Cyber Defense and Analysis
***Next Virtual Application Information Session - 9/27/2023, 6:30PM PST***
Interest List
Program Information
On January 23rd, 2023 the California Community Colleges Board of Governors affirmed approval of San Diego City College’s Baccalaureate Degree Program (BDP) in Cyber Defense and Analysis, helping to further train the state’s workforce and giving more Californians an opportunity to earn a four-year degree from a community college. The program expansion (AB 927) will benefit California by awarding more advanced degrees in high-demand workforce industries and putting Californians on a path toward employment in their field of study and in industries of greatest need for the state’s economy.
"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." said City College President Ricky Shabazz. "Social justice and educational equity are at the core of our mission at San Diego City College, and the bachelor's degree program in Cyber Defense and Analysis aligns perfectly with that mission."
The Cyber Defense and Analysis (CyDA) program develops advanced skills to interpret business needs, proactively defend computer networks, identify and analyze threats, and maintain cybersecurity resilience. The baccalaureate curriculum prepares students for careers in cyber-workforce operations.
*Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted into the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
Description and Goals
The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense and Analysis 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 critical knowledge, skills, and abilities
(KSAs) to perform real-time defensive cyber operations. Program emphasis is on architectural,
analytical, and strategic application of advanced techniques and technologies to actively
monitor and defend core operational and emerging technology, network hardware and
systems, and supply chain and critical infrastructure. Additionally, students explore
the ethical and societal impacts of the development and use of cyber technology.
This pathway includes preparation for multiple industry-recognized certifications
geared toward preparing students to be job-ready for a successful career in cyber
workforce roles that impact an organization’s ability to analytically assess and respond
to modern cybersecurity threats while managing risk and maintaining business continuity.
Upon successful program completion, our graduates will:
- Be poised to enter professional positions in a cybersecurity related occupation or continue to a graduate study in cybersecurity or a related field of interest.
- Be informed, active individuals engaged in the global community, social justice advocacy, and the highest level of professional ethics.
- Pursue lifelong learning opportunities to improve and expand their technical and professional skills.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful program completion, students will be able to:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice, taking into account legal, ethical, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles consistent with the mission of the institution.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
Career Options
Careers in the cybersecurity workforce or information security field include: cyber
defense analyst, information security consultant, security administrator, security
analyst, security engineer, security auditor, incident responder, penetration tester,
vulnerability assessor, support technician, systems administrator, network administrator,
and network specialist.
Course Catalog
Click here for course description from Catalog
Bachelor of Science - Cyber Defense and Analysis
(Related: Associate of Science - Cybersecurity)
Minimum Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees
All baccalaureate degrees offered by a California Community College must meet the minimum requirements outlined in this section. These requirements are designed to ensure the baccalaureate degrees are equivalent or superior to other baccalaureate degrees offered by other community colleges or universities throughout the United States. Each degree program must include the following:
- A combination of lower division and upper division coursework totaling a minimum of 120 semester or 180 quarter units that are applicable to a baccalaureate degree as defined within these guidelines.
- Completion of the CSU General Education Breadth or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum pattern.
- Completion of a minimum of 24 semester or 36 quarter units of upper division courses, including a minimum of six semester or nine quarter units of upper division general education.
- An identified major that includes a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units of lower division courses and 18 semester or 27 quarter units of upper division courses.
Program Prerequisites
Applicants may apply to the CyDA BDP after successfully completing the following prerequisites, each with a grade of "C" or better:
- San Diego City College's A.S. Cybersecurity, or equivalent (if transferring from another college, see articulation agreements on the program webpage);
- Credit for a prior learning assessment, military transcript evaluation, and/or professional license or certification review (if applicable, may be accepted for course credit upon approval of the program director);
General education requirements must meet one of the following general education options:
- California State University General Education (CSUGE)* Breadth pattern, or
- Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)* pattern listed on pages ###-### of the college catalog;
*Students are recommended to complete CISC 246 for IGETC Area 2A or CSU GE Area B4.
Notes:
- Additional coursework may be required based on current curriculum content.
- Certain prerequisites may be completed during the summer or junior semester-one upon approval from the program director.
General Education Information
The IGETC pattern is accepted by all CSU campuses and most UC campuses and majors. It is also accepted by some private/ independent or out of state universities.
The CSU GE pattern is accepted by all CSU campuses and some private/independent or out of state universities. It is not accepted by the UC system.
It is strongly recommended that students consult with a counselor to determine which general education option is most appropriate for their individual educational goals.
