Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)

Coastline College Cyber Center

Director: Tobi West, Ph.D., CISSP, GCFE
Contact: twest@coastline.edu

CAE-CD Program Goal

The goal of the CAE Cyber Defense program is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise.

The program helps students to proactively increase their understanding of robust cyber defense technology, policy, and practices to work collaboratively as professionals to enable our Nation to effectively prevent and respond to a catastrophic cyber event. This program will contribute significantly to the advancement of state-of-the-art cybersecurity knowledge and practices.

The Cyber Center provides guidance and oversight of the cybersecurity and technology programs at Coastline College. Our NSA designated CAE-CD program of study is our Associate of Science in Cybersecurity.

Through our center, you'll have the advantage of interacting with experienced instructors who care about your development and growth as an upcoming professional in the field. The Cyber Center is committed to helping you prepare for success in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. Gain all the benefits that come along with an active Cyber Center that encourages hands-on skill development, service, and the effective application of technology in a variety of industries.

Coast Community College District Information Assurance Plan

• Cyber Defense & CyberAI Recognition

  Coastline College is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). Its Associate of Science in AI for Cybersecurity has also earned National Security Agency validation as a CyberAI Program of Study through academic year 2030.

  These recognitions reflect Coastline’s commitment to cybersecurity education and preparation for a workforce increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. The Cyber Center supports continued improvement in curriculum, applied learning, faculty development, and collaboration with academic and industry communities.

  Our Vision

  The Cyber Center supports accessible education that prepares students to protect digital systems and use emerging technologies responsibly. Our priorities include:

  • Building strong foundations in cybersecurity, computing, and artificial intelligence.
  • Developing practical skills through labs, research, workshops, and competitions.
  • Encouraging ethical practice, privacy awareness, and responsible AI use.
  • Connecting education with evolving workforce needs.
  • Supporting pathways from introductory learning to certificates, degrees, and further study.
  • Collaborating with educators and industry professionals to strengthen student learning.

  Degrees and Certificates

  Coastline’s Computer & Cyber Sciences programs prepare students for career opportunities and further study in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, information technology, programming, data analytics, data science, and business computing.

  Students can pursue Associate of Science degrees, Certificates of Achievement, Certificates of Specialization, and noncredit Certificates of Completion. Selected courses also support preparation for industry certification exams, which are separate from Coastline’s academic awards.

  Consult the current Coastline College catalog for program requirements. An Academic Counselor can help students develop an education plan and consider transfer goals.

  Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity

  Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations identify threats, analyze information, and respond to security incidents. Coastline’s AI and cybersecurity pathways help students explore both the application of AI to cyber defense and the security, privacy, and ethical issues associated with AI systems.

  Students interested in this intersection can explore the AS and Certificate of Achievement in AI for Cybersecurity. Additional pathways in artificial intelligence, data science, programming, and cybersecurity allow students to develop complementary skills.

  Noncredit AI Readiness and Cyber Hygiene

  Coastline offers noncredit Certificates of Completion for learners who want practical skills in artificial intelligence and digital safety. These programs introduce AI use in the workplace, ethical and creative applications, security, privacy, bias, and cyber hygiene.

  Each certificate listed in the program tables consists of two courses totaling 54 instructional hours. Noncredit courses provide opportunities to build skills without earning college credit units.

  Hands-On Learning and Technical Labs

  Students develop technical skills through course labs and applied exercises. Coastline’s NETLAB environment supports remote access to instructional lab activities, helping students practice with technology without purchasing their own lab equipment or traveling to campus for every exercise.

  Lab assignments vary by course and may address networking, operating systems, digital forensics, incident response, cybersecurity tools, and AI applications.

  Student Security Operations Center

  Coastline’s Student Security Operations Center provides structured opportunities to practice cybersecurity operations through training, exercises, documentation, and feedback.

  Students develop skills in investigating security events, analyzing information, communicating findings, and working collaboratively. Training incorporates security tools and emerging AI applications. Participation requirements and recruitment timelines vary by cohort.

