Associate's Information Security Programs in California
Oxnard College — Oxnard, CA
Key Distinction: Oxnard College offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Oxnard College's location in a region with growing cybersecurity demand positions graduates to fill local IT security roles without requiring relocation after graduation.
Oxnard College offers Information Security programs in Oxnard, CA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Coastline Community College — Fountain Valley, CA
Key Distinction: Coastline Community College provides affordable Information Security education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Coastline's fully online format removes geographic barriers, but the real edge is transfer pathways that let associates graduates articulate directly into bachelor's programs without losing credits—a major cost advantage for CA community college students.
Coastline Community College offers Information Security programs in Fountain Valley, CA. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Grossmont College — El Cajon, CA
Key Distinction: NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation with validated Plan of Study, developing a Baccalaureate Degree in Strategic Cyber Defense Analysis (GSCyber) pending approval, and strong competition record including 2nd place in 2025 SoCal Cyber Cup College Division
Hakia Insight: Grossmont's NSA CAE-CD designation validates its curriculum at a level most community colleges never achieve, and the 2nd-place finish in the 2025 SoCal Cyber Cup signals students are competing and winning against four-year programs—a tangible signal of rigor.
At the associate's level, grossmont College offers a comprehensive cybersecurity and networking program that has achieved the NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation. The program provides students with networking hardware and operating systems software training to implement secure infrastructure and identify vulnerabilities.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Mejun (Cybersecurity Solutions) (cybersecurity)
- San Diego Sheriff Dept (government)
- Big Watt Digital (tech)
- Army Futures Command (government)
- Vikk.AI (tech)
- Intuit (tech)
Notable Faculty
- Hau Nguyen — CSIS Dept. Chair and Full-time Distinguished Faculty
- Philip Bell — CSIS Full-time Faculty
- Binh Chau — CSIS Part-time Faculty
- Pajseu Lochungvu — CSIS Part-time Faculty
- Ahn Nuzen — CSIS Part-time Distinguished Faculty
- George Sfakianakis — CSIS Part-time Faculty
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
San Diego City College — San Diego, CA
Key Distinction: San Diego City College offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: San Diego City College's location in a metro area with major defense contracting creates direct pathways into security clearance roles, where associates graduates can command salaries approaching bachelor's-degree levels.
San Diego City College offers Information Security programs in San Diego, CA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Chaffey College — Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Hakia Insight: Chaffey's location in the Inland Empire puts graduates in an undersaturated market where regional employers actively recruit from campus—less competition for jobs than coastal community colleges, often translating to faster placement and higher starting offers.
At the associate's level, chaffey's cybersecurity program thrives because of its connection to the Inland Empire's growing tech sector—employers in Riverside and San Bernardino actively recruit here for help desk, junior analyst, and network support positions. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and industry certifications, with faculty who understand what companies actually do on day one of employment. Transfer agreements with CSU San Bernardino, Cal State Bakersfield, and Cal Poly Pomona are well-developed. What makes Chaffey valuable is the combination of affordable tuition, strong local job placement, and a program designed specifically for working adults who need evening and weekend course options.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Inland Empire tech companies, Regional healthcare IT, Government IT departments, Local financial services.
Top Transfer Destinations
- California State University, San Bernardino
- Cal Poly Pomona
- California State University, Bakersfield
- UC Riverside
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior System Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Asher College — Sacramento, CA
Key Distinction: Asher College offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Asher College's Sacramento location positions students in California's state government IT security sector, where civil service security roles offer stable salaries and benefits that sometimes exceed private-sector opportunities.
Asher College offers Information Security programs in Sacramento, CA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Riverside City College — Riverside, CA
Hakia Insight: Riverside's integrated Security+ and ethical hacking credentials, paired with dedicated Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics labs, mean graduates enter the job market employment-ready rather than credential-ready—the $55K median salary reflects immediate hiring into hands-on roles.
At the associate's level, riverside's information security program stands out for its strong emphasis on practical certifications—CompTIA Security+, Network+, and ethical hacking credentials are integrated into the curriculum, not tacked on as electives. You'll study malware analysis, vulnerability assessment, secure coding, and cryptography in a hands-on environment that mirrors what you'll face on the job. The Inland Empire region is experiencing rapid growth in tech employment, and Riverside's program has built relationships with local employers who actively interview and hire graduates. Transfer articulation agreements with Cal State San Bernardino and other universities mean you're not locked into a certificate path—you can leverage your associate degree into a bachelor's program if you choose. The combination of immediate employability and transfer flexibility makes this a pragmatic choice for security-minded students.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cyber Defense Center
- Digital Forensics Lab
Industry Partners
- Riverside County Sheriff (Government Partner)
- Kaiser Permanente (Healthcare Partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $55,000. Top Employers: Healthcare Organizations, Local Government, Financial Services.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA CySA+
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker
Long Beach City College — Long Beach, CA
Key Distinction: Long Beach City College offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Long Beach City College's proximity to Port of Long Beach operations and Southern California's maritime/logistics security needs creates specialized demand for cybersecurity talent that other community colleges don't address.
Long Beach City College offers Information Security programs in Long Beach, CA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
MiraCosta College — Oceanside, CA
Key Distinction: Offers comprehensive curriculum covering computing fundamentals, computer applications, information technology, networking, and artificial intelligence with preparation for multiple professional industry certifications including CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and ethical hacking credentials.
Hakia Insight: MiraCosta's AI Discovery Lab is unusual for an associate's program and signals faculty investment in emerging security domains; combined with CompTIA and ethical hacking cert prep, students graduate with both foundational breadth and emerging-tech depth.
At the associate's level, the Computer Studies & Information Technology (CSIT) Department serves students with computer-related courses in basic skills, transfer, and career education. The program provides students with theoretical and hands-on experience in using the power of computing to critically evaluate and solve business, network, and security problems.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Notable Faculty
- Steve Isachsen — Computer Studies and Information Technology Department Chair
- Rick White — Computer Studies and Information Technology
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Network+
- Security+
- Cyber Security Analyst+ (CySA+)
- PenTest+
- EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Linux Professional
- Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
- Microsoft Office Specialist
Mt San Antonio College — Walnut, CA
Key Distinction: Mt San Antonio College offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Mt. San Antonio College's location in the San Gabriel Valley places graduates near major aerospace and manufacturing employers with substantial cybersecurity budgets—less visible than tech hubs but steady hiring demand.
Mt San Antonio College offers Information Security programs in Walnut, CA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Master's Information Security Programs in California
University of San Diego — San Diego, CA
Key Distinction: USD's program prioritizes accessibility and immediate credential value for working professionals, combining flexible delivery with certification-aligned coursework and strong local industry connections.
Hakia Insight: USD's proximity to San Diego's defense contractor ecosystem and federal military operations creates an unusual advantage for a master's program: students can network and intern within walking distance of employers like General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman while completing a flexible, work-friendly degree.
At the master's level, the University of San Diego's cybersecurity program serves professionals and recent graduates seeking security credentials with flexibility, structuring its curriculum around core defensive skills—network security, cryptography, secure coding, and risk management—delivered in evening and hybrid formats that accommodate working schedules. The program emphasizes certification alignment, with courses mapping directly to CompTIA Security+, CEH, and CISSP domains, helping students credential-stack while earning their degree. USD's location in San Diego places students near a concentration of defense contractors, financial institutions, and government cybersecurity operations, creating internship and mentorship opportunities through alumni networks and corporate recruiting partnerships. The program draws faculty with active security consulting practices and prior roles at enterprises facing real-world threats, translating that experience into case studies and labs grounded in current attack techniques. Graduates typically move into security operations, compliance, or systems administration roles within their first or second year post-degree.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Berman Family Data Analytics Lab
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: not specified.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ aligned
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) aligned
- CISSP domain coverage
Location Advantages: San Diego's defense contractor presenceProximity to federal and military cybersecurity operationsAccess to financial services and healthcare security roles
University of Southern California — Los Angeles, CA
Key Distinction: GRE not required for admission. Hands-on laboratory work designed by current and former information security practitioners
Hakia Insight: USC Viterbi's waiver of GRE requirements combined with labs designed by current practitioners means career-changers can bypass standardized testing gatekeeping while learning from people actively solving problems at Boeing and NASA JPL—collapsing the gap between classroom and industry practice.
The Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering at USC Viterbi is designed for working professionals and career changers seeking expertise in information security. The 28-unit program combines foundational coursework (16 units of required courses) with electives, offering flexibility through diverse specialization options in applied cryptography, system assurance, forensics, and secure administration. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work designed by current and former security practitioners, simulating real-world scenarios. The program prepares graduates for high-demand cybersecurity roles with competitive positioning in the sector. While specific salary data and assistantship details are not provided, graduates are positioned for roles requiring advanced security knowledge across operating systems, networking, database security, cryptography, and policy development.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Boeing (aerospace/defense)
- Bloomberg (financial technology)
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (aerospace/government)
- Northrop Grumman (aerospace/defense)
- PwC (consulting)
- Raytheon Technologies (aerospace/defense)
- IBM (technology)
- John Deere (manufacturing/technology)
Notable Faculty
- Professor Newman — cybersecurity research
Location Advantages:
National University — San Diego, CA
Hakia Insight: National University's stacked pathway from bachelor's to master's to PhD within a single institution creates an unusual retention advantage for students uncertain about their final credential level, allowing them to defer the PhD decision until after gaining workplace context.
At the master's level, national University offers cybersecurity education at multiple levels including Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cybersecurity, and Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity. The university provides a comprehensive pathway from undergraduate through doctoral level study in the cybersecurity field.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
Naval Postgraduate School — Monterey, CA
Hakia Insight: NPS's triple NSA/DHS certification and access to DoD High Performance Computing platforms means classified research and defense-grade infrastructure are embedded into the curriculum itself—a credential advantage that's literally impossible to replicate at civilian universities.
At the master's level, NPS offers defense-focused cybersecurity education with classified studies and holds triple NSA/DHS certifications as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, Cyber Defense Research, and Cyber Operations. The program provides specialized tracks in Cyber Operations and Cybersecurity Defense with advanced coursework in secure systems and cyber operations.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- NPS Data Science and Analytics Group (DSAG)
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research (CAE-R)
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO)
Location Advantages: Located in Monterey, CADefense-focused academic environmentAccess to DoD High Performance Computing platforms
California State University-Dominguez Hills — Carson, CA
Key Distinction: California State University-Dominguez Hills offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: CSU-Dominguez Hills operates in an overlooked market position: it offers master's-level rigor at public university pricing without the reputation premium that inflates tuition at brand-name institutions, making it the efficiency play for students prioritizing cost-to-credential ROI.
California State University-Dominguez Hills offers Information Security programs in Carson, CA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
California State University-San Marcos — San Marcos, CA
Key Distinction: Entry-level focused program with direct certification exam preparation and strong integration with San Diego's defense and telecommunications sectors.
Hakia Insight: CSUSM's direct pipeline to General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman—combined with entry-level certification exam prep baked into the curriculum—allows students to graduate job-ready with credentials that defense contractors actively recruit for, rather than requiring on-the-job training.
At the master's level, CSUSM's information security program serves an emerging market of students seeking affordable, accessible pathways into cybersecurity without the geographic constraints of traditional programs. The curriculum prioritizes entry-level competencies and certification preparation, with students graduating ready for Security+ and CEH examinations that accelerate career entry. While the program operates with leaner resources than larger CSU campuses, it partners with regional San Diego employers in defense contracting, telecommunications, and financial services to ensure relevance. The growing San Diego cybersecurity market—driven by military and aerospace presence—provides natural placement opportunities for graduates. This program works best for students who value direct mentoring, smaller class sizes, and proximity to an emerging but increasingly robust regional security job market.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- General Dynamics (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, SAIC.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Security+ preparation
- CEH preparation
Location Advantages: Proximity to San Diego defense contractingAccess to military cybersecurity initiatives
San Diego State University — San Diego, CA
Hakia Insight: San Diego State's $78,000 median salary reflects an unusual curricular strength: its two dedicated labs (Information Security Research and Cyber Operations) train students in threat intelligence and defensive architecture—skills that command premiums at Qualcomm and General Atomics specifically.
At the master's level, security operations, threat intelligence, and defensive architecture form the core of San Diego State's information security curriculum, developed with input from regional cybersecurity employers and defense-adjacent industries prevalent in the San Diego area. The program distinguishes itself through strong emphasis on security management, risk assessment, and compliance frameworks—preparing students for both technical security roles and security leadership positions. Faculty incorporate current threat landscape analysis into coursework, ensuring students study attack methodologies and defensive responses that reflect contemporary adversary tactics rather than outdated examples. Partnerships with local organizations provide internship placements and real-world project opportunities, giving students exposure to security challenges across financial services, technology, and government contractor sectors. The curriculum balances hands-on technical labs with strategic thinking about security program development, incident response planning, and security architecture design. Students graduate with practical certifications (CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP foundations) while developing the analytical and communication skills necessary for advancing into security leadership roles. San Diego State attracts students interested in security careers that bridge technical expertise with policy understanding and organizational strategy—particularly those considering security management, consulting, or roles within larger security operations centers managing enterprise-scale defense initiatives.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Information Security Research Lab
- Cyber Operations Lab
Industry Partners
- Qualcomm (Technology Partner)
- General Atomics (Defense Partner)
- San Diego County (Government Partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $78,000. Top Employers: Qualcomm, General Atomics, Solar Turbines, US Navy.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CISSP
- CISA
- CompTIA Security+
Northcentral University — San Diego, CA
Key Distinction: Fully online program designed for working professionals seeking flexibility and business-contextual security training rather than purely technical depth.
Hakia Insight: Northcentral's fully asynchronous model serves a population most programs ignore: mid-career professionals who can't relocate or attend fixed cohorts, meaning students can start immediately rather than waiting for semester enrollment windows.
At the master's level, northcentral's information security degree programs serve geographically dispersed professionals through fully online delivery, designed for working adults and career-switchers who need complete flexibility. The curriculum emphasizes business-relevant security skills—risk assessment, security policy development, incident management—alongside technical foundations, preparing graduates for diverse roles from analyst to manager. Faculty are primarily practitioners with active industry roles, ensuring examples and case studies reflect current threat landscapes. The online format attracts working professionals across all regions, creating cohorts with diverse industry experience that itself becomes a learning asset. Program outcomes skew toward established career transitions and professional advancement rather than entry-level placement; graduates typically complete while employed and use credentials to move laterally or upward within their organizations.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Security — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Security — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
