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Cybersecurity

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE · CERTIFICATES · STEM (CIP 11.1003)

Configure, secure, and troubleshoot the networks, systems, and cloud services organizations depend on, and learn to detect and test for the attacks against them. This degree builds those foundations through hands-on lab work in virtual environments.

APPLY TO CITY COLLEGEPROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (opens in new window)B.S. CYBER DEFENSE & ANALYSIS

  • 36UNITS IN THE MAJOR
  • 7COMPTIA CERTIFICATION COURSES
  • 100%AVAILABLE ONLINE
  • $3,220EST. FEES WITH CAL-GETC (CA RESIDENT)

PATHWAY TO THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE, ALL AT CITY COLLEGE

  1. YEARS 1–2 · THIS PROGRAMA.S. Cybersecurity36-unit major plus general education · $46 per unit
  2. APPLYAdmission to the B.S.Junior-entry track · the A.S. meets the major prerequisite
  3. YEARS 3–4B.S. Cyber Defense & Analysis54 upper-division units · $130 per unit

01 — THE PROGRAM

Program overview

The Associate of Science in Cybersecurity follows the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework and the Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF), with the common goal of developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform foundational cybersecurity tasks.

The curriculum includes hands-on experience in virtual environments that simulate real-world scenarios in the domains of security provisioning, operations and maintenance, governance, protection and defense, analysis, collection, and investigation. The pathway includes preparation for industry-recognized certifications for cybersecurity workforce roles that affect an organization’s ability to protect its data, systems, and operations.

The program is part of the Information, Network, and Web Technologies (INWT) area of study, which prepares students for careers in information technology management, technical support, and systems security and administration, as well as transfer to four-year programs. The Computer Information Systems department requires students to complete all degree requirements within five years.

The A.S. in Cybersecurity meets the major prerequisite for the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense and Analysis.

02 — OUTCOMES

Goals and learning outcomes

Graduates will

  1. Be poised to enter professional positions in a cybersecurity-related occupation or continue to a bachelor’s or graduate program in cybersecurity or a related field.
  2. Be informed, active individuals engaged in the global community, social justice advocacy, and the highest level of professional ethics.
  3. Pursue lifelong learning opportunities to improve and expand their technical and professional skills.

Students will be able to

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice, considering legal, ethical, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  6. Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

03 — COURSES

Courses required for the major

Nine technical courses (30 units) plus one statistics course and one discrete mathematics course, shown in the recommended sequence. Each course with a certification listed is built around that exam’s objectives.

Year 1 · Fall

  • INWT 100 · 4 UNITS

    Computing Fundamentals

    Operating systems, hardware, networking, virtualization, and operational procedures.COMPTIA A+
  • INWT 101 · 3 UNITS

    Introduction to Information Security

    Security foundations, risk management, legal and ethical issues, introductory cryptography.

Year 1 · Spring

  • CISC 179 · 4 UNITS

    Introduction to Python Programming

    Programming fundamentals in Python.
  • INWT 120 · 4 UNITS

    Network Fundamentals

    Designing, configuring, and securing wired and wireless networks.COMPTIA NETWORK+
  • INWT 140 · 3 UNITS

    Security Fundamentals

    Assessing an enterprise’s security posture and implementing solutions.COMPTIA SECURITY+

Year 2 · Fall

  • INWT 146 · 3 UNITS

    Linux Administration

    Configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Linux systems.COMPTIA LINUX+
  • INWT 170 · 3 UNITS

    Network Defense & Countermeasures

    Behavioral analytics, threat and vulnerability management, monitoring, incident response.COMPTIA CYSA+

Year 2 · Spring

  • INWT 125 · 3 UNITS

    Cloud Architecture

    Deploying, securing, and troubleshooting cloud, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments.COMPTIA CLOUD+
  • INWT 201 · 3 UNITS

    Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

    Planning, scoping, and conducting tests of network resiliency, and writing the report.COMPTIA PENTEST+

Statistics and discrete mathematics (any semester)

  • STATISTICS · SELECT ONE · 3 UNITSSTAT C1000 Introduction to Statistics · BUSE 115 Statistics for Business · PSYC 258 Behavioral Science Statistics · POLI 201 Elementary Statistics for Political ScienceSTAT C1000 is also the corequisite for CISC 450 in the B.S.
  • DISCRETE MATHEMATICS · SELECT ONE · 3 UNITSCISC 246 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science · MATH 245 Discrete Mathematics

Need to add a class? Email the course instructor for a permission number.