  Student Research and Community Learning

  The Cyber Center supports student research, technical workshops, and opportunities to share findings with others. Through initiatives such as STORM Cyber, students have participated in research activities and symposium presentations that connect classroom learning with applied cybersecurity and AI topics.

  Visit the STORM Cyber website for project information, event announcements, and available opportunities.

  Xploit Club and Cyber Competitions

  Coastline’s Xploit student club provides opportunities for peer learning, technical practice, teamwork, and leadership. Workshops and competition preparation help students apply their knowledge to cybersecurity challenges.

  Activities may include capture-the-flag events and competitions focused on cyber defense, incident response, and penetration testing. Participation and team selection vary by event.

  Industry and Academic Collaboration

  The Cyber Center collaborates with industry professionals and academic partners to keep learning connected to current practices. Partners contribute as guest speakers, panelists, curriculum collaborators, and hosts of capture-the-flag competitions.

  These collaborations enrich student learning and professional awareness. Current industry partnerships do not provide student employment or internships.

  Proposed Bachelor’s Degree Programs

  Coastline is pursuing two proposed Bachelor of Science programs:

  • BS in AI for Cyber Operations

  • BS in Data Breach Operations

  Final approval remains pending. There is currently no anticipated application or start date because objections raised during CSU review remain unresolved.

  Prospective students may join the bachelor’s degree interest list to receive updates. Joining the list does not constitute an application or guarantee admission.

  Students interested in preparing for the proposed AI for Cyber Operations program are encouraged to review Coastline’s AS in AI for Cybersecurity requirements. Coursework from other colleges and universities would be evaluated through the formal process established following approval. Preliminary transcript evaluations are not currently available.

  Course Planning and Availability

  Course offerings, formats, and session lengths vary by term. Students should consult the current Class Schedule for available sections and work with an Academic Counselor to plan prerequisites, major requirements, general education, and electives.

  Any published course rotation is a planning guide and is subject to change.

  Career Preparation and Further Study

  Coastline’s programs help students build technical knowledge and professional skills for career exploration, advancement, and continued education. Students can strengthen their preparation through coursework, labs, research, competitions, and industry certification study.

  The Career & Transfer Center provides resources for career planning, job searches, and transfer preparation. Students planning to continue at a university should consult an Academic Counselor about the requirements of their intended institution.

• Degrees and Certificates

   

   

  Explore Coastline’s degrees and certificates to find a pathway that fits your interests, experience, and goals. Options range from focused skill development through credit and noncredit certificates to Associate of Science degrees that combine major coursework with general education. Selected courses also help students prepare for industry certification exams.

  Review the programs below and follow the catalog links for requirements. An Academic Counselor can help you plan your coursework and explore transfer options.

  Degree and Certificate Types and Requirements

  Certificate Type	Unit Requirement
  Associate of Science Degree	Minimum 60 degree-applicable semester units. Published program totals may be higher.
  Certificate of Achievement	16 units and over
  Certificate of Specialization	Fewer than 16 units
  Certificate of Completion	Noncredit coursework measured in instructional hours.

  Associate of Science Degrees

  Associate of Science degrees in Computer & Cyber Sciences combine major coursework, general education, and electives to prepare students for career opportunities and further study. Degrees require at least 60 semester units, with totals varying by program. Students planning to transfer should consult an Academic Counselor to align their coursework with university requirements.

  AS Degrees

  Program	Discipline	Total Units
  AI for Cybersecurity	Cybersecurity	60
  Artificial Intelligence	Information and Computer Sciences	60
  Computer Information Systems	Computer Information Systems	60
  Cybersecurity	Cybersecurity	60
  Data Analytics	Computer Information Systems	60
  Data Science	Information and Computer Sciences	60–63
  Digital Forensics and Incident Response	Cybersecurity	60
  Information and Computer Sciences	Information and Computer Sciences	60
  Information Technology	Information Technology	60–62

  Certificates of Achievement

  Certificates of Achievement provide focused study in a career or technical field. These certificates appear on students' transcripts after completion and can support career preparation, professional growth, or continued study toward an associate degree.