Course Catalog
Click here for course description from Catalog
Course List and Descriptions
*GE BUSE 440: Cyber Law and Ethics
48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Spring
Recommended Sequence: Spring 1 (FT/PT)
This course is a study of various technical and administrative aspects of cybersecurity as it relates to law, computing, and ethics. Emphasis is placed on ethical theory and professional ethics in cybersecurity. Topics include relativism, utilitarianism, and deontological theories; methods and tools for analysis in ethical arguments; legal bases for the right to privacy and freedom of expression; and various legislation and regulations that impact the Internet and cyber technology. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
*GE CISC 450: Security Analytics and Visualization
36-40.5 lecture hours, 36-40.5 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: CISC 179 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent Corequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: MATH 119 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
Typically Offered: Fall
Recommended Sequence: Fall 1 (FT)/Fall 2 (PT)
This course is a study of the process of using data collection, aggregation, and analysis tools for security monitoring and threat detection. Emphasis is placed on essential technical knowledge used for predictive analytics and the visualization of information to detect behaviors that indicate malicious activity. Topics include predictive modeling, data analytics, machine learning, automation, and understanding data through graphical representation. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
*GE ENGL 402: Advanced Technical Writing
48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: ENGL 205 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
Typically Offered: Fall
Recommended Sequence: Fall 1 (FT)/Fall 2 (PT)
This course is a study of the tools and techniques used in technical documentation and editing. Emphasis is placed on the application of effective communication in technical writing. Topics include effective workplace writing; composing formal reports, presentations, and proposals; intercultural communication and collaborative writing; synthesizing data for representation; creating instructions, procedures, or manuals; and critical reading of technical publications for editing policies. Other topics include research writing in APA format and grant writing. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
CYDA 400: Emerging Technology and Cybersecurity
48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Fall
Recommended Sequence: Fall 1 (FT/PT)
This course is an exploratory study of new, emerging, and developing technologies in cyber defense operations. Emphasis is placed on both operational theory and designing and deploying technological solutions to combat evolving cyber threats. Topics include Zero Trust and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architectures, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Automation, 5G networks, and Internet of Things (IoT). This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
CYDA 410: Modern Cryptography
36-40.5 lecture hours, 36-40.5 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Fall
Recommended Sequence: Fall 1 (FT/PT)
This course is a study of the theoretical foundations of cryptosystems used in the real world. Emphasis is placed on common cryptographic objects to get a better understanding of various cryptographic primitives, algorithms, attacks, and protocols. Topics include an introduction to classic cryptography, properties of private key (symmetric) and public key (asymmetric) cryptography, hashing, and digital signature schemes. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
CYDA 420: Applied Network Security Monitoring
36-40.5 lecture hours, 36-40.5 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Fall
Recommended Sequence: Fall 1 (FT/PT)
This course is a study of the process of ingesting, storing, and interpreting data collected and generated by computer network systems. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of data and practices associated with management of system information and event logs from a security perspective. Topics include network security monitoring (NSM), security information and event management (SIEM) technology, logging implementation, management, and retention, continuous monitoring (CM) and threat modeling as well as data analysis for identifying, responding to, and preventing attacks. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
CYDA 430: Applied Intrusion Detection and Analysis
36-40.5 lecture hours, 36-40.5 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Spring
Recommended Sequence: Spring 1 (FT/PT)
This course is a hands-on study of methodologies used to analyze network traffic in order to identify intrusions. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical and practical analysis of network activity to deem if it is noteworthy or a false indication of breach. Topics include common application protocols, analyzing network behavior to detect breaches, strengths and limitations of intrusion detection systems (IDS) and other monitoring tools as well as visualizing data traffic to identify patterns and anomalies. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
CYDA 440: Deconstructing Malware
36-40.5 lecture hours, 36-40.5 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Spring
Recommended Sequence: Spring 1 (FT)/Spring 2 (PT)
This course is a hands-on study of methodologies used to reverse-engineer malicious software (malware). Emphasis is placed on the analytical ability to examine inner workings of malware in the context of forensic investigations, incident response, and systems administration. Topics include data files and browser scripts analysis, fundamental behavioral analysis of memory forensics and malware code, and concepts for reverse engineering common malware. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
CYDS 450: Network Forensics
36-40.5 lecture hours, 36-40.5 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Spring
Recommended Sequence: Spring 1 (FT)/Spring 2 (PT)
This course is a hands-on study of methodologies used in network forensics examinations. Emphasis is placed on building practical experience through virtual lab exercises simulating real-world scenarios covering investigation and data recovery in networks. Topics include physical interception, traffic acquisition and analysis, and wireless attacks. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
