MSSA program prerequisites
Explore MSSA learning paths with custom LinkedIn Learning paths while deciding on your focus area. Once you’ve selected your focus area, earn your prerequisite learning certificates of achievement and submit to MSSA before the materials cutoff date to continue your application.
MSSA LinkedIn Learning paths
Learn foundational concepts using LinkedIn Learning paths and custom collections designed to support each unique MSSA learning path.
What are MSSA LinkedIn Learning paths and collections?
MSSA applicants complete a prerequisite learning path aligning to their chosen MSSA learning path.
Each MSSA LinkedIn Learning path or learning collection teaches core technical skills and knowledge required before starting the program. MSSA’s prerequisite learning requirements are designed to prepare applicants for the courses taught in the MSSA program and to ensure applicants have the required baseline skills before starting the program.
Which LinkedIn Learning path should I complete?
Applicants must complete the MSSA LinkedIn Learning path that aligns with the learning path for which they are applying:
- Cybersecurity Operations (CSO) — Cybersecurity Fundamentals. Applicants must submit certificates before the Materials Cutoff deadline to continue with their MSSA application.
- Server and Cloud Administration (SCA) — Networking and Administration Fundamentals. Applicants must submit certificates before the Materials Cutoff deadline to continue with their MSSA application.
- Cloud and Application Development (CAD) — Software Development Fundamentals. Applicants must submit their freeCodeCamp certificate and LinkedIn Learning certificate before the Materials Cutoff deadline to continue with their MSSA application.
To achieve a certification of completion, applicants must complete all courses associated with the LinkedIn Learning Path.
We recommend that applicants explore all learning paths before choosing which MSSA path to apply for.
How much time should I expect to dedicate?
Each learning path contains about 20 hours of learning content. It is expected that additional time will be necessary for participants to be proficient in the skills covered in the learning path.
What do I submit to the application manager?
Upon completion of all courses within a learning path, learners will receive a certificate of completion on LinkedIn learning. Applicants must download and submit a .PDF copy of the certificate of completion as part of the MSSA Program application process.
Can I apply to MSSA before I’ve completed my LinkedIn Learning path?
Definitely! Most applicants don’t have their prerequisites completed when they submit their initial application. Certifications must be achieved before the Materials Cutoff deadline of your application cycle.
Certifications may be considered in evaluating applicants for admission to the MSSA Program.
Service members and veterans can register for a free 1-year, LinkedIn premium subscription.
Minimum experience requirements
Cybersecurity Operations
Minimum experience for CSO applicants
CSO applicants must have 2+ years of experience in cybersecurity, including experience in networking and server operating systems. This requirement supports candidates’ competitiveness for cybersecurity roles following program completion. CSO applicants must also have an active CompTIA Sec+ certification to be eligible.
Hardware and software requirements
Learn about the minimum system setup you’ll need to be successful in MSSA.