  Certificates

  Program	Discipline	Total Units
  AI for Cybersecurity	Cybersecurity	31
  Artificial Intelligence	Information and Computer Sciences	31–32
  Computer Information Systems	Computer Information Systems	27
  Cybersecurity	Cybersecurity	27
  Cybersecurity Analyst	Cybersecurity	21
  Cybersecurity Specialist (Applied)	Cybersecurity	18
  Data Analytics	Computer Information Systems	27
  Data Science	Information and Computer Sciences	31–32
  Digital Forensics and Incident Response	Cybersecurity	27
  Information and Computer Sciences	Information and Computer Sciences	27
  Information Technology	Information Technology	28
  Introduction to Programming	Information and Computer Sciences	12
  IT Foundation	Information Technology	16
  IT Support Specialist	Information Technology	19

  Certificates of Specialization

  Certificates of Specialization offer targeted training in a specific skill area and require fewer than 16 semester units. These programs can help students build foundational skills or expand their existing knowledge. Coursework is recorded on students’ transcripts.

  Program	Discipline	Total Units
  Cybersecurity Fundamentals	Cybersecurity	15
  Data Analytics	Computer Information Systems	9
  Medical Administrative Office Technician	Business Computing	12
  Medical Coding Specialist	Business Computing	12

  Certificates of Completion (Noncredit)

  Noncredit Certificates of Completion offer practical instruction in AI readiness and cybersecurity skills for everyday life and the workplace. Each program listed below includes two courses totaling 54 instructional hours. These programs award a noncredit certificate rather than college credit units.

  Program	Required Courses	Total Hours
  Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness 1: In the Workplace	CIS C011N and CIS C012N	54
  Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness 2: Ethical and Creative Applications	CIS C013N and CIS C014N	54
  Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness 3: Security, Privacy, and Bias	CIS C015N and CIS C016N	54
  Cyber Hygiene and Online Safety	CYBR C091N and CYBR C092N	54
  Cyber Hygiene for the Workplace	CYBR C093N and CYBR C094N	54

• Course Scheduling Pattern

  Course scheduling pattern as of Fall 2026. All courses are expected to be offered online in an asynchronous format, unless otherwise noted.

  Term lengths: First 8 weeks and Second 8 weeks identify the first and second eight-week sessions within a semester. Multiple lengths in a cell indicate different section options. "CBE" identifies a competency-based education offering.

  Check the class schedule for available sections, exact dates, and confirmed lengths.

  Business Computing Courses

  Course	Fall	Spring	Summer
  BC C011N Introduction to Windows Operating System (Noncredit)	4 weeks	4 weeks
  BC C012N Keyboarding Basics (Noncredit)	4 weeks	4 weeks
  BC C013N Keyboarding and Document Formatting (Noncredit)	4 weeks	4 weeks
  BC C014N Customer Service Skills (Noncredit)	4 weeks	4 weeks
  BC C145 Medical Administrative Assistant 1	First 8 weeks
  BC C161 Health Information Technology: Medical Coding 1	Second 8 weeks
  BC C162 Health Information Technology: Medical Coding 2		First 8 weeks
  BC C163 Health Information Technology: Medical Terminology		Second 8 weeks

