Choosing a pathway to a promising career in cybersecurity.
Metro State University
Metro State University’s Cyber4Heroes program delivers intensive, online cybersecurity training designed to prepare participants for high-demand roles within the Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF). Through two specialized pathways — Software/Cloud Architect and Security Architect — participants gain up to seven industry-recognized certifications and become eligible for 18 mission-critical DCWF roles. The program builds expertise across IT, cybersecurity, cloud operations, cyber defense, vulnerability assessment, and enterprise security leadership. Training is delivered in an asynchronous online format, allowing participants to balance learning with personal and professional commitments. Participants receive mentorship, free exam vouchers, career skills workshops, and job placement assistance, ensuring they are workforce-ready at graduation. Offered at no cost to selected military personnel, transitioning first responders, and veterans, Cyber4Heroes develops a well-rounded and highly skilled cyber workforce ready to operate, defend, and lead across the DoD cyber enterprise.
This pathway equips participants with advanced expertise in cyber defense, vulnerability assessment, enterprise risk management, and strategic security leadership. Through four advanced certifications, graduates are prepared to serve in 10 high-demand DCWF roles, including 511 – Cyber Defense Analyst, 531 – Incident Responder, 541 – Vulnerability Assessment Analyst, 612 – Security Control Assessor, 722 – Information Systems Security Manager, 752 – Cyber Policy & Strategy Planner, 611 – Authorizing Official/Designating Representative, 652 – Security Architect, 804 – IT Investment/Portfolio Manager, and 805 – IT Program Auditor. This pathway develops multi-role professionals who are ready to operate and lead across the 500, 600, 700, and 800 DCWF job families.
Format
Asynchronous Online
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, military spouse, or government personnel.
Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level education completed are required.)
Applicants are encouraged to have a solid technical foundation and prior exposure to cybersecurity concepts. Completion of the Software/Cloud Architect Pathway (Year 1) or industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CompTIA Network+ is preferred. Applicants with this background will be given priority consideration, as it demonstrates readiness for advanced-level training in cyber defense, vulnerability assessment, and security leadership.
Spring 2026
Start Date: January 19, 2026 • End Date: August 29, 2026
Application deadline: December 13, 2025
The National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program, CyberSkills2Work, is led by the University of West Florida and funded by the DoW CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office and the NSA National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Program.