CYDA 460: Digital Forensics
36-40.5 lecture hours, 36-40.5 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Spring
Recommended Sequence: Spring 1 (FT)/Spring 2 (PT)
This course is a theoretical and practical study of methodologies used to conduct forensics examinations of digital and mobile devices. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive knowledge of digital forensics and adherence to the law. Topics include techniques used in digital investigations, root cause analysis, collection and documentation of relevant information, and legal compliance. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
CYDA 500: Cyber Incident Response
36-40.5 lecture hours, 36-40.5 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Fall
Recommended Sequence: Fall 2 (FT)/Fall 3 (PT)
This course is a hands-on study of methodologies used in responding to cyber incidents. Emphasis is placed on the analytical ability to identify assets and resolve network and host cybersecurity issues by applying knowledge and skills required of a cybersecurity first responder. Topics include asset identification, security control implementation, event detection and response execution, and incident and disaster recovery. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program. (Prep for CFR - DoD 8140/8570.01-M)
CYDA 510: Disaster Response and Recovery
48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Fall
Recommended Sequence: Fall 2 (FT)/Fall 3 (PT)
This course is a project-based study of methodologies used to ensure business continuity and protect vital operations, facilities, and assets. Emphasis is placed on the skills needed to identify mission-critical continuity needs and develop a disaster recovery plan (DRP) to protect an organization from constant risk of disruption from cyber threats. Topics include evaluating risks and conducting business impact analysis (BIA), developing and implementing a DRP, crisis management and emergency operations as well as critical infrastructure and vital records recovery. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
CYDA 520: Cyber Threat Intelligence
48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Fall
Recommended Sequence: Fall 2 (FT)/Fall 4 (PT)
This course is an interactive study of data an organization uses to understand the previous, current, and future threats targeting an organization. Emphasis is placed on theoretical and practical skills to conduct a threat intelligence program. Topics include organizational strategy and planning; data collection, analysis, and threat extractions; and informational sharing and situational awareness. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
CYDA 530: Advanced Security Implementation and Management
36-40.5 lecture hours, 36-40.5 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Fall
Recommended Sequence: Fall 2 (FT)/Fall 4 (PT)
This course is a hands-on study of methodologies used in the assessment and management of risk to data and information systems. Emphasis is placed on deep technical and managerial knowledge and skills to design, develop, and manage an organization’s overall security posture. Topics include security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management (IAM), Security Assessment and Testing, and Security Operations as well as software development security. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program. (Prep for CISSP - DoD 8140/8570.01-M)
CYDA 540: Critical Infrastructure and Supply Chain Protection
48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Spring
Recommended Sequence: Spring 2 (FT)/Spring 3 (PT)
This course is a study of theories and foundations used to achieve and assess the protection of critical infrastructure and supply chain operations. Emphasis is placed on the optimization of resources to protect key infrastructure components of a nation. Topics include network science, complexity theory, risk analysis, modeling and simulation, and individual sectors. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
CYDA 550: System and Network Auditing
48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Spring
Recommended Sequence: Spring 2 (FT)/Spring 3 (PT)
This course is an interactive study of the application of a risk-based approach to planning, executing, and reporting on audit engagements. Emphasis is placed on the skills needed to audit, control, monitor, and assess an organization’s information technology (IT) and business systems. Topics include information systems (IS) auditing process; IT governance; IS acquisition, development, and implementation; operations and business resilience; and protection of information assets. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program. (Prep for CISA - DoD 8140/8570.01-M)
CYDA 560: Operational Security Architecture
48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Spring
Recommended Sequence: Spring 2 (FT)/Spring 4 (PT)
This course is an in-depth study of methodologies used to design advanced security solutions using risk-based analytics. Emphasis is placed on the alignment of security architectures within the organizational context. Topics include governance, compliance, and risk management; security architecture modeling; infrastructure security; identity and access management; application security; and security operations. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program. (Prep for CISSP-ISSAP - DoD 8140/8570.01-M)
CYDA 570: Cyber Defense and Analysis Capstone
48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass
Typically Offered: Spring
Recommended Sequence: Spring 2 (FT)/Spring 4 (PT)
This project-oriented capstone course allows students to demonstrate their capability to detect, respond, and recover from a cyber incident. The instructor-approved project challenges students to integrate skills and knowledge from all program domains into one project that deals with a significant real-world cybersecurity incident. Students present their projects to a panel. This course is designed for students in the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
Estimated Cost of Enrollment (CA Residents)
|
|
Required Units |
Cost Per Unit |
Estimated Total |
|
CSUGE (IGETC) |
*36 (34) |
$46 |
$1,656 ($1,564) |
|
AS - Cybersecurity |
*32 |
$46 |
$1,472 |
|
BS – Cyber Defense and Analysis |
*54 |
$130 |
$7,020 |
|
Full Program |
*122 (120) |
|
$10,148 ($10,056) |
*Some students may need additional units to meet general education, associate degree, and/or baccalaureate degree program requirements. Unit requirements subject to change. Please check with a counselor to determine the appropriate education plan.
For a full estimate of the total cost of attendance for residents and non-residents - including enrollment, books and supplies, food, housing, and transportation - visit the Financial Aid Office.
Need help paying for college? Everyone, no matter your financial situation, should fill out a FAFSA to determine what types of financial aid you may be eligible for.
Next application period: October 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024
Admission/Selection Criteria
Admission to a community college hosting the baccalaureate degree program does not guarantee admission into the program. Students who wish to declare a major in the baccalaureate degree program may need to meet minimum criteria in order to be admitted into the program. Admission into the program may be selective due to availability of practicum sites, limitations in the number of students who can be accommodated in the program and/or other limitations. Students admitted to the baccalaureate degree program must be able to meet the essential elements of the courses and programs.
San Diego City College uses a multicriteria screening process to evaluate applicants for admission. This process may include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, all of the following:
- Academic degrees or diplomas, or relevant certificates, held by an applicant.
- Grade-point average in relevant coursework.
- Any relevant work or volunteer experience.
- Professional licensing and/or state/national certification.
- Life experiences or special circumstances of an applicant, including, but not necessarily limited to, the following experiences or circumstances: disability, low family income, first generation of family to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, extenuating circumstances, refugee, or veteran status.
- Proficiency or advanced level coursework in languages other than English.
Community colleges approved to offer a baccalaureate degree program shall grant priority enrollment and admission to military veterans, foster youth, students in the Community College Extended Opportunity Programs and Services program, students eligible for Disabled Student Programs and Services, and students who are California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids recipients consistent with Education Code Sections 66025.8, 66025.9, 66025.91 and 66025.92.
Admissions Pathways for New Applicants
There are three pathways into the Cyber Defense and Analysis bachelor's degree program depending on your past college credit completion. View all three pathways to find the one that is best for you.
*Limitation on Enrollment: Student must be admitted into the Cyber Defense and Analysis program.
Track 1 - Entering as a Freshman (1st Year)
The first pathway is designed for students enrolling in the Cybersecurity associate degree program, who are interested in continuing to earn a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Defense and Analysis. Students in this track will enter as freshmen.
In the spring semester of the first-year, students will have the opportunity to apply to the baccalaureate program as a pre-major.
In addition to the required courses for the major, students pursuing this track must complete the following requirements to complete the bachelor's degree program:
- CSU or IGETC General Education Pattern
- Transfer level Math Courses
- Transfer level English Composition Course
In order to proceed into the baccalaureate program, students must complete the Cybersecurity associate degree program from San Diego City College.
Track 2 - Entering as a Sophomore (2nd Year)
The second pathway is designed for students with previous AS/BS degrees in fields other than Cybersecurity. This track allows students to complete the major prerequisites (non-GE) in one year.
Students pursuing this track must complete the following requirements prior to earning a bachelor's degree (if they have not already been completed):
- CSU or IGETC General Education Pattern
- Transfer level Math Courses
- Transfer level English Composition Course
OR
Completion of previous college degree (AA/AS/BA/BS)
In order to proceed into the baccalaureate program, students must complete the Cybersecurity associate degree program from San Diego City College.
Track 3 - Entering as a Junior (3rd Year)
The third pathway is designed for students who have completed an approved two-year associate degree program in Cybersecurity and are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in Cyber Defense and Analysis. Students in this track will enter directly as juniors.
Students pursuing this track must complete the following requirements prior to earning a bachelor's degree (if they have not already been completed):
- CSU or IGETC General Education Pattern
- Transfer level Math Courses
- Transfer level English Composition Course
In order to proceed into the baccalaureate program, students must possess a Cybersecurity associate degree from San Diego City College, or an equivilent associate degree from another college or university.
Careers in the cybersecurity workforce or information security field include: cyber defense analyst, information security consultant, security administrator, security analyst, security engineer, security auditor, incident responder, penetration tester, vulnerability assessor, support technician, systems administrator, network administrator, and network specialist.
It is recommended to attend a virtual information session before applying to the bachelor's
degree program.
Session #1 August 30, 2023, 6:30 PM PST
Session #2 September 13, 2023, 6:30 PM PST
Session #3 September 27, 2023, 6:30 PM PST
General Information Covered
- Program Details
- Program Requirements
- Application Process
- Acceptance and Enrollment
- Questions & Answers