  Computer Information Systems Courses

  Course	Fall	Spring	Summer
  CIS C011N Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Concepts	4 weeks	4 weeks
  CIS C012N Working with Artificial Intelligence Tools and Assistants	4 weeks	4 weeks
  CIS C013N Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Daily Life	4 weeks	4 weeks
  CIS C014N Artificial Intelligence Basics for Communication and Creativity	4 weeks	4 weeks
  CIS C015N Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity Concepts		4 weeks
  CIS C016N Bias and Privacy Protection in Artificial Intelligence		4 weeks
  CIS C100 Introduction to Information Systems	16 weeks	16 weeks	8 weeks
  CIS C105 Introduction to Business Office Technology	16 weeks	16 weeks
  CIS C111 Information Systems, Programming, and Database Management	16 weeks	16 weeks
  CIS C157 Introduction to Python Programming	16 weeks; Second 8 weeks	16 weeks; Second 8 weeks	8 weeks
  CIS C190 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Techniques with Lab			8 weeks
  CIS C191 Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  CIS C205 Principles of Information Systems	Second 8 weeks	Second 8 weeks
  CIS C240 SQL Database Development	16 weeks
  CIS C250 Introduction to Data Analytics	16 weeks	First 8 weeks
  CIS C260 Systems Analysis and Design		Second 8 weeks
  CIS C270 Predictive Analytics		First 8 weeks
  CIS C275 Data Mining and Analytics (Data+)		Second 8 weeks
  CIS C280 Data Visualization	Second 8 weeks
  CIS C285 Data Governance, Privacy, and Policies	Second 8 weeks
  CIS C290 Data Science and Machine Learning (cross-listed/as scheduled)			8 weeks

  Cybersecurity Courses

  Course	Fall	Spring	Summer
  CYBR C091N Online Safety and Digital Citizenship		4 weeks
  CYBR C092N Device Security, Privacy, and Cyber Careers		4 weeks
  CYBR C093N Secure Communication and Cloud Safety		4 weeks
  CYBR C094N Workplace Data Protection and Incident Awareness		4 weeks
  CYBR C100 Cyber Hygiene	CBE	CBE
  CYBR C101 Introduction to Cybersecurity	16 weeks; First 8 weeks; Second 8 weeks	16 weeks; First 8 weeks; Second 8 weeks	8 weeks
  CYBR C132 Introduction to Ethical Hacking	First 8 weeks	16 weeks
  CYBR C140 Network Technologies with Splunk	CBE	CBE
  CYBR C150 Introduction to Digital Forensics	16 weeks
  CYBR C160 Introduction to Incident Response	Second 8 weeks
  CYBR C170 Cybercrime and CSIRT Coordination	First 8 weeks
  CYBR C180 Network Optimization and Monitoring with Splunk	CBE	CBE
  CYBR C210 AI Applications in Cybersecurity (SecAI+)		16 weeks
  CYBR C220 Enterprise Security with Splunk	CBE	CBE
  CYBR C225 Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance	Second 8 weeks	Second 8 weeks
  CYBR C227 Cybersecurity for Operational Technology Systems (SecOT+)		16 weeks
  CYBR C230 Network Security (Security+)	16 weeks	16 weeks	8 weeks
  CYBR C234 Web Application Security		16 weeks
  CYBR C242 Ethical Hacking & AI Driven Penetration Testing (PenTest+)	16 weeks
  CYBR C250 Intermediate Digital Forensics		Second 8 weeks
  CYBR C255 Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)		16 weeks
  CYBR C260 Intermediate Incident Response		Second 8 weeks
  CYBR C270 Certified Information Systems Security Professional	Second 8 weeks
  CYBR C280 Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity		Second 8 weeks
  CYBR C281 Work Experience Education	16 weeks	16 weeks
  CYBR C282 Work Experience Education
  CYBR C283 Work Experience Education
  CYBR C284 Work Experience Education

  Information and Computer Sciences Courses

  Course	Fall	Spring	Summer
  ICS C120 Introduction to Programming	16 weeks	First 8 weeks
  ICS C123 Fundamental Data Structures	Second 8 weeks	Second 8 weeks
  ICS C141 Concepts of Programming Languages	Second 8 weeks
  ICS C165 Foundations of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence	16 weeks
  ICS C230 Secure Coding and Design		Second 8 weeks
  ICS C240 Computer Organization and Assembly Language	Second 8 weeks
  ICS C250 Object-Oriented Programming		Second 8 weeks
  ICS C255 Algorithm Design	Second 8 weeks
  ICS C265 Artificial Intelligence		16 weeks
  ICS C290 Data Science and Machine Learning			8 weeks

  Information Technology Courses

  Course	Fall	Spring	Summer
  IT C104 IT Fundamentals (Tech+)	16 weeks		8 weeks
  IT C110 Computer Hardware and Software (A+ Essentials)		16 weeks
  IT C128 Computer Networking Principles (Network+)	16 weeks; Second 8 weeks	16 weeks; Second 8 weeks	8 weeks
  IT C130 Principles of Networked Systems	CBE	CBE
  IT C158 Contemporary Operating Systems (Server+)	16 weeks; Second 8 weeks	16 weeks; Second 8 weeks	8 weeks
  IT C191 Linux Operating System Principles (Linux+)	16 weeks
  IT C198 Cloud Foundations	First 8 weeks
  IT C201 Introduction to Networking (Cisco CCNA 1)	Second 8 weeks
  IT C202 Essentials of Routing, Switching, and Wireless (Cisco CCNA 2)		First 8 weeks
  IT C203 Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation (Cisco CCNA 3)		Second 8 weeks
  IT C275 AI Integration: Local and Cloud Solutions	Second 8 weeks
  IT C281 Work Experience Education
  IT C282 Work Experience Education
  IT C283 Work Experience Education
  IT C284 Work Experience Education
  IT C295 Cloud Architecture and Networking	Second 8 weeks	Second 8 weeks

• Faculty

  Coastline College's Computer & Cyber Sciences faculty bring expertise across cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data analytics, programming, networking, cloud technologies, digital forensics, and related computing fields. Faculty support students through classroom instruction, dual enrollment, hands-on learning, industry certification preparation, research, work-based learning, and career development.

  The following is a list of Coastline College Computer & Cyber Sciences faculty and their primary teaching and specialization areas.

  Computer & Cyber Sciences Faculty

  Name	Role	Specializations
  Natalie Nagthall, Ed.D.	Dean of Career Education	Career Education
  Tobi West, Ph.D., CISSP, GCFE	Department Chair, Professor	Cybersecurity / Artificial Intelligence / Data Analytics
  Andrea Barrios, CISSP, GCFE	Associate Professor	Cybersecurity / Artificial Intelligence / Digital Forensics / Networking / Information Technology
  Brandon Brown, Ph.D.	Associate Professor	Ethical Hacking / Penetration Testing / Network Security / Cloud / Server Technologies
  Toan Tran, CISSP	Instructor	Programming / Data Structures / Secure Coding / Cybersecurity
  Hannah Bai	Instructor	Computer Networking / Virtualization / Cloud
  Ryan Carleton	Instructor	Incident Response / Emerging Cybersecurity Technologies
  Mike Crawford	Instructor	Network Security / Information Technology / Programming / Python
  Michael Glass	Instructor	Data Governance / Privacy / Cloud / Artificial Intelligence
  Zubin Khambatta	Instructor	Programming / Linux / Information Systems
  Bob Konefsky	Instructor	Information Systems / Information Technology
  Nga Le	Instructor	Programming / Databases / Information Systems
  Nicole Moriyama	Instructor	Cybercrime / CSIRT Coordination / Cybersecurity
  Curtis Mesmer	Instructor	Data Analytics / Data Visualization / Predictive Analytics
  Vinh Nguyen	Instructor	Information Systems
  James Harris	Instructor	Dual Enrollment / Cybersecurity
  Terry Nguyen	Instructor	Programming / Cybersecurity / Dual Enrollment
  Mike Salviani	Instructor	Programming Languages / Computer Science
  Aeron Zentner, D.B.A.	Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Instructor	Data Analytics / Data Science / Artificial Intelligence

• Resources and Awareness

  Research and Professional Resources

  Coastline students have access to cybersecurity research, professional publications, and academic databases through the Coastline College Library. Students can use library databases to locate peer-reviewed journal articles, industry publications, technical reports, and other sources for coursework and research.

  DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF)

  Explore the Department of Defense framework used to organize and describe cyber workforce roles, including the knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, and qualification requirements associated with Department of Defense cyber work.

  National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS)

  Find cybersecurity career, training, workforce development, and education resources from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

  National Cybersecurity Training and Education Center (NCyTE)

  Explore cybersecurity curriculum, educational resources, professional development, career information, and resources supporting cybersecurity education and workforce development.

