Online Cybersecurity & Networking Training
These advanced online courses leave high school students prepared to earn career certifications in cybersecurity, networking, and Linux operating systems.
These advanced online courses leave high school students prepared to earn career certifications in cybersecurity, networking, and Linux operating systems.
Now available online through Michigan Virtual, high school students can enroll in six online courses from NetAcademy on two different learning pathways that prepare them for career certifications and accelerate their journey toward careers in cybersecurity & networking.
Computer networking and cybersecurity are the heart of the digital transformation. Often unseen, networks enable us to stay connected as we move around freely using our laptop or smartphone. This interconnected world, however, makes everyone more susceptible to cyber-attacks. Our first learning pathway teaches students the essentials of computer networking and cybersecurity and prepares them for several career certifications.
As one of the most successful open source collaborations, Linux has evolved into the most reliable operating system on the planet. It’s used for embedded systems to virtually all supercomputers for a good reason. Nearly every IT job requires some Linux knowledge. Our second learning pathway teaches students the basics of Linux and prepares them for several career certifications.
We live in an era where a single data breach can have major consequences and cause disruptions for millions of people worldwide. As a result, the demand for cybersecurity specialists in our workforce is great. Most modern companies need a team of specialists to defend their private information from cyber attacks.
Southeast Michigan, in particular, is home to over 70 percent of North America’s automotive research and development. With the opening of the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti, Michigan has become a hub for the testing of autonomous vehicles, a new frontier needing extensive cybersecurity support.
Both of the online cyber training pathways prepare students for career certifications that can help increase their earning potential in later careers. These courses form the basis for advanced study in cybersecurity for high school students, filling a large gap in the standard curricula available to most students.
Below you will find more information on what opportunities these online courses can prepare you for later in life!
This pathway helps to prepare students to sit for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam.
Careers that require CCENT certification include:
In addition, the CCENT certification is the foundational certification needed to branch off to other pathways relating to network security or cyber operations.
The salary range for individuals holding a CCENT certification is from $37,000 to $87,000 annually, depending on the role and other experiences. The average salary is approximately $70,000 per year.
Salary information from salary.com. When ready, you can take the CCENT exam at a testing center near you using Pearson’s Test Center Search.
This pathway offers both a certificate as well as industry certification training. Students who master Linux Essentials will be eligible for the Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate.
Students taking the entire series of Linux courses will be prepared to sit for either the LPIC-1: Linux Server Professional Certification exam or the CompTIA Linux+ exam.
Careers that require Linux knowledge include:
The salary range for individuals with Linux certifications is from $74,000 to $105,000 annually, depending on the role and other experience. The average salary is approximately $90,000.
Salary information from salary.com
The Pinckney Cyber Training Institute (PCTI) first garnered national attention in 2015 after several Pinckney students were flown to Washington D.C. to compete in the Cyber Patriot Competition. What began with humble roots in an after-school club has greatly evolved in the past few years — winning praise from global IBM executives for the quality education it provides to students.
According to Jim Darga, director of PCTI, the goal of bringing their courses online is equity of access. He believes should not be denied the opportunity to expand their career potential or study a subject they’re passionate about because of their geographic location. By taking these courses online, students all across Michigan now have the opportunity to prepare for careers in cybersecurity and networking while still in high school.
If you are a parent or high school student, explore our course catalog and talk to your school counselor today about your interest in taking these courses.
If you are a high school counselor or enroller, you can log into our Student Learning Portal to locate and enroll the courses in which your student is interested.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care Team by phone at 888.889.2840 from Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or submit a help ticket.
