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Virginia Tech Cyber Bootcamp

Get the Skills You Need to Fight Cybercrime

Gain career-ready defensive and offensive cybersecurity skills in as little as 13–21 weeks with Virginia Tech Cybersecurity Bootcamp powered by Fullstack Academy.


NEW: Generative AI-powered cybersecurity training

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Program at a Glance

13-21

Weeks

07/15

Apply By

07/21

Next Start Date

$4,000

Potential Discounts

Why Learn Cybersecurity with Virginia Tech?

As a cybersecurity professional, your primary objective is to defend digital assets—guarding an organization’s systems and sensitive information from online attacks. The cybersecurity field offers robust career and financial opportunities and plenty of available jobs.

The need for adaptable, solution-focused professionals with generative AI skills to fight cybercrime is greater than ever. If this sounds like you, consider a career in cybersecurity to maximize your earning potential, job satisfaction, and critical defense skills.

In the Virginia Tech Cyber Bootcamp, you’ll learn the latest cybersecurity concepts, tools, and technologies, including cyber threat intelligence, cloud security, penetration testing, and generative AI. The bootcamp is conducted live online and taught by industry-experienced instructors. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with real-world cyber projects and applications of generative AI in cybersecurity. In addition, you’ll also receive 1:1 personalized career coaching and job-search support once you graduate.

In addition, you’ll prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification as part of the bootcamp and get a voucher to take one exam attempt at no additional cost.

The Demand for Cyber Talent in Virginia

There are more than 500,000 cyber jobs available in the U.S., according to CyberSeek, with about 20,000 of them designated for entry-level professionals. And, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analyst positions will grow by 33% through 2033.

In Virginia and remotely, businesses of all industries are actively seeking cybersecurity specialists, including employers like Capital One, Norfolk Southern, and Booz Allen Hamilton.

These companies are hiring for roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Analyst, IT Help Desk Specialist, and Systems Support Specialist. Graduates of the Virginia Tech Cyber Bootcamp have the skills to qualify for these roles and more.

Bootcamp Application and Start Dates

    Part-Time
    Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Jul. 21, 2025 - Dec. 11, 2025
    Mon / Wed / Thu
    7:30pm - 10:30pm ET
    Open
    Apply by Jul. 15, 2025
    Full-Time
    Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Aug. 11, 2025 - Nov. 07, 2025
    Mon - Fri
    10:00am - 6:00pm ET
    Open
    Apply by Aug. 05, 2025

Fullstack Academy is one of the longest-running and most reputable bootcamps in the nation, with incredible student reviews, years of experience in education, and impressive graduate outcomes.

Now, it brings its hands-on learning approach to Virginia Tech’s first cyber bootcamp to develop professionals to fight the global threat of cybercrime.

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How the Virginia Tech Cyber Bootcamp Works

The Virginia Tech Cyber Bootcamp is designed for students to pursue high-quality tech education while continuing to balance work or other commitments. Our program provides you with the flexibility to fit career development into your life.

  • Part-time and full-time bootcamp programs are available.

  • Bootcamp classes include live online instruction taught by industry-experienced professionals, group projects with fellow students, and independent learning assignments.

  • Office hours and out-of-class support are available to students.

  • All classes are held Monday-Friday.

    • 10:00am-6:00pm ET

  • Classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

    • 7:30pm-10:30pm ET

In addition to classroom lessons, part-time students can anticipate spending 6-8 hours studying and working on outside assignments each week. Full-time students can expect to spend 12-15 hours each week on outside assignments.

Class time options vary by month and are subject to change. To see available class times for your cohort of choice, complete your application or schedule a call with a student advisor.


Virginia Tech Cybersecurity Tuition

We’re committed to making tech education more accessible, which is why we offer several payment options to help you invest in your bootcamp education.

  • Enroll in an eligible bootcamp cohort by July 18, 2025 to receive the discount (a $3,000 value). Apply today!

    Tuition:$12,995
    Institutional Discount:-$3,000
    Total Tuition w/ Discount: $9,995

    A refundable deposit of $99, applied to your total tuition, is due at the time of enrollment. The deposit is refundable up until the end of the first week of classes.

  • Enroll in an eligible bootcamp cohort by July 18, 2025 to receive the discount (a $3,000 value). Apply today!

    Tuition:$13,995
    Institutional Discount:-$3,000
    Total Tuition w/ Discounts: $10,995

    A refundable deposit of $99, applied to your total tuition, is due at the time of enrollment. The deposit is refundable up until the end of the first week of classes.

