About MNC-CTC

Q: What is the Mary N. Chaney Cybersecurity Training Center (MNC-CTC)?
A: MNC-CTC is a career school (license pending) dedicated to developing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders through immersive, hands-on training aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.

Q: Is MNC-CTC approved by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)?
A: Our application is pending.

Q: What makes MNC-CTC’s Cybersecurity Residency Program unique?
A: The program combines leadership development, applied learning, and real-world experience through a three-year, 800-clock-hour structure—integrating classroom instruction, mentorship, and project-based assessments.

Who Can Apply

Q: Who can apply for the Cybersecurity Residency Program?
A: The program is designed for anyone ready to grow in cybersecurity — whether you’re starting your career, changing fields, or already working in tech and want to upskill. MNC-CTC welcomes adult learners, recent graduates, and professionals who are motivated to strengthen their technical skills, leadership abilities, and hands-on cybersecurity experience.

Q: Do I need a technical background to apply?
A: No prior technical experience is required. MNC-CTC’s Pre-Apprenticeship Readiness Period and Phase 1: Foundations of Cybersecurity and Leadership are designed to build core technical and leadership skills from the ground up.

Q: Are there academic prerequisites?
A: Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). Additional academic experience in IT, networking, or computer science is helpful but not required.

Q: Can working professionals or part-time students apply?
A: Yes. The blended learning model is designed to accommodate working professionals, combining asynchronous coursework with scheduled live sessions for flexibility and engagement.

Q: Does MNC-CTC accept international applicants?
A: Yes. MNC-CTC welcomes international students who meet program eligibility and English language proficiency requirements. International students may fully participate in coursework and training; however, MNC-CTC does not provide job placement assistance, visa sponsorship, or employment support outside the United States.

Programs and Curriculum

Q: How is the Cybersecurity Residency Program structured?
A: The program includes a Pre-Apprenticeship Readiness Period followed by three phases: Foundations, Specialization, and Advanced Consultancy. Each phase builds on technical and leadership competencies aligned with NICE Framework categories.

Q: What certifications or skills will students gain?
A: Students gain competencies mapped to entry-level and mid-level cybersecurity roles and are prepared for recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Network+, and other industry-relevant credentials.

Q: Does the program support upskilling for current professionals?
A: Yes. The Cybersecurity Residency Program is ideal for professionals seeking to upskill or expand their expertise into advanced cybersecurity domains. Participants may receive advanced standing based on prior education, certifications, or work experience, allowing them to focus on higher-level competencies and leadership development.

Q: How does the program connect to apprenticeships or career pathways?
A: MNC-CTC aligns directly with the MiC Talent Solutions U.S. Department of Labor–Registered Apprenticeship in Cybersecurity. Apprentices may transition seamlessly into the Residency Program to continue their professional development, building on prior on-the-job learning toward advanced consultancy and management-level skills.

Hybrid Learning at MNC-CTC

Q: Is the training offered online or in person?
A: The Cybersecurity Residency Program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person learning. Students complete asynchronous coursework through MNC-CTC’s Learning Management System (LMS) and participate in scheduled live virtual sessions, along with bi-monthly in-person or online applied learning activities. This blended model provides flexibility while ensuring students gain hands-on experience and real-time instructor interaction.

Q: What does the hybrid format include?
A: Students complete lessons online at their own pace and meet live with instructors for collaboration, discussion, and applied cybersecurity training.

Q: Do I need to live nearby to enroll?
A: No. Both U.S.-based and international students can participate fully through online sessions. Local students may also attend in-person sessions at the training center.

Q: What will I need to participate?
A: A computer, internet access, webcam, and headset or microphone are required. MNC-CTC provides access to all online platforms and technical support.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Q: How can I apply to MNC-CTC?
A: Prospective students can start by completing the online inquiry form on the Contact Us page. The Admissions Office will guide applicants through requirements, interviews, and enrollment.

Q: Does MNC-CTC offer financial aid or scholarships?
A: Yes. Our Financial Aid and Funding Advisor helps students explore scholarships, workforce development grants, and employer partnerships that make education affordable and accessible.

Leadership and Faculty

Q: Who leads MNC-CTC?
A: The center is led by Mary N. Chaney, Esq., CISSP, a former FBI Special Agent and Fortune 100 cybersecurity executive. The leadership team includes seasoned educators and workforce professionals who guide instruction, compliance, and student support.

Q: What is the role of the leadership team in student success?
A: Each leader brings real-world expertise and mentorship to ensure students develop not only technical skills but also leadership and professional readiness.

Q: Who teaches the courses?
A: Courses at MNC-CTC are taught by experienced cybersecurity professionals, educators, and industry leaders who bring years of real-world expertise directly into the classroom. Faculty include current and former practitioners from government, law enforcement, and the private sector—many of whom hold advanced degrees and recognized certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, and Security+.

In addition to core instructional faculty, MNC-CTC regularly hosts seminar instructors and guest lecturers who are active professionals in cybersecurity, privacy, digital forensics, and risk management. These specialists lead topic-focused workshops and applied learning sessions that expose students to emerging technologies, current threat trends, and leadership practices used in today’s security operations.

All instructors meet or exceed the qualification standards required under 40 TAC §807.192(c) and participate in continuous professional development to ensure instructional quality, currency, and alignment with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.

Career Outcomes

Q: What career paths can graduates pursue?
A: Graduates are prepared for a range of cybersecurity roles, including Security Analyst, Network Defense Technician, Cybersecurity Specialist, and Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst—across both private and public sector organizations.

The program also supports upskilling and advancement for working professionals seeking to move into leadership, governance, or consultancy positions. Training outcomes align with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, ensuring graduates possess competencies recognized by employers nationwide.

Q: Does MNC-CTC offer career placement support?
A: Yes. MNC-CTC connects students and graduates with employer partners, mentorship networks, and internship opportunities to support successful transition into the cybersecurity workforce. The school also provides career readiness workshops, résumé coaching, and interview preparation.

While MNC-CTC offers strong career development resources and employer engagement, the school does not guarantee employment or a specific income level.

Q: How does MNC-CTC help professionals advance their careers?
A: Beyond entry-level preparation, MNC-CTC emphasizes lifelong learning and professional advancement. Graduates can continue to build skills through advanced coursework, mentorship, and the MiC Talent Solutions Registered Apprenticeship and consulting network, creating a clear pathway from foundational training to mid- and senior-level cybersecurity roles.

Note:
Job placement services are available only to U.S.-based students who are eligible to work or train in the United States.