The University of Illinois Chicago Cyber Bootcamp
Get the Skills You Need to Fight Cybercrime
With the UIC Cyber Bootcamp powered by Fullstack Academy, you’ll prepare to enter one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
New: Learn the latest AI tools and techniques.
Program at a Glance
12-26
Weeks
05/20
Apply By
05/27
Next Start Date
$4,000
Potential Discounts
Why Learn Cybersecurity with University of Illinois Chicago?
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.
With instances of cybercrime slated to grow and evolve, the need for adaptable, solution-focused professionals to fight it 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.
The Demand for Cyber Talent in Illinois
Bootcamp Application and Start Dates
Fullstack Academy is one of the longest-running and most reputable bootcamp providers 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 UIC’s cyber bootcamp to develop professionals to fight the global threat of cybercrime.
Earn a Cybersecurity Certificate of Completion
You will receive a Certificate of Completion from UIC and Fullstack Academy by completing the University of Illinois Chicago Cybersecurity Bootcamp.
How the UIC Cyber Bootcamp Works
The UIC 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.
Additional support is available from the instructional team each week during select weekday afternoons and evenings—and by appointment.
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All classes are held Monday-Friday.
9:00am-5:00pm CT
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Select one class schedule and time from the options below when you apply.
Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
6:30pm-9:30pm CT
Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays.- 6:30pm-9:30pm CT
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.
UIC 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.
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Enroll in an eligible bootcamp cohort by May 16, 2025 to receive the Spring Forward Discount (a $3,000 value). Apply today!
Tuition: $12,995 Spring Forward Discount: -$3,000 Total Tuition w/ Discounts: $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.
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Enroll in an eligible bootcamp cohort by May 16, 2025 to receive the Spring Forward Discount (a $3,000 value). Apply today!
Tuition: $13,995 Spring Forward 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.
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Pay for your bootcamp tuition in predictable installments with a personal loan. Monthly installment will vary based on approved interest rate.
Cybersecurity Jobs and Salaries in Illinois
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 Illinois 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 IT Help Desk Specialist, Systems Support Specialist, Cybersecurity Analyst, and Solutions Architect.
| Role | Average Entry-Level Salary in Chicago* |
|---|---|
| IT Help Desk Specialist/Computer Support Specialist | $54,438 |
| Network/Systems Support Specialist | $61,730 |
| System Administrator/Network Administrator | $71,631 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $79,627 |
| Network Engineer/Solutions Architect | $85,142 |
*Chicago Cybersecurity Salary Data via Glassdoor™ | |
Cybersecurity Curriculum
University of Illinois Chicago students learn cybersecurity fundamentals and the in-demand skills to fight cybercrime including:
Asset and inventory management like networking basics, Linux command line, and bash scripting;
Red Team (Offense) for fighting web vulnerabilities, penetration testing, OWASP Top 10, and social engineering;
Blue Team (Defense) for log analysis, security information and event management, digital forensics, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and incident response;
Generative AI techniques for cybersecurity using tools like ChatGPT and Bing AI through a free elective course;
And more!
To prepare students for real-life work scenarios and environments, students also take part in career simulations alongside their cybersecurity training. Students are also taught resume writing, salary negotiation, and other career preparation skills throughout the program to equip them for their job search after graduation. Plus, bootcamp students are prepared to take industry-recognized certification exams with additional studying.
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- Orientation
- The security mindset
- Confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA) triad
- Threats, vulnerabilities, and risks
- Virtualization
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Linux Command Line
File systems
Users and groups
Bash scripting
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Networking
Wireshark
Encoding and encryption
Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model)
Firewalls
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Variables, loops, and conditionals
String and list methods
Dictionaries
Regular expressions
Log parsing
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Windows administration and management
Active directory
Group policy
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Web vulnerabilities
Penetration testing
OWASP Top 10
Social engineering
Burp Suite
Cross-site Scripting
SQL injection
Metasploit
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Logs/log analysis
Splunk and security information and event management (SIEMs)
Digital forensics
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
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Lesson Topics
1. Introduction to GenAI
2. Getting Started with ChatGPT
3. Application of Prompt Engineering and OpenAI Playground App
4. Other Large Language Models
5. Ethics of GenAI Usage and Advanced ChatGPT
Optional Final Project (select one or both)- Storytelling with ChatGPT
- AI-Enhanced Book Club
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
Cybersecurity Bootcamp Student Projects
The UIC 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 UIC
Preparation for the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Security+ exam is built into the UIC Cybersecurity Bootcamp curriculum. You will study and test for this industry-recognized certification during your bootcamp program. By earning your CompTIA Security+ certification, you’ll demonstrate your job readiness to potential employers.
CompTIA Security+ Certification
This entry-level certification validates:
Understanding of security principles and elements of effective security policies
Ability to analyze strategies of cybercriminals and determine development and deployment methods to mitigate vulnerabilities
Understanding of how security is enforced for wireless and remote access
Ability to establish disaster recovery, business continuity, and fault tolerance strategies
Cost of exam included?
Yes*
Monetary Value?
$2,499
*Students will receive a voucher for one CompTIA Security+ exam attempt.
Landing a Cybersecurity Job in Illinois
UIC 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 may access live workshops, office hours, and on-demand content to help build a job search toolkit—which includes an optimized resume and LinkedIn profile.
Following successful completion of the Career Success Program, students can choose to opt into additional coaching support and receive guidance for up to a year following graduation 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.
University of Illinois Chicago Tech Bootcamps are powered by Fullstack Academy. The companies listed above have hired Fullstack Academy graduates.
Who Should Attend the Cyber Bootcamp
The UIC 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
Finance
Retail
Customer service
Graphic design
Admin
Biology
And more
Apply today and join others just like you on the first steps to a life-changing career.
FAQs
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The cyber curriculum is broken down into these areas:
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Asset and Inventory Management
Network Systems
Programming with Python
System Administration
Red Team - Offense
Blue Team - 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.
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Yes, the UIC 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.
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There's no preparation required to succeed in the course, but we recommend familiarizing yourself with the industry and working through Cybersecurity 101.
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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.
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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 12-week program.
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No, University of Illinois Chicago Tech Bootcamps are not for credit and cannot be applied toward a degree or certificate program. Rather, they’re offered through the University of Illinois Chicago Extended Campus and facilitated by Fullstack Academy instructors and staff to provide in-demand tech skills training for current or prospective tech professionals.
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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.
Ready to Start Learning?
Once you’re ready to start your tech journey, here are the steps you can expect in the admissions process.
- Fill out our online application form
- Take our nontechnical assessment
- No cyber experience required
- Covers logical reasoning
- Sent to you immediately upon submission of application
- Receive an entrance decision
