Complete List of Cybersecurity Programs In California

Program Summary

Coastline’s affordable associate program in cybersecurity prepares students for entry-level cybersecurity roles by teaching networking, ethical hacking, forensics, programming, and security policy. 

Students learn to assess and reduce risks, resolve security issues, and create best-practice policies for industries like finance, healthcare, and national security.

• CAE designation: CAE-CD
• Delivery method: Campus
• Total tuition cost (Cost of all Credits): $2,760 in-state | $23,280 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $46 in-state | $388 out-of-state
• Credits: 60

Highlights:

• Hands-On Training: Combines labs, real-world cybersecurity exercises, and technical writing to build in-demand skills.
• Risk and Threat Analysis: Builds the ability to assess security risks, minimize impact, and apply risk-management best practices.
• Network and System Security: Covers networking fundamentals, server administration, and methods to design and maintain secure networks.
• Ethics and Human Factors: Emphasizes the human role in security, including ethics and how to reduce social-engineering vulnerabilities.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Students learn how to resolve issues with networking hardware and software.

Program Summary

The Cypress College Cyber Defense AS degree teaches students to spot cybersecurity threats and protect digital assets through hands-on training. 

The program prepares graduates for certifications like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, Cisco CCNA/CyberOps, and AWS Cloud credentials.

• CAE designation: CAE-CD
• Delivery method: Campus
• Total tuition cost (Cost of all credits): $2,760 in-state | $22,320 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $46 in-state | $372 out-of-state
• Credits: 60-62

Highlights: 

• Basics for Cybersecurity Jobs: Builds a solid foundation to start a career in cybersecurity and prepares students for industry certifications.
• Learn by Doing: Uses labs and simulations to teach how to spot threats and protect digital assets in realistic scenarios.
• Expert Teachers: Courses are led by seasoned cybersecurity professionals and experts.

Program Summary

The associate’s program at Chaffey builds a foundation in computer systems, networking, and programming before advancing to cyber defense. 

• CAE Designation: None
• Delivery method: Campus
• Total tuition cost (cost of all credits): $2,898 in-state | $28,980 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $46 in-state | $460 out-of-state
• Credits: 66-67

Highlights:

• Learn Everything: Build a strong foundation before diving into cloud computing, forensics, and ethical hacking. 
• Exciting Job Path: Prepares students for a rewarding cybersecurity career and for top certifications like Security+, PenTest+ and CISSP.
• Real Practice: Uses labs and real-world simulations to develop practical skills in cyber defense, automation, and advanced hacking techniques.

Program Summary

In this program, students learn how to install and manage client and server operating systems, build and secure wired or wireless networks, and harden servers against intrusion.

Graduates are prepared for roles ranging from entry-level network support to high-level security engineering.

• CAE designation: CAE-CD
• Delivery method: Campus
• Total tuition (cost of all credits): $3,120 in-state | $25,080 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $52 in-state | $418 out-of-state
• Credits: 60

Highlights: 

• Hands-On: Students build skills by setting up networks, configuring servers, and hardening systems.
• Build Relative Skills: The curriculum covers the exact tools and techniques employers look for in cybersecurity roles.
• Certification Ready: Coursework prepares students to pursue credentials like CompTIA Security+, Network+, or Certified Ethical Hacker.

Program Summary

A Cybersecurity AA/AS degree at Sierra College prepares students for careers as network administrators and cybersecurity professionals. Students learn how to build and secure computer networks, manage client and server operating systems, and defend against cyber threats. 

Core courses cover Python programming, network fundamentals, server administration, network security and firewalls, and ethical hacking.

• CAE Designation: CAE-CD
• Delivery method: Campus
• Total tuition cost (cost of all credits): $2,806 in-state | $25,254 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $46 in-state | $414 out-of-state
• Credits: 61

Highlights: 

• Core Cybersecurity Skills: Students learn to build and protect computer networks, manage operating systems, and defend.
• Prepare for Industry Certifications: Course work aligns with valuable industry exams like CompTIA and other credentials.
• Learn from Experience: Students work with experienced instructors and industry professionals to understand real security challenges.

Program Summary

The curriculum follows national cybersecurity workforce frameworks and prepares students for industry certifications.

Students learn how to monitor and protect networks, assess business risks, and respond to modern cyber threats.

• CAE Designation: None
• Delivery method : Online and Campus
• Total tuition cost: $37,080 in-state | $53,040 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $309 in-state | $442 out-of-state
• Credits : 120

Highlights:

• Affordable: Earn a bachelor’s in Cyber Defense and Analysis at community college tuition.
• Prepared for Certifications: Curriculum matches national cybersecurity standards and prepares you for key certifications.
• Practical Cyber Skills: Get real experience defending networks, analyzing threats, and managing cyber risks.

