Cybersecurity

Associate of Science (AS)

Certificates: Cybersecurity | Network Security I | Network Security II

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Program Information

The Information, Network, and Web Technologies (INWT) area of study focuses on technical knowledge and decision-making capabilities regarding computer systems, network administration, and foundational cybersecurity. The associate degree and certificate curriculum prepares students for careers in information technology (IT) management, technical support, and systems security and administration, as well as transfer into four-year programs. Students of all backgrounds and skill levels train for relevance in today's workforce.

BACHELOR'S DEGREE UPDATE: 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 AS in Cybersecurity meets the prerequisite for the Cyber Defense and Analysis Bachelor's Degree Program.

Description and Goals

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 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 provisions, operations and maintenance, governance, protection and defense, analysis, collection, and investigation.

This pathway includes preparation for industry-recognized certifications geared towards preparing students for a successful career in cybersecurity workforce roles that have an impact on an organization’s ability to protect its data, systems, and operations.

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 broadly defined security problem and apply principles of cybersecurity to the design and implementation of solutions.
Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
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.

Career Options

Careers in cybersecurity are dynamic and vital in today's digital age, where the constant evolution of technology brings both opportunities and threats. Professionals in this field play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information and networks from cyberattacks. Cybersecurity careers encompass a wide range of roles, from ethical hackers and penetration testers who identify and address vulnerabilities, to security analysts who monitor and respond to incidents in real-time. Incident responders, cybersecurity consultants, and security architects work to develop and implement comprehensive security strategies. Additionally, there are roles focused on policy and compliance, ensuring that organizations adhere to regulatory standards and best practices.

With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand across various industries, making it a dynamic and rewarding field for individuals who are passionate about protecting digital assets and maintaining the integrity of online systems. Continuous learning is essential in cybersecurity, as the landscape evolves rapidly, requiring professionals to stay abreast of the latest technologies and threats to effectively mitigate risks.

Note: Employers typically require a bachelor's degree as a minimum education requirement.

Course Catalog

Click here for course description from Catalog

Minimum Requirements for Associate Degrees

The following is required for all AA or AS degrees:

Completion of 60 CSU-transferable semester units. No more than 60 units are required.
Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some CSU campuses and majors may require a higher GPA. Please see a counselor for more information.
Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units in an "AA" or "AS" major (see Course Catalog Description below). All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of "C" or "P" or better.
Certified completion of the California State University General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum pattern (IGETC). Electives as needed to meet maximum of 60 CSU-transferable units required for the degree.

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

CISC 179: Python Programming

48-54 lecture hours, 48-54 lab hours, 4 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass

Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Recommended Sequence: Spring 1

This is an introductory course in programming using the Python language and incorporating the fundamentals of object oriented programming in the Windows environment. Topics include the use and programming of the mouse, windows, forms, menus, dialog boxes, icons, buttons, text fields, files, graphics, and other components of the Windows environment. Students learn to analyze user needs and requirements; design the user interface; assign properties to objects in the user interface; code event procedures; test and debug completed programs and applications; and complete final user documentation. This course is intended for Computer and Information Sciences majors or anyone interested in the Python programming language.

CISC 246 - Discrete Mathemtaics for Computer Science (Recommended)

48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass

Typically Offered: Fall & Spring (Mesa & Miramar)

Recommended Sequence: GE IGETC Area 2A or CSU GE Area B4

This is a course in discrete mathematics to include concepts and techniques in practical and theoretical computer science, and related disciplines. Topics include graph theory, algebras, probability theory, complexity analysis and models of computation. This course is intended for transfer students planning to major in computer science.

INWT 100: Computing Fundamentals (A+)

48-54 lecture hours, 48-54 lab hours, 4 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass

Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Recommended Sequence: Fall 1

This is a project-oriented course that covers the fundamental methodologies of working as an information technology (IT) support professional. Emphasis is placed on hands-on experience deploying, securing, and maintaining computing technology. Topics include operating systems (OSs), security concepts, hardware and networking, virtualization and cloud computing, mobile devices, and operational procedures. This course is intended for students who want to develop essential skills and fundamental knowledge of computing technology. (Preparatory course for CompTIA A+ certification - DoD 8140/8570.01-M)

INWT 101: Introduction to Information Security

48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass

Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Recommended Sequence: Fall 1

This course is an introduction to a variety of information security topics. Emphasis is placed on foundational technical concepts as well as the strategic and operational aspects of managing an information security program. Topics include the foundations of information security; legal, ethical and professional issues of security and privacy; threat and vulnerability assessment; security risk management; roles and responsibilities of personnel; introductory cryptography; security considerations in system support; and access controls and maintenance for securing information assets. This course is designed for students interested in information and technology assets and a general awareness of security issues in these systems.

INWT 120: Networking Fundamentals (Network+)

48-54 lecture hours, 48-54 lab hours, 4 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass

Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Recommended Sequence: Spring 1

This is a project-oriented course that covers the fundamental methodologies used to securely establish, maintain, and troubleshoot networking systems and devices. Emphasis is placed on designing, configuring, managing, and maintaining secure wired and wireless networks. Topics include switching and routing management, firewalls, policies and procedures, hardening, security, and optimization of networking technologies. This course is intended for students who want to develop essential skills and fundamental knowledge of network infrastructure. (Preparatory course for CompTIA Network+ certification - DoD 8140/8570.01-M)

INWT 125: Cloud+ Certification Training

36-40 lecture hours, 36-40 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass

Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Recommended Sequence: Spring 2

This course is an in-depth study of the skills needed to maintain and optimize cloud infrastructure services. Emphasis is placed on incorporating and managing cloud technologies as part of broader systems operations. Topics include configurations and deployments, management, maintenance, security, and troubleshooting cloud-based, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. This course follows the official Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) curriculum and is designed for students planning to take the Cloud+ certification exam.

