Choose your [learning] path
The skills taught in MSSA’s learning paths are aligned to some of the technology industry’s most in-demand career roles.
Cybersecurity Operations (CSO)
Topics include Windows core server and security infrastructure, Microsoft Azure administration and Endpoint management, and security technologies and operations.
Be part of a team defending IT infrastructures against malicious cyberattacks. Protect and defend as a cybersecurity professional on-premises and in cloud infrastructures and technologies.
Server and Cloud Administration (SCA)
Topics include creating Windows Server workloads, implementing networking, virtual machines, authentication and authorization, cloud models, and Azure administration.
Become a system administrator who can install, configure, manage, and support IT resources on premises, in the cloud or in a hybrid environment to meet the technology needs of major organizations.
Cloud Application Development (CAD)
Concepts include application programming using C#, data structures and algorithms, developing client applications with .NET MAUI as well as cloud development using Azure.
Develop the skills to become a software developer. Build local, server-based, and cloud applications using C#.
Target roles for CSO include:
- security operations analyst
- cybersecurity solution analyst
- security technical specialist
- security engineer
Roles SCA grads have accepted following program completion include:
- IT network support engineer
- project / program manager
- IT sales / consultant
- technical account manager
Roles CAD grads have accepted following program completion include:
- software engineer
- service engineer
- customer success engineer
- database engineer
Technical curriculum and resulting certifications*
Workforce-ready learning paths
MSSA learning paths provide foundational training for participants to achieve industry-recognized certification. Click through each learning path to get a sense of general topics and competencies covered by each curriculum, and the certifications we strive to prepare you for.
Foundational cybersecurity skills
- Windows server core technologies
- CompTIA CySA+
- Azure administration and Endpoint management
- Azure security technologies & AI fundamentals
- Security operations
- Azure Identity and Access Administration
Foundational networking skills
- PowerShell
- Networking
- Identity and Active Directory
- Windows server technologies
- Azure & AI fundamentals
- Endpoint management
- Azure administration
Foundational developer skills
- Programming in C#
- Data structures and algorithms
- .NET MAUI
- Azure & AI fundamentals
- Azure development
Selecting a learning path
Selecting your MSSA learning path is a major decision. It will determine the technical curriculum and skilling you receive and become the technical foundation for your new career.
Key factor—your recent prior experience in IT
If you have 1+ years of experience in cybersecurity that includes experience in networking and server operating systems, the new CSO learning path was designed with you in mind. If you have an active CompTIA Sec+ certification, consider applying to our next cohort!
No work experience in IT? No problem. We designed SCA and CAD to upskill participants to workforce-readiness in 17 weeks—no prior experience required. (Though it is beneficial!)
Your career needs are unique to you
We recommend that you research topics and careers aligning to each learning path. Key considerations might include your personal interests, location, salary, promotion potential, job flexibility, availability, and experience requirements.
Unsure where to start? Get your feet wet with Microsoft Learn
Utilize these (free!) online resources from Microsoft Learn to get a foundation in some of the technologies you’ll learn about in each MSSA learning path.
Cybersecurity Operations
Server and Cloud Administration
Jumpstart your training on LinkedIn Learning
We’ve partnered with LinkedIn Learning to design digital courses that introduce the topics covered in MSSA learning paths.
LinkedIn Learning has training resources—and certifications—on many technical and business topics. Anyone with a premium LinkedIn subscription can access these learning paths.
Reinforce your knowledge of Cybersecurity Operations (CSO)
Cybersecurity Fundamentals teaches fundamental networking and security operations concepts. This recommended pre-learning prepares Cybersecurity Operations (CSO) participants for accelerated skilling in critical-need cybersecurity technologies. It is also a prerequisite for CSO applicants.
Networking and Administration Fundamentals teaches fundamental networking and Windows Server administration concepts. It can also help you prepare for MSSA’s Server & Cloud Administration (SCA) learning path, which helps transitioning service members and veterans find work as network and cloud administrators.
Software Development Fundamentals learning path covers fundamental concepts of software development. It is also aligned to our Cloud Application Development (CAD) learning path, helping transitioning service members and veterans to find work as software developers.
Get started with prerequisite learning requirements for your MSSA learning path
Once you’ve selected your MSSA learning path, you’ll need to complete prerequisite learning requirements to complete your application.
Get started with prerequisite learning for your MSSA learning path
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An integral part of the Microsoft Cloud learning ecosystem since 2013, enabling students with new skills through instructor-led and hackathon-style training, plus on-demand features for continuous learning. -
Designs learning programs to help individuals accelerate their careers through short-term training, certification preparation, and career readiness—whether transitioning out of the military or currently enlisted and looking to the future.
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Smarter, Better Further, Brighter
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MTA and MCP certification exam hosting is provided by Pearson, as well as bundling services for Microsoft Press e-books that are required reading for the MSSA program.
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