Information Security Certificate of Achievement

The Information Security Certificate of Achievement is designed for students who want a career in information security and cyber defense. Threats to information security are on the rise, and professionals are needed to keep our vital information out of the hands of criminals. Students begin with the fundamentals of information technology and then specialize in security. Students learn the fundamentals of information security, how to find vulnerabilities using advanced hacking techniques, how to defend themselves from threats, and how to discover and preserve digital evidence. Flexible courses teach the knowledge and skills necessary to start a career and prepare students for industry certification exams.

Each year a total of 80 students are expected to enroll with approximately 15 earning the Information Security Certificate of Achievement per year. With a strong labor market, the program is expected to grow.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for the new Information Security Certificate of Achievement in Career Education. The certificate is designed to train students in the practice of defending computer systems from threats. The need for information workers has been advocated by local employers spanning many industries and is supported by labor market research (TOP 0708.00). The certificate is aligned with Cabrillo’s mission, master plan, and statewide community college work in Guided Pathways. Approval of this certificate will benefit regional employers, fulfill the needs of the local community, augment college enrollment, and support non-traditional and underserved minoritized students in a viable career and academic path. Upon completion, students will have the knowledge and skills they need to enter the workforce or continue their studies in the field. The goal is for certificate completers to be employed within a year of program completion or to advance to an associate’s degree. The earning potential of a graduate is promising, with a starting salary of $46,000-$65,000/year in jobs such as Information Security Analyst and Security Engineer. It is critical to provide community college students with educational and professional experience and opportunities necessary to be successful when they continue on to higher degrees or certificate

There are 28 required units in computer and information security and 2-4 units of electives in computer and information security for a total of 31-32 required units.  

The Information Security Certificate of Achievement builds on the Computer Information Systems Foundations Certificate of Achievement for students who want to specialize in information security. It supersedes and replaces the Cybersecurity Basics Certificate of Achievement. 

Hartnell College and Gavilan College have delivered Computer Information System programs for several years and both report that our programs would not negatively affect their respective programs. Contacted for approval: Guy Hannah, Associate Dean of Career Technical Education Hartnell College Office 831.710.7886 ghannah@hartnell.edu and Susan Sweeney, Dean of Career Education, Workforce & Partnerships Gavilan College Office: 831-646-4039 ssweeney@gavilan.edu 408-848-4757.