INWT 140: Security Fundamentals (Security+)

24-27 lecture hours, 72-81 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass

Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Recommended Sequence: Spring 1

This is a project-oriented course that covers the fundamental methodologies necessary to perform core security functions. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills required to assess the security posture of an enterprise network environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions. Topics include architecture and design, implementation, threats and vulnerabilities, operations and incident response, and risk and compliance. This course is intended for students who want to develop essential skills and fundamental knowledge required of any cybersecurity role. (Preparatory course for CompTIA Security+ certification - DoD 8140/8570.01-M)

INWT 145: Linux Administration (Linux+)

48-54 lecture hours, 48-54 lab hours, 4 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass

Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Recommended Sequence: Fall 2

This is a project-oriented course that covers the fundamental methodologies used to administer Linux systems. Emphasis is placed on the skills needed to successfully configure, manage, and troubleshoot Linux systems. Topics include installation, kernel modules, storage and virtualization, device management, automation, networking and security, command line, and troubleshooting. This course is intended for students who want to develop essential skills Linux administration. (Preparatory course for CompTIA Linux+ certification)

INWT 170: Network Defense & Countermeasures (CySA+)

24-27 lecture hours, 72-81 lab hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass

Typically Offered: Fall

Recommended Sequence: Fall 2

This is a project-oriented course that focuses on the skills needed to proactively defend and continuously improve the security of an organization. Emphasis is placed on the application of behavioral analytics to networks to improve the overall state of security through identifying and combating malware and advanced persistent threats (APTs). Topics include threat and vulnerability management, software and systems security, incident response, security and operations monitoring, and compliance and assessment. This course is intended for students who want to develop essential skills for continuous security monitoring. (Preparatory course for CompTIA CySA+ certification - DoD 8140/8570.01-M)

INWT 200: Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing

48-54 lecture hours, 48-54 lab hours, 4 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass

Typically Offered: Spring

Recommended Sequence: Spring 2

This is a project-oriented course that focuses techniques used to determine the resiliency of networks against attacks. Emphasis is placed on skills used to plan, scope, exploit, and manage weaknesses in networks. Topics include threat vector identification, network scanning, operating system (OS) detection, vulnerability analysis, system hacking and testing, and report writing. This course is designed for students who plan to take the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and/or PenTest+ certification exam or anyone who is concerned about the integrity of network infrastructure.

MATH 119 - Elementary Statistics

48-54 lecture hours, 3 unit Grade or Pass/No Pass

Typically Offered: Fall & Spring (Mesa & Miramar)

Recommended Sequence:

This course covers descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive portion analyzes data through graphs, measures of central tendency and dispersion. The inferential statistics portion covers statistical rules to compute basic probability, including binomial, normal, Chi-squares, and T-distributions. This course also covers estimation of population parameters, hypothesis testing, linear regression, correlation and ANOVA. Emphasis is placed on applications of technology, using software packages, for statistical analysis and interpretation of statistical values based on data from disciplines including business, social sciences, psychology, life science, health science and education. This course is intended for transfer students interested in statistical analysis.

SD City	Cuyamaca	Grossmont	MiraCosta	Palomar
CISC 179 Intro to Python Programming	No Equiv.	CSIS 250	CS 138	CSIT 175
INWT 100 Computing FUND (A+)	CIS 120	CSIS 120	CSIT 180	CSNT 110
INWT 101 Intro to Info. Sec.	No Equiv.	No Equiv.	No Equiv.	No Equiv.
INWT 120 Network FUND (Net+)	CIS 125	CSIS 125	CSIT 181	CSNT 111
INWT 125 Cloud+ (Cloud Architecture)	No Equiv.	In Prog.	No Equiv.	CSNT 151
INWT 140 Security FUND (Sec+)	CIS 263	CSIS 263	CSIT 182	CSNT 181
INWT 145 Linux Administration (Linux+)	CIS 191	CSIS 113	CSIT 184	CSCI 130
INWT 170 Net. Defense & CM (CySA+)	No Equiv.	In Prog.	CSIT 186	CSNT 250
INWT 200 Eth. Hacking & PenTest	CIS 264	CSIS 264	CSIT 188	CSNT 255

*MATH 119 Elementary Statistics	MATH 160	MATH 160	MATH 103	MATH 120
*CISC 246 Discrete Math for Comp. Sci.	MATH 245	MATH 245	MATH 245	MATH 245

* A course in statistics is required (Math, Psychology, Business, or Political Science are all acceptable subject areas), as well as a course in Discrete Mathematics or Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science are highly recommended, and will eventually be a requirement due to the accreditation that City is seeking.

Estimated Cost of Enrollment (CA Residents)

	Required Units	Cost Per Unit	Estimated Total
CSUGE (IGETC)	*39 (34)	$46	$1,794 ($1,564)
AS - Cybersecurity	*32	$46	$1,472
Full Program	71 (66)		$3,266 ($3,036)

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.

Full Time

David Kennemer, M.S. Information Security and Assurance

Adjunct