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Cybersecurity Essentials
Start your journey into cybersecurity with foundational courses in computer networking, Python scripting, and operating systems
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Secure your future
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 U of U // Flatiron School difference
Be mentored by a world-class cybersecurity experts
Small group classes (max 5 students)
100% online programs
Prerequisites: 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
Curriculum
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:
- Identify components of computer hardware
- Identify command Linux commands
- Identify built in security features of Windows and Linux
- Configure virtual machines
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:
- Apply the basics of programming language methodologies to real-world scenarios
- Demonstrate foundational skills for scripting with a programming language, python
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:
- Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of computer networking diagrams
- Determine potential computer networking and operating system issues in cybersecurity scenarios
Tuition
Upfront - Save 10%
$2,700
Pay as You Go
$3,000
3 monthly payments of $1,000
FAQs
Yes. The AI & Data Science Certificate (Part-Time) is designed exactly for this. At 20 hours per week over 15 months, you can stay fully employed while building AI fluency at a sustainable pace. It’s built for working professionals who want to upskill into AI and add technical depth to an existing career without stepping away from their current role.
Flatiron facilitates the employer match. You’ll work approximately 20 hours per week in a production-aligned environment alongside your coursework. Apprenticeships are paid and supervised by a workplace supervisor.
If you have production coding experience – frontend, backend, or full-stack, and you feel the pressure of AI reshaping what it means to be a strong engineer, you likely qualify. This isn’t a beginner course; it’s a rigorous upskilling path for engineers who don’t want to lose momentum. Speak with an Admissions rep to confirm. If you don’t have that background, the Work-Integrated: AI Engineering Immersive is the right work-integrated option for you.
Most programs have no prerequisites. You just need to be 18+, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have English proficiency. Whether you’re a recent grad, someone transitioning from a non-technical field, or a working professional looking to pivot, you’re eligible. The one exception is the Accelerated AI Engineering Immersive, which requires existing software engineering experience (midlevel or higher) because it’s built for engineers who are already in production environments.
Certificate programs are purely educational. You learn, build a portfolio, and graduate ready for the job search. If you’re entering the workforce or transitioning from a non-technical field and want a clear, structured path, this is for you. Work-integrated programs combine coursework with a paid apprenticeship, so you gain work experience and income during the program. This is a strong fit for professionals who need income continuity during a pivot, or experienced engineers who want production AI exposure from day one. Both award the same professional certificate upon completion.
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