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Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree and Steer the Future of Digital Defense.

±¬ÁÏÉçÇø’s bachelor’s in cybersecurity equips you with the skills to protect digital assets, organizations and even nations from increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Choose from a fully online format or a hybrid option with one in-person class per semester at our Chula Vista campus.

During your final-year capstone project, you’ll apply your cyberdefense expertise in real-world settings, partnering with organizations to tackle genuine security challenges. 

There’s never been a better time to launch your cybersecurity career. Cyberthreats are rapidly rising, and the industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals to meet this challenge—up to 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled globally. 

 

ONLINE OPTION PROGRAM DETAILSCHULA VISTA HYBRID OPTION PROGRAM DETAILS

 

Attend an Information Session

Join an Online Information Session
Learn more about the online BS in Cybersecurity through a brief, informal webinar and Q&A session: 

• Please revisit for upcoming informational sessions in the future.

 

Admission and Costs

Admission

This is a degree-completion program. Students must complete required prerequisite courses and some transferable units. Additionally, applicants are required to fulfill the CSU general education transfer requirements. 

Credit for Prior Learning

If you hold CompTIA or CISCO Certified Network Associate certifications, you may qualify for academic credit, potentially reducing the number of courses required for your bachelor’s degree. To explore your eligibility for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), please consult with a ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø advisor. Our department faculty will assess your certifications to determine how they can contribute to your BS in Cybersecurity.

   

Costs and Financial Aid

• $545 per unit
• Discounts available for active-duty military
• Eligible for financial aid

 

Curriculum Highlights

The BS in Cybersecurity curriculum provides a thorough exploration of the multifaceted aspects of cybersecurity, including organizational data systems, network infrastructure, device security and critical service protections, offering a broad and integrated perspective. 

 

Careers and Job Outlooks

 

FAQ

• What is a degree-completion program?
  Degree-completion programs at ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø cater to individuals who have initiated, yet not completed, their four-year undergraduate degrees. If you have earned at least 60 transferable units, you are eligible for this coveted bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Cal State San Marcos. 
• What is a cohort?
  A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic degree. Because they are accepted into the same program, take their classes together and graduate together, students in cohorts form strong bonds, creating a support system and professional network that proves beneficial during and after the program. 
• What's the difference between the online and hybrid formats?

  Both formats are taught by the same ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø faculty and follow the same curriculum. The fully online option allows you to complete all coursework remotely with no campus visits required. The hybrid format includes one in-person class per semester at our Chula Vista campus at Southwestern College, giving you the flexibility of online learning while providing valuable face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers.

• What colleges can BS Cybersecurity students transfer from?
  Students from various community colleges across the nation as well as in Southern California, including Palomar College, MiraCosta College, Southwestern Community College and Imperial Valley College, are well-equipped to transition into our online BS Cybersecurity program.
• What kinds of careers will I be prepared for after completing this program?
  Students who complete this program can pursue a career as cybersecurity analyst, cybersecurity engineer, network engineer, systems engineer, DevSecOps engineer, software developer, cybersecurity manager, penetration and vulnerability tester, systems administrator, cybersecurity consultant, cybersecurity specialist and information security officer, just to name a few prominent roles. 
• What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?
  Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn how we can help. 
• Why should I pursue a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity instead of just certifications?
  Opting for a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity offers a comprehensive educational experience that extends beyond the technical skills taught in certifications. This degree provides a solid foundation in computer science, mathematics and business, essential for a holistic understanding of the cybersecurity landscape and better career advancement opportunities. 
• How does this major prepare me for the master's program? Do any units transfer to the MS?
  Our BS in Cybersecurity program includes flexible electives, allowing you to take master-level courses that directly count toward a future master's degree. This seamless integration not only saves you time but also prepares you for advanced studies by giving you early exposure to graduate-level content and research opportunities. 
• How does the Senior Cybersecurity Capstone (CYBR 490) work?
  In the Senior Cybersecurity Capstone, you will engage in practical, hands-on projects by partnering with real organizations under the guidance of a faculty mentor. This semester-long capstone is designed to simulate the responsibilities of a cybersecurity consultant, involving comprehensive security analysis, the creation of mitigation strategies and the implementation of security solutions tailored to real-world business needs. 
• What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and how can it benefit me?
  Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows you to earn academic credits for skills and knowledge you've acquired outside of a traditional classroom. This can help reduce the number of courses needed for your degree, saving you time and money while accelerating your path to graduation.
• How do I apply for CPL?

  Start by contacting your ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø advisor, who will guide you through the CPL process. You’ll need to provide proof of your certifications and/or provide supporting documentation demonstrating your learning, knowledge or skill acquired through experience. Once the appropriate paperwork has been received, the department faculty will assess which credits you qualify for.

• What certifications are pre-approved for CPL?
  The following industry-recognized certifications are currently approved for credit in the Cybersecurity program:

  • CompTIA certifications
    • CompTIA Network+
    •  CompTIA A+ 
    • CompTIA Security+ 
    • CompTIA Linux+ 
    • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)  
    • CompTIA PenTest+
  • CISCO certification
    • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

  If you hold one or more of these certifications, you may be eligible to receive academic credit.
• Can other forms of experience besides certifications count towards CPL?
  Yes, beyond certifications, prior experience such as work or military experience may also qualify for credit. Faculty at ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø will review these experiences on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility.