Are you ready for a new career?

The demand for cybersecurity professionals in Florida has never been higher, with various sectors, including government, healthcare, finance, and education, regularly targeted by cybercriminals. As businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the need for skilled cybersecurity personnel capable of safeguarding sensitive data and infrastructure becomes paramount. CyberWorks provides specialized training in areas such as network security, digital forensics, threat detection, and incident response, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on exciting new careers in cybersecurity while helping meet workforce needs.

Through expert online instruction and hands-on learning, these multi-week programs prepare students to enter the cybersecurity workforce as Tier 1 Cyber Security Analysts, a position with an average starting salary of $115,372.

The Fall 2023 and Winter 2023/Spring 2024 CyberWorks Cohorts

Summer 2025

Funded by:

Deadline to apply:
March 22, 2025

Program dates:
May 5 – October 10, 2025

Outcome: Graduates will receive vouchers to take the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ exams

CyberWorks has some brilliant alumni, check out two of them below!
Find additional CyberWorks video testimonials on our YouTube channel.

A new path

CyberWorks is tailored to meet the needs of transitioning veterans, first responders and career-changers.

Applicants should have some knowledge of computers and networking basics. Those ready for a career change should be prepared to make a five-month commitment to complete the courses. We expect students to spend at least 10 to 20 hours per week dedicated to the program.

Read more on specific program requirements/information below.

Currently, this program is open only to Florida residents over the age of 18.  Candidates must be legally able to work in the United States upon program completion and must have achieved at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Priority consideration will be given to transitioning veterans, first responders and career-changers.

A limited number of full-tuition grants are available for those who qualify on a first-come, first-serve basis. Application required.

CyberWorks is offered at no cost to Florida residents thanks to support from a grant funded by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program to establish a national certificate-based cybersecurity workforce development program called CyberSkills2Work.

CyberWorks is a 20-week virtual course with pre-recorded online content and 3 one-hour live virtual session per week.  The CyberWorks program includes:

  • Online coursework includes pre-recorded seminars, virtual lab assignments, discussions, quizzes and a final examination.
  • Twice a week live instructor-led evening online sessions
  • Once a week virtual cybersecurity industry guest speaker lunchtime sessions
  • Engaging in career development workshops and resources
  • On-on-one mentorship with a career coach
  • Virtual Orientation event to welcome participants to the program
  • Networking event at the end of the program
  • Participate in program evaluation surveys and interviews
  • Participants who successfully complete the  course will receive vouchers to take the CompTIA Networking+ and Security+ exams.

Networking Fundamentals: May 5 – August 1, 2025

Holiday Break: June 30 – July 4

13 weeks total (12 weeks classes, 1 week break)

Computer Security Fundamentals: August 18 – October 10, 2025 (8 weeks)

This 20-week hybrid course is intended to be manageable for adults working full time, but the accelerated nature of the course does demand a significant time investment. In addition to recorded seminars, online lab exercises, and quizzes, there are two one-hour live evening instructor-led class sessions and one one-hour guest speaker lunch session per week.

Participants are expected to:

  • Make time to study course materials as well as outside resources as needed
  • Complete all assigned coursework, including watching presentations, reviewing modules, working on virtual labs, taking quizzes, etc.
  • Attend the weekly evening instructor lab sessions
  • Attend the weekly virtual guest speaker sessions and/or professional development workshops
  • Engage in career readiness activities and resources
  • Attend an virtual orientation session at the start of the program
  • Participate in program evaluation surveys and interviews
  • Study and take the certification exam within 7 days of program completion

Participants will need consistent access to reliable internet and the following computer requirements:

For a MAC Computer:

  • Must be a MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacAir, iMac (*NO IPADS*)
  • No older than a 2017 edition
  • With 8 GB RAM or greater
  • With at least 100GB free space on the hard drive (for downloading virtual machine software, guest OS installation, and associated files)

For a WINDOWS-Based Computer:

  • Running Microsoft Windows 10
  • Intel- or AM-based processor (no ARM processors)
  • Intel: i5 7th generation or newer with VT-x virtualization technology (at least)
  • AMD: 2017 or newer processor with hypervisor technology
  • 12 GB of RAM or greater
  • 2.0 GHz processor speed or greater
  • At least 100GB free space on the hard drive (for downloading virtual machine software, guest OS installation, and associated files)

Apply on the CyberSkills2Work website: https://cyberskills2work.org/i/ Select the following Training Program: Defensive Cybersecurity Pathway – University of South Florida: Cyber Florida 

Phase 1: Eligible candidates should submit their completed application survey with required documents to be reviewed by the program staff.

Required documents that must be uploaded to complete the application include

  • Current professional resume
  • Valid photo identification
  • Proof of first responder or military service documentation as applicable (for those applying for the New Skills for a New Fight cohort)

Phase 2: Once your complete application package is received, program staff will schedule a virtual interview.

Phase 3: Selected candidates are notified of acceptance and enrollment paperwork is initiated.

Networking Fundamentals

Module 1:  Introduction to Networking
Module 2:  Infrastructure and Documentation
Module 3: Addressing
Module 4:  Protocols
Module 5:  Networking Media
Module 6: Wireless Networking
Module 7: Network Architecture
Module 8: Segmentation
Module 9: Wide Area Networking
Module 10: Risk Management
Module 11:  Security in Network Design
Module 12: Performance and Recovery

Cyber Defense Fundamentals

General Security Concepts
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations
Security Architecture
Security Operations
Security Program Management and Oversight

This pathway is part of the CyberSkills2Work Program led by the University of West Florida and funded by the National Security Agency National Centers of Academic Excellence Program. Visit cyberskills2work.org for more information.