Key Takeaways
- Fayetteville State University’s Center for Defense and Homeland Security (CDHS) offers two fast‑track cybersecurity certification programs aimed at filling the nationwide IT talent gap.
- The Certificate in Cyber Foundations requires no prior experience and prepares students for CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ exams with a 98 % pass rate.
- The Certificate in Cyber Security builds on those credentials, delivering advanced training for professionals seeking higher‑level roles.
- Tuition includes books, tool kits, online resources, practice exams, and voucher fees; military members can use VA education benefits to cover costs.
- Credentials earned are valid for three years, and courses are offered both in person and online, with upcoming sessions beginning August 2025 (Cyber Foundations) and January 2027 (Cyber Security).
- Graduates are positioned to meet local employer demand, helping retain skilled workers in the greater Fayetteville area.
Overview of the Center for Defense and Homeland Security
Fayetteville State University established the Center for Defense and Homeland Security (CDHS) in 2010, as reported by the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. The center’s mission is to prepare the next generation of workers for careers in National Security, Cybersecurity, and Emergency Management through rigorous STEM‑focused instruction. By aligning its curricula with federal and industry standards, CDHS serves as a bridge between academic learning and the practical needs of government agencies, defense contractors, and private‑sector technology firms. The center houses the Cybersecurity Academy, which designs and delivers the fast‑track certification courses discussed herein. Its long‑standing commitment to workforce development has positioned Fayetteville State as a regional hub for cybersecurity education and talent pipelines.
Fast‑Track Certification Courses Offered
Through the Cybersecurity Academy, CDHS runs two distinct, accelerated certification pathways: the Certificate in Cyber Foundations and the Certificate in Cyber Security. Both programs are designed to be completed in a matter of months rather than years, addressing the urgent shortage of qualified IT and cybersecurity professionals across the United States. The Foundations track targets newcomers with little or no technical background, while the Security track assumes prior attainment of entry‑level CompTIA certifications and focuses on deeper technical skills. Each pathway blends classroom instruction, hands‑on labs, and exam preparation, ensuring that graduates not only earn recognized credentials but also acquire practical, job‑ready abilities.
Certificate in Cyber Foundations: Curriculum and Logistics
The Certificate in Cyber Foundations is offered three times each year and requires no prior experience for enrollment. Students attend classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., accumulating 33 class days of instruction. The curriculum covers the core competencies tested by CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, including hardware fundamentals, networking concepts, operating systems, security threats, and risk management. Upon successful completion of the course and passing the final comprehensive exam, participants earn all three CompTIA credentials. The program boasts an impressive 98 % pass rate, reflecting its effective teaching methods and robust support structures such as study guides, practice tests, and instructor‑led review sessions.
Certificate in Cyber Security: Advanced Track
Designed for those who already hold CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications, the Certificate in Cyber Security runs twice per year. Classes meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., totaling 40 instructional sessions. The curriculum advances beyond foundational knowledge, delving into topics such as firewall configuration, intrusion detection systems, secure software development, cloud security principles, and incident response procedures. Hands‑on labs simulate real‑world attack and defense scenarios, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts in controlled environments. Successful completion validates the candidate’s readiness for intermediate‑level cybersecurity roles such as security analyst, network administrator, or systems engineer.
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Support Options
Enrollment costs are structured to include all necessary learning materials. The Certificate in Cyber Foundations is priced at $5,850, while the Certificate in Cyber Security costs $8,495. These fees cover tuition, textbooks, specialized tool kits, access to the online learning platform (which hosts homework assignments, virtual labs, and supplementary resources), practice examinations, study guides, and the voucher fees required to sit for the CompTIA certification exams. Recognizing the financial burden that education can place on students, CDHS allows eligible military personnel to‑affiliated learners to apply VA Post‑9/11 Education Benefits or Veterans Readiness for Employment Benefits toward tuition and associated expenses, making the programs accessible to veterans, active‑duty service members, and their families.
Credential Longevity and Student Profile
CompTIA certifications earned through these programs remain valid for three years, after which holders must renew through continuing education or retesting to stay current with evolving technology standards. The student body is diverse: some enrollees arrive with existing cybersecurity knowledge or IT experience, while others begin with virtually no technical background. This mix fosters a collaborative learning environment where peers can share insights and support one another’s growth. Instructors emphasize both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring that graduates can confidently transition into entry‑level or mid‑level cybersecurity positions regardless of their starting point.
Upcoming Sessions and Delivery Modes
The next offering of the Certificate in Cyber Foundations is scheduled to commence on August 11, 2025, and conclude on October 30, 2025. The subsequent Certificate in Cyber Security course is slated to begin in January 2027. Both programs are available in two formats: traditional in‑person classes held on the Fayetteville State campus and fully online sections that mirror the same schedule and curriculum. This dual‑delivery approach accommodates students who prefer face‑to‑face interaction as well as those who require the flexibility of remote learning due to work, family, or geographic constraints.
Regional Workforce Development and Employer Engagement
A central objective of CDHS’s certification initiatives is to retain skilled cybersecurity professionals within the greater Fayetteville metropolitan area. By supplying local employers with a pipeline of certified talent, the university aims to reduce the reliance on out‑of‑state hiring and stimulate economic growth in the region. Area businesses, government contractors, and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to consider graduates of these programs when filling open IT and cybersecurity positions. Partnerships between CDHS and local industry can further enhance internship opportunities, job placement rates, and ongoing professional development, creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both workers and employers.
Conclusion: Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap
Fayetteville State University’s Center for Defense and Homeland Security tackles a pressing national challenge—the shortage of qualified cybersecurity workers—through accessible, accelerated certification pathways. The Certificate in Cyber Foundations opens the door for beginners, while the Certificate in Cyber Security advances those already credentialed, together offering a comprehensive route to industry‑recognized CompTIA qualifications. With inclusive pricing, military benefit eligibility, flexible scheduling, and both in‑person and online options, the programs lower barriers to entry and support diverse learner needs. Ultimately, by equipping students with practical skills and credentials that employers value, CDHS contributes to strengthening the local workforce and helping close the cybersecurity talent gap that threatens security across both public and private sectors.