University of Pennsylvania to host cybersecurity training program

The College of Liberal and Professional (LPS) Studies and School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania announced yesterday the launch of a cybersecurity boot camp for adult learners to be held on Penn’s campus.

“Cybercrime is one of the most pressing issues of our time when you consider the yearly loss of trillions of dollars and billions of people’s privacy,” Professor Boon Thau Loo, associate dean of master’s and professional programs at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, said. “This job-oriented program will provide professionals in the Philly area with the sophisticated tech skills to protect organizations against increasing threats in our digital economy.”

Throughout the course, participants will gain proficiency in IT, networking, and modern information security, including various popular tools. They will also learn skills that are applicable to certifications such as the CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+ and CEH.

Participants of the Penn Cybersecurity Boot Camp will gain the knowledge and skills to protect their organizations against cyberattacks with ample experience applying their knowledge to real-world problems. Upon finishing the 24-week, part-time program, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Cybersecurity from the University of Pennsylvania LPS and School of Engineering and Applied Science. The program begins Nov. 12.

According to data from Burning Glass Labor Insights, job openings requiring cybersecurity skills grew by more than 35 percent across the United States last year. In the Philadelphia area, employers had more than 10,000 open roles requiring cybersecurity skills to fill.

“A key area of innovation at Penn LPS today is the creation of workforce development programs that support the needs of employers in our region and beyond,” Rita McGlone, executive director of professional and organizational development at Penn LPS, said. “We are proud of the impact that our coding program with Trilogy Education has had by helping people from a variety of backgrounds become coveted talent in this city’s tech workforce. The Penn Cybersecurity Boot Camp opens new opportunities for Philly area professionals to enter another incredibly important and exciting field with huge potential for career growth.”

The Penn Cybersecurity Boot Camp is an expansion of the University’s relationship with Trilogy Education. The Penn LPS Coding Boot Camp launched in January last year and now has more than 200 graduates.