Cybersecurity Specialist (Applied), Certificate of Achievement

This Pace+ certificate program provides students with a strong foundation in cybersecurity and computer networking, emphasizing the essential knowledge and skills required to protect and monitor modern information systems. The pre-planned sequencing of coursework and competencies builds on prior learning, ensuring students are best prepared to succeed as they progress through the coursework. For students with work experience, this program will provide them with the knowledge and skills to move up the career ladder to a Cybersecurity Specialist role or to progress further along a cybersecurity career path. Coursework covers cyber hygiene, network fundamentals, operating systems, scripting basics, cryptography, and network defense, along with hands-on experience using Splunk for security monitoring and threat analysis. Technical labs and applied assignments help students build practical competencies in securing networks, identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing system activity, and documenting security procedures. Upon completion, students are prepared for entry-level roles in cybersecurity and network security environments.

40-60 completers annually

A primary mission of the California Community Colleges is to advance California’s economic growth and global competitiveness through education, training, and services that contribute to continuous workforce improvement (Ed Code 66010.4, item 3). The Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate of Specialization supports this mission by preparing students for high-demand roles such as Cybersecurity Technician, Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, Network Security Specialist, and Information Security Analyst across all industry sectors.

This certificate provides learners with foundational and applied skills in cyber hygiene, networked systems, security monitoring, incident response, operating systems security, basic scripting, and hands-on work with security tools such as Splunk. Courses emphasize core cybersecurity competencies aligned with national CAE-CD knowledge units, including network defense, basic cryptography, operating systems concepts, cyber operations, and cyber crime. Students develop the ability to monitor system activity, identify vulnerabilities, analyze security events, implement defense strategies, and follow documented procedures used in professional cybersecurity environments.

A certificate in cybersecurity signals to employers that recipients possess essential knowledge and practical skills to help protect digital assets, support security operations, and respond to cyber threats in business, government, and nonprofit environments. Cybersecurity roles continue to expand in Southern California, with Information Security Analysts earning median wages well above regional living-wage thresholds and thousands of projected annual openings statewide. The Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate provides both new and current IT workers with the training needed to progress into security-focused roles and advance along a cybersecurity career pathway.

This Pace+ program requires additional application and registration requirements.  Please meet with a Coastline counselor for further information.

40-60 completers annually