Skip to content

Pathway: Cybersecurity

Cost: No-cost
Timeline: 10 weeks (Spring 2025)
Commitment: 5-10 hours per week, depending on level
Skill Level: Intro (CYB101) | Intermediate (CYB102)

Explore the complex field of digital security with the Cybersecurity pathway! Learn about real-world tools and attacks, empowering you to confidently discuss the basics of different areas of cybersecurity. Next, deep dive into the world of blue team security, using industry-proven techniques to detect, analyze, and respond to security threats.

Apply Now

Course Details

 

Program Dates & Times

Program Dates & Times

Students who apply will be placed either in the introductory or the intermediate level, based on eligibility.

Courses will start the week of February 17th. 

Intro (CYB101) 
  • Section 1- 2/18 to 4/22
    Tuesdays from 3 pm -5 pm PT
  • Section 2- 2/19 to 4/23
    Wednesdays from 4 pm - 6 pm PT
  • Section 3- 2/20 to 4/24
    Thursdays from 5 pm - 7 pm PT
  • Section 4- 2/22 to 4/26
    Saturdays from 10 am - 12 pm PT
Intermediate (CYB102) 
  • Section 1- 2/22 to 4/26
    Saturdays from 10 am - 12 pm PT
027-risk

Application & Pre-work Deadline

January 26 2025 at 11:59PM Pacific time

042-teacher

Location

Both CYB 101 and CYB 102 are virtual courses.

Black male student sitting on bleachers with laptop
Group of diverse students standing in front of white board

About the Course Pathway

Cybersecurity is a course series for students interested in understanding the role of security professionals through interactive hands-on practice, reading, and lectures. With a focus on web applications security, students will learn to out think hackers and exploit vulnerabilities, while also exploring how to build offensive capabilities into applications. Students will gain broad foundational knowledge of cybersecurity concepts while also applying these concepts with fun simulations replicating real-world cyber threats. 

This course was originally developed in collaboration with Meta.

You Should Take this Course If...

Icon of shield with code symbol

You are curious if cybersecurity may be a possible career, and would like to try hands-on experiences to see what it is like.

Icon of person wearing hat and sunglasses coding on a laptop

You would like to gain some hacking experience by challenging yourself to learn about cybersecurity vulnerabilities and how to protect against them.

Icon of badge with code symbol

You feel that adding knowledge of cybersecurity will help you in your programming, IT, or other computer-related major—everyone needs to understand how to recognize and defend against attacks!

What You'll Learn

CYB101: Intro to Cybersecurity

  • System basics: The Linux command line, ssh, RDP, PKI
  • Access control: Pros/cons of passwords, password hashing
  • Networking: IP and DNS exploits, pen-testing with metasploit
  • Malware: Classifications and detection mechanisms
  • Data: Metadata, steganography, data collection methods
  • Social Engineering: Spoofing, phishing, the linux “Social Engineering Toolkit” SET library
  • Privacy: Security vs. privacy, different levels of anonymity

CYB 102: Intermediate Cybersecurity

  • Blue Team Defense Concepts: Understanding the role of a Blue Team in security operations, what are Security Operations Centers (SOCs)
  • Endpoint Monitoring: Monitoring logs, Using SIEMs and HIDS tools to detect vulnerabilities in endpoints, Conducting vulnerability scanning
  • Network Monitoring: Common network protocols, packet sniffing, intrusion detection, and prevention systems
  • Incident Response: Identifying attack vectors, triage, containment, and recovery
  • Threat Intelligence: Sharing information and utilizing frameworks such as ATT&CK to understand and respond to threats

NOTE: This course is also offered for-credit on select campuses.

Tech Excellence for All

At CodePath, we believe access to relevant, hands-on technical training, career guidance, mentors, and community—created by engineers, for engineers—can help give tomorrow’s technology leaders the edge they need to launch successful, life-changing careers. As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, we strive to increase diversity in tech by making successful, meaningful careers in software engineering accessible to all, and by transforming college Computer Science education to make students career-ready.

 

Our programming centers the needs and success of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and low-income Computer Science students. 

Did You Know?

Icon of error message

2,244

Hackers attack internet-connected computers constantly, an average of every 39 seconds, or 2,244 times a day (University of Maryland).

Icon of dollar sign and brief case

$121,502

Cybersecurity Engineers in the U.S. make an average of $121,502 annually (Glassdoor).

Icon of directional sign with briefcase

31%

Demand for information security professionals is very high, with job openings expected to increase by a whopping 31% between 2019-2029 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Eligibility

CodePath requires all students to meet the following requirements in order to participate in our Cybersecurity courses:

  • You are 18 years old or older

  • You are or will be in the U.S. for Spring 2025

  • You are or will be enrolled in a US (Puerto Rico included) college or university in Spring 2025

  • You are pursuing a degree related to computer science or software

  • Your computer has a webcam and microphone, which you are willing and able to use in all virtual sessions as part of your active participation

  • Your agree to abide by CodePath's Code of Conduct

In addition to the eligibility requirements above, students will also be placed into the introductory or intermediate levels based on the prerequisites below. Students will be assigned a pre-work based on their track eligibility and must complete it before January 26 at 11:59PM PT.

CYB 101: Intro to Cybersecurity

  • Open to students from any major or students who have not yet declared a major
  • You can commit to putting in 4-6 hours per week including in-class time.
    • 2 hours in-class
    • 2-4 hours outside of class
  • SUGGESTED: For the best experience, please see the Device Requirements for CYB102.

