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Become a Cybersecurity Professional Online
This 100% online Introduction to Cybersecurity course will help prepare you for success in the cybersecurity and information technology field. The information security industry in the United States is expected to grow by 29% through 2034, making now an ideal time to pursue this in-demand career.
This online cybersecurity course equips learners with knowledge in infrastructure, network and internet security, intrusion detection, information systems strategy and planning, security risk analysis, and information assurance. Introduction to Cybersecurity is designed from the ground up to prepare you to work in public and private cybersecurity organizations, and serves as an ideal starting point for learners eager to stack the course into an MSU Denver credential or degree via credit-by-exam.
Course Details and Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Cybersecurity is $450, with a $35 transaction fee per payment. All learning materials are included with tuition — no textbook purchase required.
The $122 credit-by-exam fee is currently waived for a limited time, allowing learners interested in a degree at MSU Denver to earn three college credits at no additional cost.
Course starts: February 2, 2026
Registration deadline: February 9, 2026
Course ends: April 2, 2026
The Introduction to Cybersecurity course provides a broad overview of cybersecurity, including how computers and networks are attacked, how the attackers benefit, and how to mitigate attacks. The terminology, approaches, and underlying technologies used in cybersecurity are also covered. In this cybersecurity program, social engineering, cryptography, and application security are also introduced.
This cybersecurity intro course will help you identify your personal areas of interest in cybersecurity. Consider using your new skills to find a job in network security, risk management, or security operations. This course also helps those already working in cybersecurity to learn up-to-date guidelines and best practices.
Learners who successfully complete the cybersecurity introduction course can enter the workforce with confidence using newly learned knowledge and skills. You will receive a digital skills badge embedded with competencies learned. You can include this badge on your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or share it with an employer. You will also receive a certificate of completion verifying successful completion of the course.
Students can also convert the course to three credits and continue to an MSU Denver certificate or degree. See FAQs for more information.
Learning objectives:
- Assess threat models and their influence on an organization
- Compare the various uses and approaches to cryptography
- Prepare for and respond to security incidents
- Design effective and efficient password schemes
- Plan environments that are resistant to malware
- Choose an effective set of training experiences for an organization
- Prepare a good plan to defend from the usual attacks on networks and hosts
Competencies to be gained:
- Identify and distinguish between various types of malware
- Create an effective security policy
- Configure a computer for optimal security
- Recover deleted or hidden files via file carving and steganography
- Encrypt and decrypt using simple ciphers
Why Take This Course?
Learn on Your Own Schedule
The course can be completed in 4-8 weeks and is self-paced online.
Network with a Cybersecurity Expert
Receive a personal advising session with a cybersecurity specialist.
Prepare for Success in a Thriving Industry
There will be a projected 234,900 cybersecurity-related jobs in the United States by 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
96% of students who completed a post-course Career Launchpad survey in spring 2025 reported:
✓ Increased knowledge, skills, and understanding of the subject matter.
✓ High satisfaction with the overall experience of the course.
✓ Agreed that the subject matter was organized and presented effectively.
Career Pathways in Cybersecurity
Approximate return on investment for each cybersecurity academic pathway
After taking the course and earning your cybersecurity certificate of completion, the learner can enter the workforce in a variety of cybersecurity roles, or continue on with additional education to increase earning potential. There are many rewarding and in-demand careers in cybersecurity. From completing Introduction to Cybersecurity to pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, learn more about these pathways below and shape your future with MSU Denver.
Pathway 1: Complete the Introduction to Cybersecurity course and enter the workforce with job titles like cybersecurity technician, cyber crime analyst, incident analyst, IT auditor, junior penetration tester, and systems administrator. The (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Certification aligns well with this pathway. The median salary for this pathway is $42,000 a year.
Pathway 2: Continue your academic career to earn a degree in Cybersecurity, which will allow you to increase your earning potential. The Introduction to Cybersecurity class can count toward the degree’s required courses. Job titles include information security analyst, security analyst, customer security specialist, IT auditor, and security engineer. The CompTIA Security+ or (ISC)2 SSCP Cybersecurity Certifications align well with this pathway. The median salary for this pathway is $70,000 a year.
Pathway 3: Continue your academic career beyond a bachelor’s degree to become certified and earn one of MSU Denver’s Cybersecurity certificates in cyber defense, cybersecurity leadership, and cybercrime investigation. The CompTIA CYSA+ or CompTIA Pentest+ Certifications align well with this pathway. The median salary for this pathway is $96,000 a year.
Pathway 4: Enhance your earning power with MSU Denver’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity. The Introduction to Cybersecurity class can count toward the degree’s required courses. With a Master’s in cybersecurity, potential job titles include cybersecurity case manager, senior cybersecurity engineer, senior network security operations engineer, application security architect, and director of IT security. The (ISC)2 CISSP or CompTIA CASP+ Certifications align well with this pathway. The median salary for this pathway is $120,000 a year.
Note: In addition to the ones noted, there are 600+ industry-specific Cybersecurity certifications available. Start on your path today!
About Your Cybersecurity Course Instructor
Introduction to Cybersecurity instructor
Jesse Schulman is an MSU Denver faculty member with a firm belief that cybersecurity can be fun. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Trinity University and a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. He is currently working toward his Ph.D. at Northcentral University.
As a cybersecurity professional, he has worked as both a security engineer and a security researcher, Jesse helps students learn and engage with computer security in an enjoyable and easy-to-understand way. He believes that the ultimate purpose of education is to help students discover their passion and find what career they genuinely enjoy.
Take The Next Step in Your Cybersecurity Career
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Office Location:
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3rd Floor – #330
Auraria Campus
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Innovative and Lifelong Learning
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 6
Denver, CO 80217-3362