Exclusive insights from experts at Amazon & Cisco
Invest in your future with our
Cybersecurity Professional Program
Gain the job-ready skills you need to enter a cybersecurity
career in less than a year.
No Experience Necessary | One-on-One Career Coaching | Real World Labs
Why Cybersecurity?
Whether you want to change careers, upskill, or gain practical experience,
our program can help you achieve your goals.

High Demand
As industries innovate and certain jobs become obsolete, the tech workforce gap continues to grow, offering professionals skyrocketing opportunities in cybersecurity.

Diverse Career Paths
The cybersecurity field is brimming with variety and allows people of all interests and backgrounds to pursue a career path that fulfills them.

Competitive Salary
The large workforce gap results in hefty competition among employers to attract top talent, meaning organizations pay more for skilled cybersecurity professionals, including entry-level positions.

Is a Cybersecurity Career-Prep Program Right for You?
Find out for free by taking our online cybersecurity mini-course.
Everything You Need to Secure Your Future
The American University Cybersecurity Professional Program is designed to equip learners with job-ready skills in less than a year—no prior experience required.
- Four-Week Introductory Course
Get a glimpse into the field without having to financially commit to the Complete Program. This stand-alone course helps you decide if cybersecurity is right for you and make the best decision for your future.
- Learn by Doing
Our 9-month program ensures you grasp even the most complex cybersecurity concepts. Attend live classes and access recorded sessions any time to playback sections you may have missed or revisit a topic you want to reinforce. With a curriculum developed by industry experts, our fully online evening classes give you the hands-on experience you need to excel in your career.
- Learn from Experts
Courses are developed and led by industry experts, with multiple instructors available in every live session to give you personalized attention. Office hours, Q&A sessions, and mentorship opportunities are included.
- Practice With TDX Arena
Gain real-world cybersecurity experience with TDX Arena, our immersive, gamified learning platform. Experience actual cyberattacks and scenarios, test your skills, and develop your aptitude for tech.
✔️ Practice Arena: Sharpen your skills on everything from the fundamentals to the most advanced cybersecurity concepts.
✔️ Challenges: Test your knowledge in an immersive, online environment that mimics real scenarios you would face on the job.
✔️ Cyberpedia: Enhance your cyber knowledge and study for certification exams with supplementary content, guides, and quizzes. - Get Career Support
Our Career Outcomes team consists of experts in job search assistance. Receive interview coaching, craft a professional resume, and tips on how to set up a LinkedIn profile that highlights your strengths and skills for employers.
✔️ Dedicated Coaching and Personal Branding
✔️ Access to Job Leads and Industry Professionals
✔️ Continued Coaching up to 6 Months Post-Certificate - Get Success Managers
Student Success Managers provide a personal touch to your learning experience to further your achievements. From day one, SSMs guide you, keep you accountable, and facilitate additional resources when necessary, such as exam retests and tutoring sessions.
Success Within Your Reach
Our Career Outcomes team has helped learners secure positions at leading companies.
Hear From Real Learners
Curious About Cybersecurity?
Learn about job outlook, what to expect in the tech industry, and more with our free guides.

Becoming a
Cybersecurity Professional
See if cybersecurity is right for you
with this short guide.

Cybersecurity Career
Handbook
Explore cybersecurity job options with this handy guide.
Course Breakdown
Start your cybersecurity career in less than a year with our program.
Expert-led classes with immersive, real-world training. No experience required.

Introductory Course
4 WeeksPart 1: Fundamentals Phase
12 WeeksComputer Networking Fundamentals
Microsoft Security Systems Administration
Integrating Your Infrastructure Security
Part 2: Infrastructure Phase
12 WeeksSecuring Your Network
Designing Your Cybersecurity Infrastructure
Social Engineering and Ethical Hacking
Part 3: Advanced Phase
8 WeeksDigital Forensics and Incident Response
Threat Hunting and Intelligence
Elective Comptia® Security+ Certification Exam Prep Course 8 Weeks

Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Go Further With Industry-Recognized Certifications
Demonstrate your expertise and stand out as a true cyber professional.
Our research-backed curriculum covers essential topics for cybersecurity certifications. While the program doesn’t include certification exams, it provides the foundational knowledge needed to prepare for them:*
*For more information, please visit https://thrivedx.com/cybersecurity-program-disclaimers<./
** Requires a minimum of one year of cumulative work experience in one or more of the seven domains of the SSCP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) in order to be certified.