  CLARK Cybersecurity Curriculum Library

  Explore free cybersecurity curriculum and instructional materials contributed by cybersecurity educators and academic programs.

  Student Opportunities and Resources

  Students can strengthen their academic preparation through cybersecurity organizations, scholarships, student activities, outreach programs, work-based learning, research, certification preparation, mentoring, networking, and professional development opportunities.

  STORM Cyber

  Explore Coastline's STORM Cyber program, which provides students with an accelerated pathway into cybersecurity through academic coursework, work-based learning, research, hands-on training, and industry certification preparation. Participating students may also receive support for certification exams and specialized cybersecurity training resources.

  Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS)

  Connect with a global community of students and professionals committed to increasing the participation, advancement, and leadership of women in cybersecurity. WiCyS offers mentoring, scholarships, professional development, conferences, networking, career resources, and opportunities to connect with cybersecurity employers and practitioners.

  Xploit Cybersecurity Student Club

  Connect with other Coastline students interested in cybersecurity, hands-on learning, competitions, career preparation, and professional development.

  CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service

  Learn about scholarship opportunities that support cybersecurity education in exchange for eligible government service following graduation.

  CyberPatriot

  Explore the national youth cyber education program. Coastline students may have opportunities to support middle school and high school CyberPatriot teams as mentors.

  CyberTech Girls

  Learn about cybersecurity and technology outreach activities designed to encourage students to explore cyber and technology education and careers.

  Coast Community College District Information Assurance Plan

  Review district information security standards, responsibilities, and practices supporting the protection of institutional information and technology resources.

  CAE Community and Academic Pathways

  Coastline College is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). The national CAE in Cybersecurity Community connects designated colleges and universities with cybersecurity education, research, workforce, student, and government opportunities.

  CAE in Cybersecurity Community

  Explore national CAE programs, student opportunities, community events, cybersecurity education initiatives, and resources for designated institutions.

  CAE Institution Map

  Search for colleges and universities holding National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designations across the United States.

  National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

  Learn more about the national CAE in Cybersecurity program and its academic designation requirements and initiatives.

  Cybersecurity Career and Workforce Resources

  CyberSeek

  Explore cybersecurity career pathways, workforce demand, job roles, skills, certifications, and regional employment information.

  CISA Cyber Career Pathways Roadmap

  Explore cybersecurity work roles and potential career pathways based on the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.

  NCyTE Career Resources

  Find cybersecurity career exploration, education, training, and workforce resources designed for students and career seekers.

  NIST NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework

  Explore nationally recognized cybersecurity work roles, competency areas, and the knowledge and skills associated with cybersecurity careers.

• Advisory Board

  Computer & Cyber Sciences Advisory Board

  Coastline College's Computer & Cyber Sciences Advisory Board brings together professionals from industry, education, government, and workforce development to provide insight into emerging technologies, workforce needs, and evolving cybersecurity and computing careers. Advisory board members help inform curriculum, program development, industry alignment, work-based learning, and opportunities that prepare students for continued education and employment.

  The advisory board includes professionals with expertise in cybersecurity, information technology, artificial intelligence, data, digital forensics, incident response, education, and workforce development.

