10 Best Cybersecurity Universities in California: Just as Scholarspoll has a compiled list of the 10 Best Cybersecurity Universities In The United Kingdom, we also researched and compiled a list of the 10 Best Cybersecurity universities in California with some important pieces of information you might need.
Are you a resident of California and you desire to have skills in Cybersecurity, enrolling in one of the best schools will help your desire grow into a mind-blowing career. With over 50 I.T (information technology) companies in California, the state provides many job opportunities for people that desire to have a career in cybersecurity.
10 Best Cyber Security Universities in California.
1. National University:
Located in La Jolla, CA.
Private, non-profit ‧ 4-year
The National University is regarded as one of the best private institutions to study cyber security in California, the institution established in 1971 is widely known for its real-time virtual classroom learning and asynchronous learning which enhances its students technologically.
NU (National University) offers degree programs across all their campus in California, they also have different online programs and a satellite campus situated in Nevada.
You can study two Cyber Security degree programs at this university which includes;
✓. Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security:
Taking the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity will prepare you to become network defenders, computer incident responders, and top security analysts. The school provides materials that give you a full understanding of some security processes as well as an information management technology.
Each course is only four weeks long, so the program can be completed in a shorter time frame than a traditional bachelor’s degree.
✓ MS in Cybersecurity:
The MS in Cybersecurity will help you understand some managerial and technical skills you need in your career. You can specialize in Ethical Hacking or Security Policy if you choose the MS degree at the National University of California.
Apply for a Degree by clicking here
2. University of Southern California
Located in Los Angeles, CA.
The University of Southern California is regarded as the oldest private research university in California, Robert M. Widney founded the institution in 1880. The school is your best choice if you are looking for a cybersecurity university in California.
USC offers only the Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering program, this degree is available for offline and online students who wish to get computer network operations-related jobs.
You can continue an education path towards a doctorate with a focus on information security. If you desire enhanced skills and knowledge in a degree program or job field related to information security, then the master of science in Cyber Security engineering program is for you.
Note: The degree focuses on the fundamentals of developing, engineering, and operating secure information systems.
Visit the school website to apply for a degree now
3. Loyola Marymount University:
Located on the west side of the city near Playa Vista, Los Angeles, CA.
This University is a medium-sized, non-profit institution in downtown Los Angeles.
Loyola Marymount University offers 1 Cyber Security degree program.
* M.S. Cybersecurity:
Loyola Marymount University M.S in Cybersecurity prepares you for a cybercrime-free world as cyber threats pose a serious challenge to the world. Choosing this degree would adequately enhance you with the management skills and technology you need to excel in life.
Visit their website to apply for a degree
Read Also: 5 Best Schools To Study Cybersecurity In Los Angeles
4. University of San Diego
Located in San Diego, CA.
San Diego University is a non-profit, private Roman Catholic university in California. The school offers a four-year cybersecurity degree course on;
* MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CYBER SECURITY OPERATIONS AND LEADERSHIP.
This program will prepare students who are keen on pursuing professional opportunities in the cyber world. In 2020, twenty-two Cyber Security students graduated with students earning 22 Master’s degrees.
5. University of the Pacific
Located in Stockton, CA.
The University of the Pacific is a non-profit and private combined Methodist university. The school offers one cybersecurity degree which is;
* The Master of Science in Cybersecurity:
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program supplies students with extensive knowledge of computer engineering and science. You will learn cryptography, vulnerability detection, wireless network, and software development if you take the M.S in Cybersecurity program at the University of the Pacific.
Their engineering team will build your skills in reverse engineering malware design, data exfiltration, intrusion, network reconnaissance, etc This 30-unit, 1-year program includes extensive hands-on labs, exercises, and projects.
6. University of La Verne
Located in La Verne, CA.
The University was established in 1891 and is made of up the College of Business and Management, and the College of Arts and Sciences.
It might interest you that the Fletcher Jones Foundation allows the University of La Verne to create a skilled professorship in AI (Artificial intelligence) to lecture basic skills to will help students for their preferred careers through a donation.
The University is the best for those considering studying in California as it offers one cybersecurity program.
7. California State University-San Marcos
Located in San Marcos, CA.
California State University- San Marcus was established in 1989, the institution provides the following degree programs;
* An Ed.D program.
* 43 bachelor’s degrees.
* 23 Master’s degrees and
* 13 teaching credentials.
You can choose their Master’s science in Cybersecurity program if your career is in Cybersecurity. Their M.S in Cybersecurity develops students for advancement in the cyber industry which allows the benefits of experiences in Risk Analysis, security management, incident response, ethical hacking, encryption algorithm, etc. The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated CSUSM as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
Note: in the year 2022, six Cyber Security students graduated with students earning 6 Master’s degrees.
Visit their website for more information
8. California State University-Dominguez Hills
Located in Carson, CA
California State University- Dominguez Hills established in 1960 is a large and public institution situated in Carson, CA. The school consists of 15, 873 undergraduates, 1,890 post-Baccalaureates, and 17,763 students enrolled.
They offer one cybersecurity program which is the Master of Science in Cyber Security. This program helps to prepare their students in all professional cybersecurity fields. The program aims to provide a learning experience for the students to develop technical skills in protecting IT infrastructures, operating systems, and networks from intentional and unintentional information security breaches
California State University-Dominguez Hills offers 1 Cyber Security degree program. It’s a large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2020, 19 Cyber Security students graduated with students earning 19 Master’s degrees.
9. Moorpark College
Located in Moorpark, CA.
Moorpark College founded in 1967 offers one cybersecurity degree program. The public university with over 14, 254 students enrolled in 2014 provides you with the CNSE program for those that want to have a career in Cybersecurity as the program gives hands-on training and also online courses on network and computer systems with software and hardware inclusive.
Note: In the year 2020, 28 Cyber Security students graduated with students earning 28 Certificates.
Visit their website for more information
10. Pasadena City College
Located at Pasadena, CAComputer Information.
Pasadena City College is a community college in Pasadena, California enrolling over thirty thousand students per semester. It is a two-year college with one cyber security degree program called:
* Systems – Cybersecurity – Associate in Science Degree.
This program helps students who need jobs in the field of information technology with the required skills and knowledge. Pasadena City College Students are exposed to a wide variety of security analysis/defensive tools, and students implement these tools.
Note: A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.
Click here for more information
Why California is the best place to learn cyber security?
California’s economy is so vast that if compared to other nations, it would rank number five in GDP growth. Their government investments in Cyber Security education and workforce training initiatives make it the best place to study cyber security.
They also have one of the best schools in the United States and the world at large with adequate facilities that will realize your dreams as a cyber specialist.
Their initiative called CyberCalifornia shows how the shows are working hard to build a state free from cyber threats. All these put in place by the government show their support for cybersecurity and why you should learn it in one of their best schools.
How long does it take to become a cybersecurity specialist?
Most Cyber security degree programs can take you up to 2-4 years depending on the University.
How do you become a cyber security specialist?
To become a cyber security specialist, the student needs to finish a B.S in Cybersecurity or also go for an associate degree. Enrolling in one of the best schools in California and talking about one of their degree programs can also secure your dreams of becoming a cyber security specialist.
Cyber security specialist job requirements?
Educational requirements are very vital in Cybersecurity job requirements as you need a certificate in Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in related fields like information technology, computer science, Electronics, Electrical, etc.
Cyber security specialist courses
Below are some of the Cybersecurity specialist-certified courses;
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) …
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) …
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP).
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
- CompTIA Security+.
The average pay for cyber security specialists?
According to Ziprecruiter.com, the average annual Cyber Security Specialist salary as of September 2022 is $107765. The majority pay between $82500 to $126000 per year.
Best online courses and programs for cyber security:
You can choose varieties of online courses and programs for cybersecurity from;
1. Udemy: will offer you a huge range of courses plus intensive learning opportunities.
2. Coursera: Has some accredited degrees in Cybersecurity courses.
Additional information you might need:
| Cybersecurity universities in California | Tuitions Fees |
| University of the Pacific | $51,094 |
| University of San Diego | $52,864 |
| National University | $13,320 |
| Loyola Marymount University | $52,977 |
| University of Southern California | $60,275 |
| California State University-Dominguez Hills | $6,941 |
| Moorpark College | $1,394 |
| Pasadena City College | $1,212 |
| University of La Verne | $45,850 |
| California State University-San Marcos | $7,712 |
Conclusion:
The information above will help you in your Cybersecurity career if you want to study in California, United States. You have another best university and want us to add it to one of the best universities in CA. Drop the name of the Universities in the comment section and we would add them in our next article.
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