Automotive Cybersecurity, Certificate of Achievement

This program equips students with the foundational knowledge and technical skills necessary to safeguard electronic systems, networks, and software in modern vehicles against unauthorized access, manipulation, and cyber threats. This program prepares graduates for careers in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity for connected and autonomous vehicles. The curriculum integrates core principles of automotive technology, information security, and ethical hacking to provide a robust and industry-relevant education.

The department expects 15 students to complete each year. Statewide data from the Chancellor’s Office report that completions for separate Automotive and Networking programs are 30 annually. 

The Certificate of Achievement in Automotive Cybersecurity is designed to prepare students for a variety of roles in the growing field of vehicle cybersecurity. Career opportunities include positions such as automotive cybersecurity specialist, vehicle systems security analyst, connected vehicle security consultant, autonomous vehicle cybersecurity technician, and information security analyst within automotive or transportation-related industries. Graduates may find employment with automotive manufacturers, technology companies, government agencies, or consulting firms specializing in cybersecurity for connected and autonomous vehicles. These roles involve safeguarding vehicle systems, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and addressing emerging cyber threats in automotive technologies. 

 This program equips students with the foundational knowledge and technical skills necessary to safeguard electronic systems, networks, and software in modern vehicles against unauthorized access, manipulation, and cyber threats. This program prepares graduates for careers in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity for connected and autonomous vehicles. The curriculum integrates core principles of automotive technology, information security, and ethical hacking to provide a robust and industry-relevant education.

Program Requirements 

Required Courses: 

AUTO 200 Introduction to Automotive Technology        3 units        Yr 1 Fall 

COSS 273 Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures        4 units        Yr 1 Fall 

AUTO 230 Automotive Computer Systems            3 units        Yr 2 Spring 

COSS 270 Information Security Fundamentals            1 unit        Yr 2 Spring 

This certificate will consist of courses currently offered at LBCC by the Automotive Technology and Information Technology Cybersecurity programs. No new courses or faculty will be required.The college currently offers programs in the Computer Security/Networking and Automotive Technology disciplines. 

Associate in Science Degrees: Automotive Technology – Associate in Science; Certificates of Achievement: Automotive Engine and Transmission Service – Certificate of Achievement; Automotive Engine Performance Service – Certificate of Achievement; Automotive Maintenance Service – Certificate of Achievement; Automotive Technology – Certificate of Achievement; Certificates of Accomplishment: Automotive Quick Service – Certificate of Accomplishment; Certificates of Completion: Automotive Quick Service – Certificate of Completion; Light-Duty Diesel Generator Engine Maintenance – Certificate of Completion. 

Associate in Science Degrees: Cloud Computing – Associate in Science; Computer Security and Networking – Associate in Science; Information Technology Cybersecurity – Associate in Science; Certificates of Achievement: Cloud Computing – Certificate of Achievement; Computer Hardware Technician – Certificate of Achievement; Computer Security and Networking – Certificate of Achievement; Cyber Security – Certificate of Achievement; Information Technology Cybersecurity – Certificate of Achievement; Microsoft Windows Networking Technician – Certificate of Achievement; UNIX Network Administrator – Certificate of Achievement. 

LBCC currently offers Certificates of Achievement in Advanced Transportation Technology and Information Technology Cybersecurity. El Camino College and Santa Ana College offer various Automotive Technology certificates, and Coastline College offers a Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate of Achievement. No colleges have been identified which offer a program that combines Automotive and Cybersecurity courses into a single certificate.

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