  Computer & Cyber Sciences Advisory Board

  Name	Title / Area	Organization
  Cheryl Aday	Principal Consultant	WildBlue Enterprises LLC
  Doina Bein	Computer Science Professor	California State University, Fullerton
  Anna Carlin	CIS Professor	Fullerton College
  Gustavo Chamorro	President	Education Advance and Workforce Services
  Laura Chappell	CEO / Founder	Protocol Analysis Institute, Inc.
  Myra Clarke	Director, Career Technical Education	Garden Grove Unified School District
  Eric Crutchlow	Senior Product Manager	Tenable
  Gora Datta	CIO / HL7 Ambassador	IEEE
  Abigail Deras	IT Security Engineer	Qualcomm
  Ramon Garo	Manager, Americas CSIRT Incident Response Analysts	IBM
  Terry Ginsburg	Digital Forensics	Undisclosed
  Brian Hagerty	Executive Director	P3 Innovation Center
  Nancy Jones	Cybersecurity Professor	National University
  Christine Kirkpatrick	Division Director, Research Data Services	San Diego Supercomputer Center, UC San Diego
  Malia Mason	Vulnerability Manager	Undisclosed
  Cynthia Navarro	President Emeritus	OSMOSIS Association
  Anand Rao	IT Director	City of Garden Grove
  K Singh	Demand Data Operations Analyst	CrowdStrike
  Lisa Snowden	Director, Career Technical Education	Newport-Mesa Unified School District
  Aeron Zentner	Dean of Institutional Effectiveness	Coastline College

• Job Opportunities

  Cybersecurity Careers and Employment

  Cybersecurity includes a wide range of career paths in areas such as security operations, network defense, incident response, digital forensics, governance and risk, penetration testing, cloud security, and security engineering. Career opportunities exist across government, education, healthcare, financial services, technology, defense, and many other industries.

  Explore Cybersecurity Career Pathways with CyberSeek

  Explore common cybersecurity roles, skills, certifications, education requirements, salary information, and career pathways. CyberSeek also provides workforce data that can help students understand cybersecurity employment demand.

  CISA Cyber Career Roadmap

  Explore cybersecurity work roles and possible career pathways using the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. The roadmap can help students compare roles, identify related skills, and understand possible pathways between cybersecurity occupations.

  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Information Security Analysts

  Review national employment projections, typical education and experience requirements, job duties, work environments, and wage information for information security analysts.

  Government Cybersecurity Jobs and Internships

  Federal agencies employ cybersecurity professionals in areas such as cyber defense, incident response, digital forensics, intelligence, security engineering, vulnerability assessment, network operations, and information technology. Students and recent graduates can also explore internships, early-career programs, scholarships, and other pathways into government service.

  USAJOBS

  Search the federal government's official employment site for cybersecurity, information technology, intelligence, engineering, and other government career opportunities.

  USAJOBS Student and Internship Opportunities

  Explore federal internships and early-career opportunities for current students, including Pathways Internship Program positions that may provide paid work experience and, for some positions, a pathway to federal employment after graduation.

  USAJOBS Early Careers

  Find federal internships, entry-level positions, recent graduate opportunities, and other programs designed to help students and early-career professionals begin careers in public service.

  NSA Student Programs

  Explore National Security Agency internships, cooperative education opportunities, scholarships, and other paid student programs in cybersecurity, computer science, data science, engineering, intelligence, and related fields.

  NSA Careers

  Explore cybersecurity, computer science, intelligence analysis, engineering, and other career fields supporting national security missions.

  DHS Cybersecurity Service

  Explore cybersecurity career opportunities with the Department of Homeland Security, including entry-level and developmental career tracks for individuals building professional cybersecurity experience.

  Employment Outcomes

  Students and prospective students can review employment and workforce outcomes for Coastline College career education programs using the resources below.

  Career Education Job Placement Rates

  Review available job placement information for Coastline College career education programs.

  Occupational Outcomes

  Explore available employment and occupational outcome information for Coastline College programs.

  Preparing for a Cybersecurity Career

  Cybersecurity careers often build on foundational skills in information technology, networking, operating systems, programming, and security. Students may begin in roles such as IT support, network support, security operations, or other technical positions and advance into more specialized cybersecurity roles as they gain education, certifications, hands-on experience, and professional experience.

• Cyber Competitions

  Cybersecurity Competitions

  Cybersecurity competitions give Coastline College students opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in realistic, hands-on environments. Depending on the competition, students may practice network defense, penetration testing, incident response, digital forensics, vulnerability analysis, teamwork, communication, and problem solving.

  Students may participate in individual and team competitions ranging from beginner-friendly events to advanced regional and national challenges. Coastline students also support cybersecurity outreach by serving as mentors for K-12 students participating in CyberPatriot.

