With understanding cybersecurity is a high demanding field, your motivation is the key to the results you put in learning. Below is more information concerning cybersecurity educational paths and the providing institutions.
I’m interested in cybersecurity but don’t have any prior knowledge?
There are plenty routes you can go to learn about pursuing cybersecurity. As a beginner, you can get into a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program that will cover just about everything you need to know to understand cybersecurity. Schools also offer preparation for certification exams, which are particularly important for getting employee.
Is a college education the only way to learn about cybersecurity?
No, it isn’t. Certifications offer training courses prior to taking an exam to be certified. You can also use the internet as a training environment. You can view plenty of videos on Youtube about cybersecurity. There are cybersecurity resources that keep up to date on cybersecurity news you can use a training. In this field, you can download free cybersecurity software you can learn how to use.
1. Obtain a degree
Below is a list of the universities in California online offering cyber security programs i.e. degrees or certificate programs.
California Institute of Arts & Technology – San Diego, California
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems – Networking Concentration
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona – Pomona, California
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cyber Security Career Focus
Computer Information Systems Undergraduate Program: Information Assurance Track
Master of Science in Computer Science – Cyber Security Career Focus
California State University-San Bernardino – San Bernardino, California
Information Systems Security Engineering (ISSE) Certificate
MS in Computer Science – Computer Security
Masters of Business Administration, Concentration: Cyber Security
Ph.D. in Computer Science (may elect Computer Systems and Security specialization)
Palomar College – San Marcos, California
Associate of Science in Cybersecurity
Sacramento City College – Sacramento, California
Associate in Science in Information Systems Security
Info Sys Security Certificate of Achievement Program
San Jose State – San Jose, California
Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity: Core Technologies
Certificate in Cybersecurity Engineering
Certificate in Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Software Engineering – Cybersecurity Concentration
Stanford University – Stanford, California
Advanced Computer Security Certificate
Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
University of California-Davis – Davis, California
MS in Computer Science – Security Focus
PhD in Computer Science – Information Assurance Focus
University of California-Irvine – Irvine, California
Information Systems Security Certificate Program
University of San Diego – San Diego, California
Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership
University of Southern California – Los Angeles, California
Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
University of Pacific – Stockton, California
Master of Science in Cyber Security
2. What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment is the incorporation of college and high school programs, which are partnerships between school districts and institutions of higher education that allow high school students to enroll in college courses and earn transferable college credit.
California Education Code(EC), Section 48800 provides that the governing board of a school district may determine which students may benefit from advanced scholastic or vocational work. The governing board may authorize those students, upon recommendation from their principal and with parental consent, to attend a community college as a special part-time student and to enroll in one or more courses offered at the community college level. The purpose of the code is to provide educational enrichment for a limited number of eligible pupils. The educational enrichment opportunity will typically result in a request for concurrent enrollment in courses not currently offered by the approving school.
Students enrolled in Early College High Schools (ECHS) and Middle College High Schools (MCHS) can earn college credit through dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment strategies. ECHS are innovative partnerships between public or charter secondary schools and local community colleges that allow high school students to earn both their high school diplomas and Associates Degree with typically minor cost to the student. MCHS are secondary schools located on a college campus offering challenging academic programs and designed to serve high-potential, high-risk students. MCHS offer effective support services, small class size and the opportunity for students to concurrently take some college classes at typically minor cost to the student. The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office web page provides pertinent reference information regarding dual enrollment.
More and more colleges are now facilitating dual programs.
In 2019, Cypress College was granted $1.43 million to facilitate a new K-12 dual enrollment pathway to educate high school students in the cybersecurity field.
The first group of 60 students will be admitted to Cypress College in fall 2020 when they begin their freshman year at Magnolia High School. In that first year, the students will pair high school computer coursework with a Cypress College counseling class. Subsequent college coursework provided as part of the grant includes Python programming, Cisco networking, network security, and anti-hacking security.
The CCAP grant is intended to prepare California students for high-skill jobs of the future in technology, manufacturing, or health care. This program design blends high school, community college, and workplace skills to provide the following five core benefits to students:
1. Education in grades 9-14 focused on the knowledge and skills students need for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers;
2. Workplace learning that includes ongoing mentoring by industry professionals in the chosen career sector, worksite visits, speakers, and internships;
3. Intensive, individualized academic support by both K-12 and college faculty within an extended academic year or school day that enables students to progress through the program at their own pace;
4. An opportunity to earn an associate of science degree, or an associate degree for transfer in a STEM field; and
5. A commitment to students who complete the program to be first in line for a job with the participating business partners following completion of the program.
Check out the video for more explanation on dual enrollment.
SoCal Cyber Cup Mentorship 