  • Pay for your bootcamp tuition in predictable installments with a personal loan. Monthly installment will vary based on approved interest rate.

    View Payment Options


Cybersecurity Jobs and Salaries in Virginia

In the field of cybersecurity, there are many career paths to follow based on your skills and experience. When you opt into comprehensive career coaching, you’ll receive the guidance you need to navigate the industry.

With professionals in high demand in Virginia and beyond, the cybersecurity industry offers a multitude of career and financial opportunities once you enter the field. Companies across the nation are hiring for roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Network Engineer, IT Help Desk Specialist, Systems Support Specialist, and Systems Administrator.

RoleAverage Entry-Level Salary in Virginia*
IT Help Desk Specialist/Computer Support Specialist$68,000
Network/Systems Support Specialist$79,000
System Administrator/Network Administrator$88,000
Cybersecurity Analyst$98,000
Network Engineer/Solutions Architect$108,000

*Virginia Cybersecurity Salary Data via ZipRecruiter


Cybersecurity Curriculum

The Virginia Tech Cyber Bootcamp is a highly immersive and interactive learning experience, anchored by live online classes where you’ll interact with industry-experienced instructors and a diverse group of peers.

During the program, you will:

  • Cover 50+ core cybersecurity topics

  • Explore and use leading cyber tools, including Splunk, Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, Nessus, Shodan, OWASP Threat Dragon, njRAT, Binwalk, Crunch, and many more

  • Learn how to apply generative AI in cybersecurity, along with prompt engineering and fine-tuning skills

  • Prepare for and receive a free exam voucher for the CompTIA Security+ exam

  • This unit lays the groundwork for your cybersecurity journey, covering essential operating system (OS) concepts (Windows and Linux), networking fundamentals, and an overview of cryptography and wireless security.

    Tools & Technologies

    • Windows

    • Linux

    Key Concepts

    • Operating system essentials

    • Network topologies

    • TCP/IP model

    • Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)​

    • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) components

  • Understand core enterprise security. This unit covers fundamental security concepts, network defense mechanisms, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR), an overview of Zero Trust Network, and Identity and Access Management (IAM).

    Tools & Technologies

    • Splunk

    • Tor Browser

    • Windows Server

    Key Concepts

    • Key security concepts

    • Network defense mechanisms

    • SOAR and SIEM tools

    • Identity and Access Management (IAM)

  • Learn web application security essentials. This unit explains core concepts like encryption, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), OWASP Top 10 threats, and integrating security into development through threat modeling.

    Tools & Technologies

    • OWASP Threat Dragon

    Key Concepts

    • Core principles of web application security

    • Secure coding practices

    • Security measures in the software development life cycle

    • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

    • OWASP Top 10 threats

  • Gain hands-on experience identifying web application weaknesses. This unit explores common application vulnerabilities, along with techniques and tools used to find system vulnerabilities.

    Tools & Technologies

    • Metasploit

    Key Concepts

    • Application vulnerabilities

    • Security implications

    • Security measures for minimizing vulnerabilities

    • Attack vectors and methods

    • Vulnerability identification concepts

  • Learn techniques to combat modern malware threats. This unit introduces various types of malware, with a specific focus on ransomware, and covers malware analysis tools and techniques, digital forensics, and malware protection.

    Tools & Technologies

    • 7-zip

    • Cmder

    • FTK Imager

    • HxD Hex Editor

    • njRAT

    • Noriben

    • PeStudio

    • RanSim

    Key Concepts

    • Malware identification and analysis

    • Ransomware understanding and mitigation

    • Digital forensics

    • Cyber threat intelligence

  • This unit covers ethical hacking foundations, the Cyber Kill Chain methodology, and essential reconnaissance and footprinting techniques for gathering target systems information.

    Tools & Technologies

    • Hping3

    • NMap

    • Scapy

    • Whois Lookup

    • Wireshark

    Key Concepts

    • Cyber Kill Chain methodology

    • Reconnaissance and footprinting techniques

    • Scanning and enumeration

  • Develop the skills to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks. This unit covers vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, security scanning, social engineering, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and cloud and container security.

