In a tight job market, finding your niche and setting yourself apart from the competition is essential. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, businesses are in constant need of qualified technology professionals to assist them in advancing their own processes as well as defend their electronic systems from malware and cyber attacks.

Cyber security was once a buzzword in tech, but now it is mainstream. The new latest buzzword and trending tech is artificial intelligence. As these tech breakthroughs continue to develop, students have to be able to combat cyber attacks, to combat AI threats and ultimately be ready to fill jobs that haven’t even been created yet. 

There are thousands of unfilled jobs throughout the country in IT and cyber security, and FSU is providing the necessary training to help individuals establish the knowledge and skills to fill them. 

The Center for Defense and Homeland Security (CDHS) was founded in 2010 with the mission to prepare the next generation of National Security, Cybersecurity and Emergency Management workforce professionals through STEM education and training. 

CDHS’s Cybersecurity Academy provides hands-on accelerated training in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. This training is available to civilians and military-affiliated persons. Military can use VA Post/911 Education Benefits or Veterans Readiness for Employment (VRE) Benefits to help fund their participation in the course. 

CDHS offers two cybersecurity certification programs within their academy: 

1. Certificate in Cyber Foundations

This program is offered three times a year and does not have any prerequisites. Classes are held in the evenings Tuesday - Friday from 6-10 p.m. and the entire course spans 33 classroom days. 

1. Certificate in Cyber Security 

This program is offered two times a year and participants are required to have completed CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ (the materials covered in the cyber foundations course). Classes are held in the evenings Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and the entire course spans 40 classroom days.

Registration for Cyber Foundations costs $5,850 and registration for Cyber Security costs $8,495. These fees cover tuition and books, materials (tool kits), access to the online learning management system which includes course books, homework assignments, labs and practice exams, additional study resources and exam voucher fees.

These certifications are in very high demand right now. While a degree in these fields can be beneficial, certifications are a must. They are imperative to get into the IT and cyber security workforce.

Once a student passes the certification exam, that certification is valid for three years. Some people enter the course with a background in cyber security and some take it with no IT experience whatsoever. Whether you’re looking for a career change or are eager to fast-track your training as you dive head first into the workforce, this program offers an accelerated path to highpaying work. 

As students continue to thrive in these courses and enter into the workforce, the ultimate goal is to keep these highly trained individuals local. Businesses in the greater Fayetteville region are encouraged to remember these highly qualified, locally trained individuals when hiring.

The next Cyber Foundations Courses are being offered this spring beginning April 15 and lasting until July 7, and the summer term will begin July 29 and go until Oct. 17. The next Cyber Security Course will be offered May 5 – August 18. Additionally, in February of 2024, the center received VA approval to teach online and hybrid courses. For the first time ever the center is offering classes online beginning April 11.