Course descriptions in the college catalog (PDF) (opens in new window)

INWT 100: Computing Fundamentals (A+)

48–54 lecture hours, 48–54 lab hours · 4 units · Typically offered fall and spring · Recommended: Fall 1

A project-oriented course covering the fundamental methodologies of working as an information technology (IT) support professional, with hands-on experience deploying, securing, and maintaining computing technology. Topics include operating systems, security concepts, hardware and networking, virtualization and cloud computing, mobile devices, and operational procedures. Preparatory course for CompTIA A+ (DoD 8140).

INWT 101: Introduction to Information Security

48–54 lecture hours · 3 units · Typically offered summer, fall, and spring · Recommended: Fall 1

An introduction to information security covering foundational technical concepts and the strategic and operational aspects of managing a security program. Topics include legal, ethical, and professional issues of security and privacy; threat and vulnerability assessment; security risk management; personnel roles and responsibilities; introductory cryptography; security in system support; and access controls.

CISC 179: Introduction to Python Programming

48–54 lecture hours, 48–54 lab hours · 4 units · Typically offered summer, fall, intersession, and spring · Recommended: Spring 1

An introductory course in programming using Python, incorporating the fundamentals of object-oriented programming. Students analyze user needs, design interfaces, code event procedures, test and debug programs, and complete user documentation.

INWT 120: Network Fundamentals (Network+)

48–54 lecture hours, 48–54 lab hours · 4 units · Typically offered summer, fall, and spring · Recommended: Spring 1

A project-oriented course covering the methodologies used to securely establish, maintain, and troubleshoot networking systems and devices, with emphasis on designing, configuring, and managing secure wired and wireless networks. Topics include switching and routing, firewalls, policies and procedures, hardening, and optimization. Preparatory course for CompTIA Network+ (DoD 8140).

INWT 140: Security Fundamentals (Security+)

24–27 lecture hours, 72–81 lab hours · 3 units · Typically offered fall and spring · Recommended: Spring 1

A project-oriented course covering core security functions, with emphasis on assessing the security posture of an enterprise network and recommending and implementing solutions. Topics include architecture and design, implementation, threats and vulnerabilities, operations and incident response, and risk and compliance. Preparatory course for CompTIA Security+ (DoD 8140).

INWT 146 (formerly INWT 145): Linux Administration (Linux+)

Lecture and lab · 3 units · Typically offered fall and spring · Recommended: Fall 2

A project-oriented course covering the administration of Linux systems: installation, kernel modules, storage and virtualization, device management, automation, networking and security, the command line, and troubleshooting. Preparatory course for CompTIA Linux+.

INWT 170: Network Defense & Countermeasures (CySA+)

24–27 lecture hours, 72–81 lab hours · 3 units · Typically offered fall and spring · Recommended: Fall 2

A project-oriented course on proactively defending and continuously improving an organization’s security, applying behavioral analytics to identify and combat malware and advanced persistent threats. Topics include threat and vulnerability management, software and systems security, incident response, security operations monitoring, and compliance. Preparatory course for CompTIA CySA+ (DoD 8140).

INWT 125: Cloud Architecture (Cloud+)

36–40 lecture hours, 36–40 lab hours · 3 units · Typically offered fall and spring · Recommended: Spring 2

An in-depth study of planning, maintaining, and optimizing cloud infrastructure services, including managing multi-cloud technologies as part of broader systems operations. Topics include configuration and deployment, management, maintenance, security, and troubleshooting of cloud, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. Preparatory course for CompTIA Cloud+ (DoD 8140).

INWT 201 (formerly INWT 200): Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

Lecture and lab · 3 units · Typically offered fall and spring · Recommended: Spring 2

A project-oriented course on techniques used to test the resiliency of networks against attacks: planning, scoping, exploiting, and managing weaknesses. Topics include threat vector identification, network scanning, operating system detection, vulnerability analysis, system hacking and testing, and report writing. Preparatory course for CompTIA PenTest+ (DoD 8140).

