Program Mapper: View course options for these programs.
- Cyber Defense Associate in Science degree = minimum 60 units (2 years)
- Cyber Defense Certificate = 26-28 units (2 semesters) (Cybersecurity with one of the following emphases)
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 16-18 unit certificate program options in cybersecurity including Cisco, DevSecOps, System Administration and Technical Support and Cloud Computing.
Depending on the program and the number of units taken each semester, completing a certificate program can take as little as two to three 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 3-4 units per course. Unit fees for the 16-unit certificate would be $736. Most students also qualify for some financial aid.
After completion of certificates and degrees in CIS, many of our students acquire the skills, including identifying and analyzing security threats and vulnerabilities, manage local and wide area networks, implement cloud computing and virtualization solutions, and administer Windows and Linux operating systems, necessary for workforce preparation and to pursue a professional career in the field of Cybersecurity Analyst, Network Management, Cloud Architect, and System Administration and Support.
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.
I joined Cypress College as a computer networking professor in 2002. Since then, I have further established the Cisco Local Academy, offering a range of courses including a series of five courses to prepare students for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) and Cisco CyberOps Associate industry certifications. I have been involved in establishing Cybersecurity and Cyber Defense certificate program and Cyber Defense AS degree in our CIS department. I am currently the Point of Contact (PoC) for our Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
My teaching experience includes over 25 years of instruction in Information Systems and Technology, Network Management, Windows & Linux Operating Systems, Microsoft Office, Project Management, Wireless Networking, IT Fundamentals, Cloud Computing, Network Security and Ethical Hacking. I currently represent our division in Curriculum Committee and serve as Computer Science and Cybersecurity student club faculty advisor.
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.