CYB 102: Intermediate Cybersecurity

  • You have an introductory knowledge of programming, computing, and Linux terminal commands
  • You are pursuing a course of study related to computer science or software that includes hands-on programming/scripting experience
  • You can commit to putting 7-9 hours per week including in-class time.
    • 2 hours in-class.
    • 5-7 hours outside of class
  • Device Requirements: 
    • You must have access to a system with the ability to download software.
    • Operating System: macOS - High Sierra (10.13.x) or later; Windows - 8.1 or later; Linux
    • RAM: 4 GB RAM is required for the best experience.
    • Hard Drive Free Space: At least 10 GB of available disk space

CodePath’s mission is reprogramming higher education to create the most diverse generation of engineers, CTOs, and founders. This includes (but is not limited to) individuals who self-identify as Black/African American, Latino/a/Hispanic, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, women/women-identifying, and students who come from low-income backgrounds or are first-generation college students.

How to Apply

The application is a 3-step process:

  1. Complete a 5-10 minute application regarding your previous exposure to Cybersecurity topics, interest in a tech career, and general information about yourself.
  2. CodePath will review your application to determine your eligibility for introductory or intermediate levels.
  3. CodePath will send the appropriate pre-work assignment based on your technical experience level.
    1. Important Notes:
      1. Completion of this step is crucial for course admission. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
      2. Submitting your application and pre-work early significantly increases your chances of acceptance into the program.

Finally, please await the admissions decision. If you do not receive an immediate response after submitting your pre-work,  please do not worry, as all admissions decisions will be communicated via email on or before February 10.

Previous Instructors

ANDRES HARO
DevOps Engineer at DATASHIELD
CHRIS MCMAHON
Freelance Software Architect and Full-Stack Engineert
SUSHMA MARYADA
Security Technologist, Incident Response at Uber

Hear from Our Alums

David Awogbemila headshot
DAVID AWOGBEMILA

Software Engineering Intern, Google
Howard University

"The focus on hands-on activities and real-life scenarios made for an awesome learning experience. I appreciated how the course was structured in a way that reflected the nature of Cybersecurity."

Angela Mei Li headshot
ANGELA MEI LI

Engineer, LG Electronics
CUNY Baruch College

"I’ve always been fascinated with the hackers' world. It was lucky of me, against many other applicants, to be accepted into this course. Although it could be a bit challenging without prior basic knowledge, the lectures are quite informative. Every week we get to explore new topics and hacking concepts with practice. I believe some problems are close simulations of real-world scenarios. To anyone pursuing a career path in Cybersecurity, this course truly aligns with your passion."

Zavier Berolo headshot
ZAVIER BEROLO

Software Engineer Program Intern, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co
CUNY Baruch College

"For my cohort specifically, I am very happy that I am learning essentially first-hand what "hacking" really is including cybersecurity fundamentals. Also, the teachers have been amazing and have gone the extra-mile to help me and the other classmates countless amounts of times already."

Events

SUPPORT

FAQs

  • What is this course about?

    CodePath's Cybersecurity course is a 10-week course offered to students interested in and pursuing CS, IT/IS, and computer-related majors at no-cost. Students will learn the fundamentals of web application security while exploring vulnerabilities in hands-on labs. It is a rigorous, challenging, and experiential class that gives students the opportunity to think like a hacker, simulate exploits, and better understand how to protect computer applications and systems from intrusion.

    The course is intended to supplement the coursework for students in computing majors and is valuable both for students considering a career in cybersecurity and those who will use this knowledge in other engineering or management roles.

  • How do I apply to take this course?

    First, you will need to complete an application that will have questions about your previous exposure to Cybersecurity development and your personal goals and history. 

    CodePath's admissions team will review your application answers to determine your eligibility for the introductory or intermediate levels. You will then receive the appropriate pre-work task for your level to complete. Just so you know, this step must be completed for CodePath to review your application in its entirety. 

  • Who can apply for the course?

    Students (18 years old and above) located in the US or Puerto Rico and are enrolled in the US or Puerto Rico colleges and universities.


    Specific technical requirements are listed on the Eligibility section of this page.

  • How much time will I need to complete the assignments?

    Introductory level: students should expect to spend 4-6 hours weekly. 
    • 2 hours in-class
    • 2-4 hours outside of class
     
    Intermediate level: Students expect to spend approximately 7-9 hours/week to get the most value from the class.
    • 2 hours in-class
    • 5-7 hours outside of class

  • Who will the instructors be?

    The course instructors will be professionals from major technology companies who volunteer their time to share their knowledge. The labs will be taught by CodePath instructors who have completed the course.

  • What if I need additional help during the class?

    CodePath teaching assistants will be available to help with assignments. You will be in a Slack channel where you can ask questions at any time and someone will get back to you within 24 hours or less.

  • Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the course?

    Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion upon completion of the course with a 60% or higher. Many of our students will post and share their certificates on LinkedIn, and we encourage you to do so!

  • Is this class really offered for free? How are you able to do that?

    Yes, CodePath is a nonprofit with backing from major tech companies like Comcast, Walmart, Cognizant, and Meta. In fact, this course was originally developed in collaboration with Facebook. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we can offer our classes to any eligible student for free.

  • How can I get more information about this course?

    Please email admissions@codepath.org with any questions.

Apply today