Proposal Information
Program & Award Information
The Certificate of Achievement in Cybersecurity follows the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework and the Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) with the common goal of developing knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform foundational cybersecurity tasks. The curriculum includes hands-on experience in virtual environments that simulate real-world scenarios in the domains of security provisions, operations and maintenance, governance, protection and defense, analysis, collection, and investigation.
This pathway includes preparation for industry-recognized certifications geared towards preparing students for a successful career in cybersecurity workforce roles that have an impact on an organization’s ability to protect its data, systems, and operations.
The Computer Information Systems department requires students to complete all requirements for the degree within five years.
San Diego City College’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) program offers various areas of study:
- The Computer and Information Sciences (CISC) area of study introduces students to essentials of computer programming and software, database, and game development. The associate degree and certificate curriculum prepares students for programming careers, as well as transfer into four-year programs. The goal is for students to exit with the fundamental skills needed to continue undergraduate education and to be successful in a chosen career.
- The Information, Network, and Web Technologies (INWT) area of study focuses on technical knowledge and decision-making capabilities regarding computer systems, network administration, and foundational cybersecurity. The associate degree and certificate curriculum prepares students for careers in information technology (IT) management, technical support, and systems security and administration, as well as transfer into four-year programs. Students of all backgrounds and skill levels train for relevance in today's workforce.
- The Cyber Defense and Analysis (CYDA) area of study develops advanced skills to interpret business needs, proactively defend computer networks, identify and analyze threats, and maintain cybersecurity resilience. The baccalaureate curriculum prepares students for careers in cyber-workforce operations.
Program Goals
- Be poised to enter professional positions in a cybersecurity related occupation or continue to a graduate study in cybersecurity or a related field of interest.
- Be informed, active individuals engaged in the global community, social justice advocacy, and the highest level of professional ethics.
- Pursue lifelong learning opportunities to improve and expand their technical and professional skills.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice, taking into account legal, ethical, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles consistent with the mission of the institution.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
Learning outcomes for baccalaureate programs will reflect a higher level of nuance, application, and complexity than associate degree program outcomes. Baccalaureate courses and programs generally require a high level of abstract thought (e.g., synthesis, analysis, creation). Career Technical Education (CTE) programs typically emphasize learning outcomes associated with the application of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to practices. Such professional programs typically include mapping student learning objectives to industry defined KSAs.
Students completing certificates of performance and achievement and associate degrees in Computer Information Systems, will be able to:
- Demonstrate abilities in the use of software and programming that meet requirements for certain industry jobs or transfer to four-year institutions majoring in computer and IT-related career.
- Employ critical thinking and enhanced computer and software skills as it relates to problem solving.
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills, such as leadership, delegation of authority, accountability, consensus building, communication, conflict resolution, and team-building.
- Identify, review, and evaluate network security threats and corresponding prevention principles and practices as it relates to all IT disciplines.
- Identify and apply current project-management principles to technology projects.
Careers in the cyber workforce or information security field include: cyber defense analyst, information security consultant, security administrator, security analyst, security engineer, security auditor, incident responder, penetration tester, vulnerability assessor, support technician, systems administrator, network administrator, and network specialist.