Cyber Clinic FAQ

Who can participate in the Cyber Clinic experience, and what do you need to participate?: The clinic experience is primarily designed for cybersecurity juniors and seniors who have completed CYBR 332 or its equivalent and have declared a major in the field.

If students get accepted into the Cybersecurity Clinic, will they still have to take CYBR-498 and CYBR-499 Capstone?: Yes, all students must complete the capstone sequence. The clinic experience is not a replacement for CYBR-499. However, students can use their clinic experience to earn credits toward CYBR-350i.

Can the clinic activities be counted toward the CYBR-350i internship?: Yes, the clinic activities can be counted toward the CYBR-350i internship. However, students will need to register and pay for the internship credits as required by the course.

Do students get paid for participating in the Cyber Clinic?: Yes, stipends are available for students who successfully complete the clinic activities, which can help support their learning and participation.

Are students provided with certification resources in the clinic?: Yes, students will be provided with access to CompTIA Security+ certification course materials and exam vouchers, courtesy of Metro State University.

Can students use the Cyber Clinic experience to fulfill major requirements?: Yes, undergraduate students can use the clinic experience to satisfy their CYBR-350i major elective requirement by enrolling a 350i course, students need to register and pay for the internship credits as required by the course.

What type of activities can students expect in the Cyber Clinic?: Students teams will assess the cybersecurity readiness and security posture of organizations using Center for Internet Security (CIS) Implementation Group 1 (IG1) controls to strengthen their overall security hygiene. Cyber Clinic clients include K-12 schools, underserved municipalities, non-profits, and small businesses, helping them enhance their cybersecurity posture.

What is the time commitment for the Cyber Clinic?: The clinic will require a commitment of several hours each week for both hands-on activities and team collaboration. Specific time requirements will be shared during the application process, but students should be prepared to dedicate consistent time to their clinic work.

Can graduate students apply for the Cyber Clinic?: Yes, However, no course credits apply to a particular course.

Are CIT (Computer Information Technology) students eligible to participate in the Cyber Clinic program?: Yes, they are eligible as long as they have taken the CYBR 332/362 courses or are doing a minor in cyber.

How do students apply for the Cyber Clinic?: Please contact Cyber.Clinic@metrostate.edu, or fill out the intake form online.

Are there any prerequisites to join the Cyber Clinic?: Yes, students are expected to have completed CYBR 332 before joining the clinic. These prerequisites ensure that students are prepared to engage in advanced cybersecurity challenges.

Is there a cap on the number of students who can participate in the clinic?: Yes, the Cyber Clinic has a limited number of spots available each semester. Acceptance into the program is competitive, so it’s important to submit a strong application that highlights your relevant skills and experience.

What are the participation expectations for students in the Cyber Clinic?

Students are expected to meet several requirements to participate in the Cyber Clinic. These include:

Attending trainings every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. throughout the semester, alternating between on-campus and Zoom sessions. Meetings later in the semester will be as needed, but students must remain available.
Maintaining availability during at least two of the four weekly client risk assessment slots: Wednesdays 9 a.m.–noon and/or noon–4 p.m.; Fridays Wednesdays 9 a.m.–noon and/or noon–4 p.m. Clients may include small businesses, municipal organizations, or schools.

Are there any citizenship or residency requirements to apply for the Cyber Clinic?: Yes, applicants must be U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents of the United States to be eligible for the Cyber Clinic.

Is there an age requirement for applying to the Cyber Clinic?: Yes, applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of their application.

Do I need to be a full-time student to participate in the Cyber Clinic?: Yes, students must be enrolled full-time in a CSC-related major such as Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Information Technology, or Computer Forensics. This means 12 or more credits for undergraduate students and 8 or more credits for graduate students.

What personal qualities are expected from students participating in the Cyber Clinic?: Students are expected to be dependable, have strong attention to detail, communicate clearly, and be able to work effectively as part of a team.