Build Your Future in Cybersecurity
Cypress College’s Cybersecurity Program provides students with the foundation necessary to enter into the growing cybersecurity industry. Courses within this program prepares students in taking their first steps toward industry recognized certificates. The Cypress College Cybersecurity Program also offers a two-year Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Cyber Defense.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Various 12-unit certificate program options in computer networking, including Cisco, Cybersecurity, and Microsoft Networking.
Depending on the program and the number of units taken each semester, completing a certificate program can take as little as one to two semesters. Students may also choose to apply some of their coursework to a business degree.
The program cost is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is 3 units per course. Unit fees for the 12-unit certificate would be $552. Most students also qualify for some financial aid.
Cyber Security, Network Technician, and Cisco Technician skills enable students to pursue careers in the below areas. The mean salary range for Computer Network Support Specialists is $62,340 annually (careeronestop.org).
Computer Systems Analyst $85,800
Information Systems Analyst $90,120
Office Manager $51,000
Network Architect $100,240
Software Developer $98,260
Web Developer $64,970
Source: U.S. News Best Technology Jobs Salary Guide
After completion of certificates and degrees in CIS, many of our students start and continue careers in network administration. These high in-demand careers are sought after in every aspect of business and industry.
Program Mapper: View course options for these programs.
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- Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Cyber Defense (60 units)
- Cybersecurity Certificate (12 units)
- Cyber Defense Certificate (24-30 units)
- Computer Forensics Emphasis (18 units)
- Cisco Networking Emphasis (12 units)
- Homeland Transportation Security Emphasis (18 units)
- Microsoft Networking Emphasis (12 units)
- Network Virtualization Emphasis (12 units)
- Advanced Networking Emphasis (12 units)
There are no additional requirements to enroll in this program; however, some courses may have prerequisites that can be viewed in the Cypress College Catalog and the Schedule of Classes.
Henry Hua
Cisco Networking Course Director
Email: hhua@cypresscollege.edu
Phone: (714) 484-7211
Russ Alizadeh
Cisco Networking Course Director
Email: ralizadeh@cypresscollege.edu
Phone: (714) 484-7211
Ben Izadi
Cisco Networking Course Director
Email: bizadi@cypresscollege.edu
Phone: (714) 484-7000
Goal: Develop and implement a Pathway to Advancement of Cybersecurity Education (PACE) from middle school to four-year college with multiple opportunities for employment exit points.
- Objective 1: Collaborate and develop a plan with the following stakeholders:
- AUHSD: Magnolia, Western, Oxford, Kennedy, Cypress
- UCI, Cypress College
- Objective 2: Embed cybersecurity into middle and high school curriculum
- National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center (NICERC)
- Cyber content in k-12 curriculum, working with college partners to ensure the content is beneficial and relevant
- Embed cyber content in Math Fundamental courses (6th to 8th), Algebra 1 (9th grade), Physics (11th grade), Computer Science and Advanced Math (12th grade)
- Pilot Cyber Literacy 1 and Cyber Literacy 2 by Fall of 2017
- Several Meetings with NICERC and Stakeholders
- Initiated partnership with NICERV
- National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center (NICERC)
- Objective 3: Provide outreach events to generate interest in cybersecurity
- CyberPatriot Program
- National Youth Cyber Defense Competition sponsored by Air Force Association
- HS and MS teams competing nationally to secure Linux and Windows operating systems
- Cypress College CPX
- Training/Competition Events: 13
- Total # of MS/HS Participants: ?
- Total # of teams: 31 (22 MS, 9 HS)
- Best Rankings: Top MS team ranked 10th in the nation out of 1110 teams; top HS team ranked 68th in the nation out of 2757 teams
- Mentorship
- 8 college mentors visited 9 schools for weekly trainings
- CyberPatriot Program
- Objective 4: Develop a cybersecurity certificate and AA degree programs
- Cybersecurity Certificate
- Cyber Defense Certificate
- Cyber Defense AA Degree
- Objective 5: Provide articulation and alignment with 4-year institutions
- Collaboration with UCI to take PACE beyond AA degree
- Pursue articulation agreement for other 4-year colleges, including California State Universities
- Objective 6: Prepare Cypress College to become a CAE2Y Institution
- Center of Academic Excellence for 2-Year colleges
- Prestigious college designation based on program oversight by NSA and DHS
- Benefits
- Identifies our college as a Center of Cybersecurity
- Distinguishes the quality of our CD program
- Provides opportunities for grants and attract cybersecurity students
- Objective 7: Evaluate PACE and recommend best practices
The Cyber Defense certificate provides concepts and hands-on kills to identify cybersecurity threats and implement procedures to protect cyber assets. It will also enhance a student’s chances to pursue a professional career in cybersecurity by giving them various options to prepare for industry-recognized certifications such as Security+, CEH, CCNA, MCSE, and CCNA Security. To earn a certificate, complete the required courses as listed with a minimum of “C”. At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College.
The CyberPatriot Program was founded by the AFA (Air Force Association) to help young minds be more aware of different careers involving cybersecurity. Students are given a scenario in which they are responsible for securing vulnerabilities in virtual machines to strengthen its defenses. During the annual CyberPatriot National Youth Competition students will develop leadership skills and learn to work in a group environment.
Cypress College is a member of the SoCal Cybersecurity Community College Consortium Cypress College provides knowledgeable Mentors to tutor students competing in the annual national competition. Mentors provide weekly training at participating schools. Cypress College additionally hosts local competitions once a month to provide training and exposure for students in information security.
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Gather 2-6 people to form a team.
- Step 2: Find a coach (teacher/parent).
- Step 3: Connect with the CyberPatriot Team at Cypress College to have weekly training after school at your school.
- Step 4: Register your team!
CyberPatriot Volunteer Registration Form
Awards Night
This past March 1 and 2, CyberPatriot students celebrated their success in the CyberPatriot X competition. The event was hosted by Cypress College where students received awards (medals, trophies, and certificates) and were recognized by the school, parents, and coaches. For this competition, nine different middle and high schools received training from the Cypress College mentors.
In the past year, Cypress College’s CyberPatriot Program has nearly doubled its number of students and continues to send teams to the semifinal round of CyberPatriot.
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Ben Izadi
Cybersecurity Course Director
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Russ Alizadeh
Cybersecurity Instructor
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Henry Hua
Cybersecurity Instructor
Median Salary in this Field:
$55,000-$62,340 Per Year
Careers in this Field
Computer Network Specialists, Cyber Security Technicians,
Cisco Specialists
