. However, we highly recommend that most students do not skip Essentials as it covers a tremendous amount of information and skills that will be used throughout the entire career pathway program and will require some catching up if skipped.
The essentials program is still difficult and covers a ton of material that is necessary for proceeding in the following programs and won't be reviewed in Foundations. All of the future program material will build upon the essentials.
If you would like to be considered to enter directly into the Foundations-level programs, you'll be required to submit materials demonstrating your proficiency in the materials covered in the Essentials program.
Whether you want to build games, design products, prevent the next cyber attack, or create the next internet-breaking AI, we provide the training to bring your ideas to life.
Let's build your future together.