STAT C1000: Introduction to Statistics (or approved alternative)

48–54 lecture hours · 3 units · Typically offered summer, fall, and spring

Descriptive and inferential statistics: probability and sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation and linear regression, ANOVA, and chi-squared and t-tests, with statistical software. Formerly MATH 119.

CISC 246: Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science (or MATH 245)

48–54 lecture hours · 3 units · Typically offered fall and spring

Discrete mathematics for computer science and related disciplines: graph theory, algebras, probability theory, complexity analysis, and models of computation.

ENGL C1001: Critical Thinking and Writing (for B.S. admission)

48–54 lecture hours · 3 units · Typically offered fall and spring

Not part of the A.S. major, but one of the courses that meets the B.S. communication prerequisite. Critical thinking for constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments, with at least 8,000 words of writing. Formerly ENGL 205.

For course equivalencies, see the Articulation page.

04 — DEGREE & CERTIFICATES

Degree and certificates

The program offers an associate degree and four certificates.

Each link opens the official program requirements in the district curriculum system.

05 — GENERAL EDUCATION & COST

General education and cost

General education

In addition to the major, complete one general education pattern. A counselor will help you choose based on your goals.

  • SDCCD General Education and District Requirements (Option 1)
  • Cal-GETC (Option 6), the California General Education Transfer Curriculum, accepted by CSU and UC
  • SDCCD General Education plus six units from Areas 1B–6 (Option 4)

The degree requires at least 60 degree-applicable units with a GPA of 2.0 or higher; all courses in the major must be completed with a C or P. One course may not count in more than one GE area.

Estimated enrollment fees (California residents)

Estimated enrollment fees for California residents
Segment Units Per unit Est. total
Cal-GETC *34 $46 $1,564
A.S. Cybersecurity *36 $46 $1,656
Full program *70 $3,220

*Some students need additional units to meet general education or degree requirements, and unit requirements are subject to change; check with a counselor. For the full cost of attendance, and to file a FAFSA, see the Financial Aid Office.

06 — INTO THE B.S.

Continuing into the bachelor’s

On January 23, 2023, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors approved San Diego City College’s Baccalaureate Degree Program in Cyber Defense and Analysis under AB 927 (opens in new window). The A.S. in Cybersecurity is the major prerequisite for junior entry.

“The bachelor’s degree program in Cyber Defense and Analysis will provide a pipeline that not only leads to an above-livable wage career in an industry that is clearly in demand, but will also help diversify the cyber security workforce by allowing more women, military veterans, and people of color to find good jobs.”

RICKY SHABAZZ, PRESIDENT, SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE

  • Prerequisites for junior entry

    • A.S. Cybersecurity (or equivalent), each course with a C or better
    • One of ENGL C1001, COMS 160, HIST 205, or PHIL 205
    • Credit for prior learning, military transcript, or certification review where approved

  • Timing

    • Applications open each fall for the following fall’s cohort
    • Decisions are sent in spring
    • Current dates are on the B.S. program page

  • The upper-division program

    • 18 courses over two years full-time or four years part-time
    • Network security monitoring, forensics, incident response, threat intelligence
    • Preparation for CFR, CISSP, CISSP-ISSAP, and CISA

B.S. CYBER DEFENSE & ANALYSIS

07 — CAREERS

Career options

Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in the cyber workforce and information security field, including:

  • CYBER DEFENSE ANALYST
  • SECURITY ANALYST
  • SECURITY ADMINISTRATOR
  • INCIDENT RESPONDER
  • PENETRATION TESTER
  • VULNERABILITY ASSESSOR
  • SECURITY AUDITOR
  • SUPPORT TECHNICIAN
  • SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR
  • NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR
  • NETWORK SPECIALIST
  • INFORMATION SECURITY CONSULTANT

Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree for analyst positions; the associate degree prepares students for support, administration, and junior roles and for the B.S. in Cyber Defense and Analysis.

CyberSeek: cybersecurity career pathways and job market data (opens in new window)

08 — GET STARTED

Getting started

  1. Apply to San Diego City College and create your mySDCCD account.
  2. Meet with a counselor to choose a general education pattern and build an education plan; declare Cybersecurity as your major.
  3. Register for INWT 100 and INWT 101 in your first semester, following the recommended sequence above.
  4. Questions about the program or the path to the B.S.: [email protected].