Choose your specialization track
Six deep, hands-on tracks — each built around the tools, frameworks, and scenarios employers in that domain actually hire for. Select the path aligned with your career goals.
Deep expertise, one domain at a time
Tap any track to see the full skill breakdown, tools you'll use, and typical salary range.
Security Operations Center
SOC Analysts are the front line of enterprise defense — monitoring live traffic, triaging alerts, and escalating real threats before they become breaches. This track puts you inside real SIEM tooling and realistic alert queues so you graduate ready for tier-1 and tier-2 SOC roles.
IR & Digital Forensics
When a breach happens, someone has to lead the response — containing damage, preserving evidence, and getting systems back online. This track walks you through the full incident response lifecycle using real forensic tooling and simulated breach scenarios.
Risk & Vulnerability Management
Every organization has vulnerabilities — the question is which ones matter and in what order. This track teaches you to run vulnerability management programs that turn scanner noise into a prioritized, defensible remediation roadmap.
Federal Risk & Compliance
Federal and cloud-service-provider security runs on RMF and FedRAMP. This track takes you through real authorization packages so you understand not just the frameworks, but how agencies and CSPs actually get systems approved.
Information Systems Security Officer
The ISSO owns the security posture of an information system end to end. This track prepares you for that responsibility — the documentation, the authority, and the judgment calls that come with the role.
Ethical Hacking & Pen Testing
Offensive security is the highest-paying specialization on this list — and the most demanding. You'll learn to think like an attacker, run authorized exploitation exercises, and deliver findings that development teams actually act on.
Which track fits your goals?
Want to work in government or DoD?
Consider RMF & FedRAMP or ISSO Training — the frameworks that gate every federal and GovCon hire.
Want to monitor & defend in real time?
Consider SOC Analyst or Incident Response — front-line roles with the most entry-level openings.
Want to attack & test systems?
Consider Penetration Testing — the highest-paying track, best suited to curious, adversarial thinkers.
Want a structured, process-driven role?
Consider Vulnerability Management — turning scanner data into prioritized action, on a predictable cadence.
Want to lead compliance programs?
Consider ISSO Training — the highest-paid track on average, and a direct path to CISO-track leadership.
Still not sure?
That's normal. Program 3 covers all six domains before you choose — most students decide by Week 12.
Pick a track. Build real expertise.
Every specialization is unlocked inside Program 3 — Advanced Specializations. No prior experience beyond Programs 1 & 2.