  Competition Opportunities

  Collegiate Incident Response Competition for Undergraduate Students (CIRCUS)

  A collegiate incident response and digital forensics competition that challenges students to investigate a compromised environment, document their findings, and communicate and defend their conclusions. Coastline College won the inaugural CIRCUS competition in 2024.

  Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition (CPTC)

  A team-based competition focused on professional penetration testing. Students assess systems, identify vulnerabilities, document findings, and present recommendations in a format modeled after real-world security consulting engagements.

  National Cyber League (NCL)

  A virtual cybersecurity competition that includes individual and team events. Students practice technical skills in areas such as network traffic analysis, password cracking, log analysis, cryptography, reconnaissance, and vulnerability identification.

  NCAE Cyber Games

  A collegiate cybersecurity competition designed to introduce students who are new to cyber competitions to team-based challenges in a supportive learning environment. Participation is available to students from National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity institutions.

  SoCal Cyber Cup Challenge

  A Southern California collegiate cybersecurity competition that provides students with opportunities to practice technical skills and compete with students from other colleges in the region.

  US Cyber Games

  A national cyber competition and talent-development program that identifies and develops high-performing cyber athletes. Selected participants may advance through the US Cyber Open and related programs toward opportunities associated with the US Cyber Team.

  Western Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (WRCCDC)

  A regional collegiate cyber defense competition in which student teams operate and defend business networks while responding to technical attacks, service requirements, and simulated business challenges.

  CyberPatriot Mentoring

  Coastline College students may also serve as technical mentors for middle school and high school teams participating in the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. Mentoring provides Coastline students with opportunities to strengthen their own technical knowledge while developing communication, leadership, and coaching skills through cybersecurity outreach.

  Why Participate?

  Cybersecurity competitions complement academic coursework by giving students opportunities to practice technical and professional skills under realistic constraints. Competition experiences can help students build confidence, strengthen teamwork and communication skills, explore different cybersecurity career areas, and develop experiences they can discuss with employers and include on resumes and professional portfolios.

  How to Get Involved

  Students interested in cybersecurity competitions are encouraged to get involved early, regardless of prior competition experience. Opportunities may include team practices, skills workshops, cybersecurity club activities, mentoring, and participation in local, regional, and national competitions.

  • Join the cybersecurity student community. Connect with other students who are interested in cybersecurity, competitions, certifications, and hands-on technical activities.
  • Attend competition training and practice sessions. Regular practice can help students build skills in areas such as network defense, penetration testing, incident response, digital forensics, Linux, scripting, and security tools.
  • Start with beginner-friendly competitions. Events such as NCL and NCAE Cyber Games can provide a good introduction to cybersecurity competitions before students move into more advanced team-based events.
  • Consider CyberPatriot mentoring. Students who are ready to share their knowledge may have opportunities to support middle school and high school CyberPatriot teams while developing leadership and communication skills.
  • Watch for team announcements and tryouts. Some competitions require team selection, preparation, or specific eligibility requirements. Opportunities may vary by semester and competition.

  Interested in participating? Contact the Computer & Cyber Sciences Department or connect with Coastline's cybersecurity student community for information about upcoming competitions, training sessions, and team opportunities.

What our Students are Saying

"I had the privilege of taking a couple of your classes last year. I was able to complete my Associate's degree in Cybersecurity at Coastline and this year I passed the GIAC GSEC as well as the CISSP. Thank you for all your guidance!" -Michael Shin, Coastline student

Technology Department Programs

Computer Information Systems

Data. The fuel of the future. Learn how to uncover insight to inform decisions and strategies for a better tomorrow by making your next calculated decision: join us at Coastline. Welcome to the Information Systems Pathway.

Information Technology

Start reprogramming your future now. Coastline can help you navigate an educational path through the alternating currents of career algorithms. We’re a direct connection to your earning potential.

Cybersecurity

Build the key to decrypt your future with a career in Cybersecurity. Decipher course offerings and secure a place at Coastline today, where you'll make student life your new domain.