VCU Opportunities to Grow Your Cyber Knowledge
Did you know? Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cybersecurity. This recognition offers unique opportunities for students, faculty, and staff in the field of cybersecurity.
This page serves as a central resource hub, providing links and information to help you navigate the cybersecurity initiatives, programs, and opportunities at VCU.
Current Career and Internship Opportunities
- Cyber Opportunities – an employer page on Handshake where VCU Engr Career Services posts select opportunities.
- Cyber Employers, Events & Jobs – find many cybersecurity-related opportunities all in this one Handshake collection.
- Pro Tip: “Follow” this collection so that you are notified when new opportunities are posted.
- U.S. Intelligence Community Careers – Jobs postings & info about the major intelligence agencies.
- CCI CVN student opportunities – A webpage showing local events and information.
- USAJobs – The federal government’s job board.
Annual Opportunities
DoD Cyber Service Academy - Scholarship
Applications are typically open between Nov. 1 – Feb. 1.
Formerly the Cyber Scholarship Program, the DoD Cyber Service Academy is designed to encourage the recruitment of the nation’s top cyber talent and the retention of DoD personnel who have skills necessary to meet DoD’s cyber requirements and help secure our nation against the threats of information systems and networks. View program benefits and requirements.
National Cybersecurity Virtual Career Fair
This annual fair is typically in September. Keep an eye out for it on Handshake and in your email inbox.
Cybersecurity Skill-Building Resources
- CyberForce® 101 Library
- Virginia Cyber Range provides virtual environments for cyber labs and exercises
- Did you know VCU offers LinkedIn Learning to help with certifications and other advanced topics
- Students | CAE Community – check out the Challenge Project, CyberGames, and the Cyber Competition Atlas
- Check for Student Opportunities at Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Central Virginia Node (CCI - CVN)
- CCI Project Based Learning Program: Project-Based Learning Program | Commonwealth Cyber Initiative | Virginia Tech
- Free courses from CISCO to develop your skills
Other Capture the Flag (CTF) resources: Hacker101 CTF, CTF Handbook, Challenges » CyberTalents
Certifications
Fees required
CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+
- Widely recognized credentials that provide immediate credibility for entry-level roles.
- Approximate Costs (per exam):
- A+: $253 (two exams required)
- Network+: $369
- Security+: $404
Bachelor's degree programs
- Computer Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Computer Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in cybersecurity
- Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Graduate degree programs
- Computer Science, Master of Science (M.S.)
- Computer Science, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a concentration in computer science
- Engineering, Master of Science (M.S.) with a concentration in electrical and computer engineering
- Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a concentration in electrical and computer engineering
Post-bacc certificates
- Computer Science, Certificate in (Post-baccalaureate undergraduate certificate)
- Cybersecurity, Certificate in (Post-baccalaureate graduate certificate)
Minors
Government Resume Building Resources
Applying for government jobs requires a different approach and some adjustments for success. Below are helpful links to the USAJOBS resume builder, application tips, and other relevant resources.
Tools & Platforms
Kali Linux - free and open source
- Kali Linux: Industry standard for penetration testing. Widely used by both professionals and hackers.
TryHackMe - free and paid content, with significant free content that is great for learning
- Web-based platform offering guided tutorials, labs, and affordable premium subscriptions. Ideal for hands-on learning across both red team (offensive) and blue team (defensive) scenarios.
Security Onion - free and open source
- An open-source “SOC-in-a-box” platform for threat hunting, log analysis, and network monitoring. Excellent for students interested in defensive roles such as incident response or SOC analysis.
Virtual Labs (e.g., VulnHub, Metasploitable)
- Free resources offering intentionally vulnerable systems.
- Great for practicing exploitation, testing specific tools, and offline self-study.
Recommendation: Try to combine Kali (or Kali Purple) with hands-on practice platforms like TryHackMe. For blue-team work, consider Security Onion labs. These options provide robust real-world experiences that go beyond theoretical knowledge.
Cybersecurity Lab and Centers
Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Central Virginia Node (CCI - CVN)
Faculty leader: Dr. Erdem Topsakal
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (Central Node) is a commonwealth-wide ecosystem of innovation in cybersecurity and cyber-physical systems (CPS) security. They frequently offer informative speakers, internships and career opportunities.
Pro Tip: Subscribe to their newsletter and be the first to know about new cyber opportunities.
Security and Forensics Engineering Lab
Faculty leader: Dr. Irfan Ahmed
The VCU Security and Forensics Engineering (SAFE) Lab, focuses on research in the field of Cybersecurity and has opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Cybersecurity Center
Faculty leader: Dr. Milos Manic
The VCU Cybersecurity Center serves as a Regional Resource Center for Cybersecurity in the Central Virginia and greater Richmond areas. The Cybersecurity Center is recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity and provides leadership to advance cyber defense education.
VCU Cyber Student Clubs/Organizations
All VCU clubs and organizations can be found on RamsConnect (VCU Clubs/Organizations), however, listed below are the cybersecurity focused clubs and their descriptions.
WiCyS – Women in CyberSecurity
The VCU Women in Cyber Security Chapter’s main goals are to gather a community of students interested in learning more about cyber security and to offer support for women in the field. The club will help students to network with other students and industry leaders while also providing possible mentorship, support and learning opportunities. We are focused on the advancement of women in the cyber security field, however anyone is welcome and encouraged to join. Along with regular chapter meetings, members will have access to the resources and events of WiCyS such as internships, scholarships, REU’s and conferences. We aim to create a safe space for women and others to gather to have fun and learn about cyber security.
Email: wicysvcuchapter@gmail.com
Faculty adviser: Debra Duke
Cybersecurity Club at VCU
The Cybersecurity Club at VCU works to engage students in information security programs and prepare them for the information security field. We involve students in exercises, training and participation with faculty, industry professionals and staff to learn more about attack and defense strategies in the information security field. We provide students with an opportunity to get hands-on experience and compete in cybersecurity competitions to enhance learning inside and outside of the classroom.
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/dyPU3DWrq5
Contact us: vcucybersecurity@proton.me
Faculty adviser: Irfan Ahmed
The Cybersecurity Competition team focuses on Capture the Flag (CTF) events here at VCU. Teams compete in these events regularly throughout the year gaining valuable experience and occasionally certifications. See RamsConnect for more information.
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/qBRKU3SN8y
Faculty Advisor: Ahmet Sonmez
Student Competing at Tech Duels competition as a part of Cyberfusion event.