Program Summary

The program at CSUM blends technical depth with real work. Graduates get a broad understanding of how people, processes, and technology work together to secure information. 

• CAE designation: CAE-CD
• Delivery method: Online
• Annual tuition: $8,458 in-state | $19,114 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $70 in-state | $159 out-of-state
• Credits: 120

Highlights:

• Comprehensive: Includes hacking, cryptography, defense, forensics, and enterprise security.
• Ready for Work: Prepares graduates for jobs such as security analyst, penetration tester, and cybersecurity engineer.
• Professional Focus: Builds teamwork, communication, and ethical decision-making to help develop successful cyber careers.

Program Summary

CSUF covers everything from algorithms and software engineering to areas like computer security, databases, game design, and intelligent systems. Students will start with core programming and data structures before advancing to specialized topics. 

• CAE designation: CAE-CD
• Delivery method: Campus 
• Annual tuition: $7,470 in-state | $20,070 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $62 in-state | $167 out-of-state
• Credits: 120 units

Highlights:

• Accredited Degree: ABET-accredited program recognized for quality and rigor.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers algorithms, software engineering, security, databases, and game design.
• Strong Foundation: Starts with core programming and data structures to build strong fundamentals.
• Career Preparation: Prepares graduates for diverse software development and tech careers.

Program Summary

California Baptist University meets NSA and Department of Homeland Security standards and is guided by the university’s Center for Cybersecurity. 

As a CompTIA academic partner, CBU integrates multiple certifications directly into the coursework so students get a head start on industry credentials. 

• CAE designation: CAE-CD 
• Delivery method: Online
• Total Tuition Cost: $24,960
• 2026 Cost per credit: $520
• Credits: 48 units 

Highlights:

• NSA & DHS Recognized: Program meets National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense standards.
• Built-In Certifications: CompTIA and other key cybersecurity certifications integrated into the curriculum.
• Flexible Online Format: 100% online, accelerated eight-week courses with year-round semesters.
• Transfer Friendly: Accepts prior credits so you can finish your degree faster.

Program Summary

The Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering gives focused training for professionals protecting organizations and communities from cyber threats. Students gain expertise in the engineering aspects of software and hardware security and the skills needed to lead.

• CAE designation: CAE-CD
• Delivery method: Online or Campus
• Total tuition: $38,700
• 2026 Cost per credit: $1,290
• Credits: 30

Highlights:

• Flexible: Complete the program fully online or on campus to fit your schedule.
• Engineering Focus: Gain advanced skills in both software and hardware security.
• Designed for Professionals: Curriculum tailored to working information security practitioners.

Program Summary

Cal Poly Pomona’s online Master of Science in Information Security builds on more than 50 years of cybersecurity education and its long-standing NSA designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence. 

The STEM designated and AACSB accredited program delivers a thorough online curriculum with both live evening sessions and flexible coursework.

• CAE designation: CAE-CD
• Delivery method: Campus or Online
• Total tuition: $77,280 in-state | $91,980 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $2,208 in-state | $2,628 out-of-state
• Credits: 35
• GRE Requirement: Not Required

Highlights:

• Nationally Recognized: NSA-designated National Center of Academic Excellence in cybersecurity.
• Fully Online: Live evening classes and flexible coursework.
• High Value Credentials: STEM and AACSB accredited for industry relevance.
• Career Focused: Prepares graduates for roles in cybersecurity, IT auditing, and computer forensics.

Program Summary

The program at CSUSB develops the skills needed to handle cyber threats and communicate strategic intelligence to government, military, law enforcement, and private sector leaders.

Open to all academic backgrounds and requiring no prior technical experience.

• CAE designation: CAE-CD
• Delivery method: Campus
• Total tuition: $15,210 in-state | $31,590 out-of-state
• 2026 Cost per credit: $390 in-state | $810 out-of-state
• Credits: 39
• GRE requirement : Required

Highlights:

• Open to All Backgrounds: No prior technical experience required for admission.
• Intelligence Community Designation: Part of the Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (IC CAE).
• Flexible Capstone Options: Complete a thesis or comprehensive exams to graduate.

Program Summary

The curriculum at Dominguez Hills builds advanced skills in protecting IT infrastructures, operating systems, and networks from security breaches while offering flexible classes.

• CAE designation: None
• Delivery method: Campus
• Annual tuition: $23,000-$25,000
• 2026 Cost per credit: $759 per unit
• Credits: 30

Highlights:

• Accelerated Learning: Complete the degree in just 18 months through a cohort model.
• Capstone: Finish with a faculty-supervised cybersecurity research project.
• Advanced Skills: Gain expertise in protecting IT systems, networks, and operating systems.
• Flexible Schedule: Late afternoon, evening, and weekend classes for working professionals.