Enroll Today
Defend Tomorrow
Unlock a Variety of
Cybersecurity Career Paths.
Our part-time online program aligns with the NICE Framework, preparing you for the following roles:
Defensive Cybersecurity
Responsible for analyzing data collected from various cybersecurity defense tools to mitigate risks.
Digital Forensics
Responsible for analyzing digital evidence from computer security incidents to derive useful information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation.
Incident Response
Responsible for investigating, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents.
Systems Administration
Responsible for setting up and maintaining a system or specific components of a system in adherence with organizational security policies and procedures.
Network Operations
Responsible for planning, implementing, and operating network services including hardware and virtual environments.
- Cyber Defense Analyst
Cyber Defense Analyst
Analyze and respond to threats, implement security measures, and safeguard our systems and data.
- Cyber Forensic Analyst
Cyber Forensic Analyst
Investigate cyber crimes and breaches by analyzing digital evidence to identify attackers.
- Cyber Incident Responder
Cyber Incident Responder
Detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents by analyzing breaches.
- Cyber Infrastructure Support Specialist
Cyber Infrastructure Support Specialist
Manage IT infrastructure, monitor networks, troubleshoot issues, and implement security measures.
- Network Operations Specialist
Network Operations Specialist
Monitor, troubleshoot, and improve network performance and collaborate with IT on infrastructure.
FAQs
- Do I need any previous technological knowledge?
Some computer experience is preferred, but no technical requirements are needed to enroll. Learners aged 18 or older of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome to enroll.
- Do I need special equipment or software?
You will need a laptop and internet access. All other materials and software are provided.
- Where can I download the course catalog?
Get your copy of our course catalog here.
- Is the curriculum updated for today’s industry standards?
The curriculum is continually adjusted to reflect modern techniques, methodologies, and technologies. Each course will help you gain relevant experience employers are seeking in qualified candidates.
- What if I have a trouble keeping up with the course material?
We are committed to your success and pair you with Student Success Managers to help you stay on track throughout the program. You’ll receive personalized tools, materials, and support to ensure you comprehend the material and develop the skills needed to thrive in your new career.
- What if I discover I don’t like cybersecurity?
Our four-week Introductory Course is the best way to find out if cybersecurity is the right choice for you. In this course, you’ll learn cybersecurity fundamentals while developing an understanding of the field and how you can contribute as a professional. No experience is required to enroll and it will help you make an educated and confident decision about moving on to the Complete Program.
- What makes this program different from others?
The American University Cybersecurity Professional Program is a hands-on online program that is accessible for learners of all skill levels. No experience? No problem. We focus on in-depth training via live classes led by industry experts and self-study to prepare even the most novice learner for a cybersecurity career in less than one year. With our Introductory Course, you can try the course before you commit to the Complete Program to help you protect your investment as you search for a suitable career. We put your success before anything else. Aside from providing a valuable, market-driven curriculum to help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge, we offer a variety of resources to help you overcome any learning challenges, connect you with industry partners, and help you find the role of your dreams.
- How much does tuition cost?
The Introductory Course costs $180. The Complete Program costs $18,720, totaling $18,900.
- I’m interested! When can I enroll?
New classes open on a rolling basis, year-round. For more information, please contact our admissions team or schedule a call at your convenience.
- How soon can I find a job?
Our Career Outcomes team provides you with a dedicated career coach to help develop a professional presence and job search strategies as you start looking for your next role. How quickly you’ll land a job ultimately depends on a variety of factors, including your past work history, overall experience, and current location–to name a few. While our career coaches are experts at helping learners find tech roles and are available to learners up to six months post-program completion, we cannot guarantee job placement.
Have more questions?
Contact us!
Why Us?
The American University Cybersecurity Professional Impact Program empowers you to become a forward-thinking tech professional equipped with career-ready skills. In less than a year, this program will help you gain the hands-on experience and confidence needed to excel in your cybersecurity career.
Request the Course Catalog

About American University
American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, D.C., with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Our students distinguish themselves for their service, leadership, and ability to rethink global and domestic challenges and opportunities.
Partnership With ThriveDX
This accelerated program is powered by our partner, ThriveDX, a global leader in reskilling and upskilling individuals for today’s fast-growing digital economy. With over a decade of experience as a premier digital skills education provider, ThriveDX partners with top academic institutions, government organizations, and global enterprises to offer advanced workforce and professional development programs in digital technology.
Contact us

4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20016