Cybersecurity Basics

The Cybersecurity Basics Certificate of Achievement is designed for students who would like to increase knowledge of or pursue a specialization in cybersecurity. The certificate covers topics in the major areas of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), networking, and cybersecurity. Students enhance their knowledge and skills in cybersecurity principles from basic tools and online safety to reverse engineering programs and the ethical and legal issues related to cybersecurity. In addition, students gain knowledge of basic computer hardware and software, computer networks, and job responsibilities for ICT professionals. 

This certificate provides hands-on real-life scenarios in the regional and national cybersecurity competitions. This program provides a foundation for students to continue on to pursue advanced certificates and degrees in Computer and Information Systems (CIS), ICT, and cybersecurity. Students can pursue advancement in the cybersecurity career pathway and/or place into jobs such as computer user support specialists, computer network support specialists, and computer systems analysts/information security analysts.

A total of 20 students are expected to enroll with potential for annual growth. Completion rates of the Certificate of Achievement are expected to be five to ten per year with a potential for annual growth.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for the new Cybersecurity Basics Certificate of Achievement in Career Education. The program is an introduction to cybersecurity designed to upskill students. The need for cybersecurity has been advocated for by local, regional, and national governments and consortiums and supported by current, regional labor market research (TOP 0708.00).  The Cybersecurity Basics Certificate of Achievement is aligned with Cabrillo’s mission, master plan, and statewide community college work in Guided Pathways.  Approval of this program will benefit regional employers, fulfill cybersecurity needs of the local community, augment college enrollment, and support non-traditional and underserved minority students in a viable career and academic path. This program would give students the knowledge and skills they need to complete higher level cybersecurity certificates or excel in the workforce. The goal is for certificate completers to be gainfully employed by the 4th Fiscal Quarter, or continue with a higher level certificate in cybersecurity or an associate’s degree. Working with employers to identify earning potential is promising. Job seekers looking for roles as computer network support specialists and computer systems analysts/information security analysts have potential for a starting salary of $120,000-$188,000/year.

Labor market analysis indicates there is a large labor market gap in the Bay region with 2,705 annual openings for the Information Technology occupational cluster and 71 annual (3-year average) awards for an annual undersupply of 2,634 students. In the SC-Monterey Sub-Region, there is also a gap with 299 annual openings and no annual (3-year average) awards for an annual undersupply of 299 students.

Sixteen total units in computer science including 8 required units and 8 elective units. 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
CIS71	Information & Communication Technology Essentials	4.00	S1
CIS15 or CIS90 (electives)	Python Programming for Everyone or Intro to UNIX/Linux	3.00-4.00	S1
CIS133A, 134A or 135A	Cybersecurity Competitions 1A, 2A, or 3A	1.00	S1
CIS81	Introduction to Networks	4.00	S2
CIS15 or CIS90 (electives)	Python Programming for Everyone or Intro to UNIX/Linux	3.00-4.00	S2
CIS133A, 134A or 135A	Cybersecurity Competitions 1A, 2A, or 3A	1.00	S2

Cybersecurity is a growing part of the Computer and Information Systems (CIS) program. Preparing student for the evolving challenges in cybersecurity is a goal of Cabrillo’s CIS department. The courses in the Cybersecurity Basics Certificate of Achievement have been developed, based on a demonstrated need, to create foundations for students to on-ramp to higher level cybersecurity courses already established in the CIS department. The cybersecurity faculty in the CIS department work closely with local high schools and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. Together with our local partners, we participate in growing regional partnerships to increase the region’s available on-ramps to the local cybersecurity workforce.  

There are four (4) community colleges in the Bay Region issuing 71 awards on average annually (last 3 years ending 2018-19) on TOP 0708.00 Computer Infrastructure and Support. In the SC-Monterey Sub-Region, there are no community colleges that issued awards in the last three years using this TOP code.