    Tools & Technologies

    • Attify

    • AWS Console

    • Bee-Box

    • Binwalk

    • Crunch

    • LOPHTCRACK

    • Metasploit

    • Nessus

    • NMap

    • Shodan

    • Spiderfoot

    Key Concepts

    • Penetration testing

    • Security scanning

    • Social engineering

    • Denial-of-service attacks

    • Cloud and container security

  • Explore the core concepts of Generative AI. This unit provides a fundamental understanding of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), focusing on prompt engineering and fine-tuning.

    Tools & Technologies

    • ChatGPT

    Key Concepts

    • Generative AI fundamentals

    • Large Language Models (LLMs)

    • Prompt engineering

    • Fine-tuning

  • Understand how AI and Generative AI are transforming cybersecurity. This unit explores the applications of GenAI in threat analysis, incident response, forensics, penetration testing, and defense, addressing the ethical implications of using GenAI in cybersecurity.

    Tools & Technologies

    • ChatGPT

    Key Concepts

    • Cybersecurity Analytics Using GenAI

    • Risks and Vulnerabilities of GenAI in Cybersecurity

    • Incident Response and Cyber Playbooks with GenAI

    • Cybersecurity Triage Process with GenAI

    • Vulnerability Management with GenAI

    • Defensive Techniques Using GenAI

    • Penetration Testing Using GenAI

    • Forensics Analysis with GenAI

    • Threat Detection Using GenAI in SIEM

    • GenAI-Driven SOAR

    • Ethical Implications of Generative AI in Cybersecurity

  • You'll create a comprehensive cybersecurity solution or analysis, applying the knowledge gained throughout the bootcamp, to a real-world cybersecurity scenario, putting your skills to the test.

  • This optional elective unit will prepare you with essential knowledge and skills to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. The elective focuses on core security principles, risk management, incident response, cryptography, identity and access management, and securing networks, systems, and applications.

    The CompTIA Security+ certification is a globally recognized credential that validates your foundational knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. The certification demonstrates competency in core concepts required for career advancement in cybersecurity.

    By earning your CompTIA Security+ certification, you’ll validate your proficiency in essential cybersecurity skills and demonstrate your job readiness to potential employers.

    Eligible students can receive a voucher for one CompTIA Security+ exam attempt at no additional cost.

Classes are hands-on with the majority of students’ time spent learning how to monitor and secure systems, networks, and applications, as well as how to appropriately respond to cyber breaches. Along with the classroom sessions, students can attend a weekly lab where they can review key concepts, catch up on homework, and work alongside peers.

Cybersecurity Bootcamp Tools & Technologies

OWASP black logo Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019
Wireshark
Nessus logo
Pestudio copy
Ran Sim
Spider Foot
Whois logo
Shodan logo
AWS logo 2
Attify
7 Zip logo
Bee Box Systems Logo
Tor Browser Horizontal
LOPHTCRACK horizontal logo 2
Crunch logo
Scapy logo horizontal
Exterro FTK Imager logo 2
Hx D Hex Editor logo 2
H Ping Logo
Binwalk logo
NJ rat logo
Cmder logo

Cybersecurity Bootcamp Student Projects

The Virginia Tech Cybersecurity Bootcamp uses a project-based, active learning approach so you can learn to apply cyber skills through real-world simulations. The bootcamp experience culminates in an in-depth Capstone Project that demonstrates what you’ve learned and can be used in your portfolio to show future employers.

Check out some of our past cybersecurity student capstone projects.


Earn Cybersecurity Certifications with Virginia Tech

Prepare for CompTIA Security+ Certification

We’ve partnered with CompTIA, the world's leading cybersecurity association, for this program.

As an authorized delivery partner, preparation for the CompTIA Security+ exam is built into the curriculum of Virginia Tech Cybersecurity Bootcamp powered by Fullstack Academy. You will study and test for this industry-recognized certification during your bootcamp program. Plus, eligible students can receive an exam voucher for one exam attempt at no additional cost.

By earning your CompTIA Security+ certification, which is a globally recognized credential, you’ll validate the core skills required and demonstrate your job readiness to potential employers.

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Landing a Cybersecurity Job in Virginia

Virginia Tech students will gain valuable insight into how to build a successful career in cybersecurity from day one of the course. Throughout the bootcamp experience, students can access live workshops, office hours, and asynchronous modules to help build a job search toolkit—which includes an optimized resume and LinkedIn profile.

Following successful completion of the bootcamp, students can choose to opt into the Career Success Program and receive guidance for up to a year of 1:1 personalized career coaching and guidance in:

  • Growing your professional network

  • Resume and LinkedIn profile optimization

  • Interview and assessment prep

  • Salary negotiation workshops

  • And much more!

Students also graduate from the program with a portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability to solve real business problems for real companies.

Fullstack Academy grads have landed jobs with some of the world's leading companies.

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Virginia Tech Tech Bootcamps are powered by Fullstack Academy. The companies listed above have hired Fullstack Academy graduates.


Who Should Attend the Cyber Bootcamp

The Virginia Tech Cybersecurity Bootcamp powered by Fullstack Academy is specifically designed for beginners. There’s no experience required to apply, be accepted, or succeed.

Successful bootcamp students have backgrounds in:

Successful bootcamp students have backgrounds in:

Teaching icon 1

Teaching

Finance icon 1

Finance

Retail icon 1

Retail

Customer service icon 1

Customer service

Graphic design icon 1

Graphic design

Admin icon 1

Admin

Biology icon 1

Biology

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And more

Apply today and join others just like you on the first steps to a life-changing career.


FAQs

  • The cyber curriculum is broken down into these areas:

    1. Operating Systems and Networking Essentials (OS concepts and networking principles, cryptography, and wireless security)

    2. Enterprise Infrastructure Security (network defense mechanisms, SIEM, SOAR, IAM)

    3. Application Security and Cyber Resilience (encryption, Public Key Infrastructure, OWASP Top 10 threats)

    4. Web Application Vulnerabilities (application vulnerabilities, system vulnerabilities)

    5. Ransomware and Malware—Defense, Analysis, and Response (types of malware, malware analysis and protection, digital forensics)

    6. Ethical Hacking: From Recon to Attack (Cyber Kill Chain methodology, essential reconnaissance, and footprinting techniques)

    7. Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (vulnerability analysis and assessment, penetration testing, security scanning)

    8. Essentials of Generative AI (Generative AI, LLMs, prompt engineering, fine-tuning)

    9. Generative AI in Cybersecurity (applications of GenAI in threat analysis, incident response, forensics, penetration testing, and defense)

    Students also participate in career simulations throughout the program and interactive labs. With bootcamp preparation and additional studying, students will also be equipped to take exams for multiple industry-recognized certifications.

    For the Cybersecurity Bootcamp syllabus, click here and fill out the form.

  • Yes, the Virginia Tech Cyber Bootcamp is beginner-friendly. It’s specifically designed for professionals without previous experience in cybersecurity. While some background knowledge is helpful, the only expectation is that students have general computer literacy skills in basics like efficiently using the Internet/cloud and Windows.

  • Students can prepare to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam with training provided in bootcamp and additional studying. A voucher for one attempt at the exam is included in tuition.

  • Your time with our career success team will include everything from workshops to one-on-one office hours to phone chats before big interviews. Alumni will also have access to a job board and have the opportunity to be connected with companies and organizations in our Employer Partner Network that are actively seeking qualified candidates.

  • You do need to provide your own computer for the bootcamp. It can be a laptop or desktop as long as it meets the minimum machine specifications of your chosen program. Because the bootcamp is live-online, you are required to have a webcam and microphone in order to participate in class.

    Ensuring you have a computer that meets the requirements for your course is an essential part of setting yourself up for success in our bootcamps.

    For full computer requirements, visit our Online Learning page.

  • Many of our part-time students continue working full-time while completing their bootcamp. Each week, students can expect to spend 9 hours in class and another 6-8 hours studying and completing assignments outside of class.

    Full-time students should not continue working due to the immersive nature of our programs. By focusing solely on their training, they’re set up to thrive in our accelerated 13-week program.

  • No, Virginia Tech Bootcamps are not for credit and cannot be applied toward a degree or certificate program. Rather, they’re offered through Virginia Tech Continuing & Professional Education and facilitated by Fullstack Academy instructors and staff to provide in-demand tech skills training for current or prospective tech professionals.

  • No, part-time bootcamp students cannot mix and match class dates or times. You must select one of the established schedule options for your cohort of choice during the application process.

  • Students can receive a voucher for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam (one attempt) when the following criteria are met:

    1. Complete the elective course for CompTIA Security+

    2. Complete the bootcamp curriculum through Unit 7 (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing)


Ready to Start Learning?

Apply to study at the Virginia Tech Cybersecurity Bootcamp.

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  1. Fill out our online application form
  2. Take our nontechnical assessment
    • No cyber experience required
    • Covers logical reasoning
    • Sent to you immediately upon submission of application
  3. Receive an entrance decision