Cyber Defense and Analysis

Summary

The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense and Analysis 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 critical knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform real-time defensive cyber operations. Program emphasis is on building strong technical and analytical foundations and the strategic application of advanced techniques to actively monitor and defend core operational technology, network hardware and systems, critical infrastructure, and emerging technology. Additionally, students explore the ethical and societal impacts of the development and use of cyber technology.

This pathway includes preparation for up to multiple industry-recognized certifications geared toward preparing students to be job-ready for a successful career in cyber workforce roles that impact an organization’s ability to analytically assess and respond to modern cybersecurity threats while managing risk and maintaining business continuity.

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.

Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Cyber Defense and Analysis Program will be able to:

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
4. 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.
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
6. Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

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.

Admission Criteria

Admission to a community college hosting the baccalaureate degree program does not guarantee admission into the program. Students who wish to declare a major in the baccalaureate degree program may need to meet minimum criteria in order to be admitted into the program. Admission into the program may be selective due to availability of practicum sites, limitations in the number of students who can be accommodated in the program, and/or other limitations. Students admitted to the baccalaureate degree program must be able to meet the essential elements of the courses and programs.

San Diego City College uses a multicriteria screening process to evaluate applicants for admission. This process may include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, all of the following:

• Academic degrees or diplomas, or relevant certificates, held by an applicant.
• Grade-point average in relevant coursework.
• Any relevant work or volunteer experience.
• Professional licensing and/or state/national certification.
• Life experiences or special circumstances of an applicant, including, but not necessarily limited to, the following experiences or circumstances: disability, low family income, first generation of family to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, extenuating circumstances, refugee, or veteran status.
• Proficiency or advanced level coursework in languages other than English.

Community colleges approved to offer a baccalaureate degree program shall grant priority enrollment and admission to military veterans, foster youth, students in the Community College Extended Opportunity Programs and Services program, students eligible for Disabled Student Programs and Services, and students who are California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids recipients consistent with Education Code Sections 66025.8, 66025.9, 66025.91 and 66025.92.

Program Prerequisite

Applicants must have successfully completed the program prerequisites and lower division general education requirements, each with a grade of "C" (or “P”) or better:

• San Diego City College's Associate Degree in Cybersecurity, or equivalent, satisfies the program prerequisites required for the Cyber Defense and Analysis Baccalaureate Degree.
• Credit for prior learning or experience working in a cyber defense field may be accepted for course credit upon approval of the program director.
• Completion of one of the approved lower-division general education patterns listed in the Academic Requirements–Baccalaureate Degree section of this catalog

For more information, visit Cyber Defense and Analysis.

The Baccalaureate Degree

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is intended for students interested in a high-level career in technical education.

Minimum 120 Units Required

The following is required for all California community college BS degrees:

• A combination of lower division and upper division coursework totaling a minimum of 120 semester units applicable to a baccalaureate degree.
• Completion of a minimum of 36 semester units of general education that includes lower division general education and upper division general education as outlined below.
• A minimum of 40 semester units of upper-division courses, including a minimum of nine semester units of upper-division general education.

Note: Unit requirements vary by program. See the specific program requirements section of the catalog for details on unit distribution and major requirements.

Grade Point Average (GPA) and Minimum Grade Requirements

• All courses designated as upper division major requirements must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. A 'P" (pass) grade meets this requirement.
• Completion of the requirement for the baccalaureate degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in the degree-applicable courses.

Minimum Units in Residence

• Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 12 degree applicable semester units in residence within the San Diego Community College District.
• The 12-unit in residence requirement is effective regardless of catalog year.
• Courses completed via credit for prior learning, including credit by exam, do not qualify for the 12-unit in residence requirement.

General Education

Lower Division General Education

Select one of the following lower division general education options:

• SDCCD General Education and/or District Requirements plus six additional units selected from general education Area 1B-Area 6 (1 unit lab excluded). See District Requirements and General Education Requirements (Option 1 or Option 4) of this catalog.
• California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC). See General Education Requirements in the Transfer Guide of this catalog (Option 6).
• General Education Completion through an Earned Baccalaureate Degree
  • Students who submit an official transcript showing they have earned a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited institution will have satisfied the SDCCD lower division general education and district requirements upon evaluation of their transcript. (Option 5)
  • Students seeking the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree must complete the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) general education pattern.

Courses may fulfill multiple academic requirements, such as general education, major, and additional graduation requirements. However, one course may not be counted in more than one general education area, even if the course is approved in multiple general education areas.

Upper Division General Education

Students must successfully complete a minimum of nine semester units or 13.5 quarter units of upper division general education coursework. Upper division general education courses are integrated into each baccalaureate degree program. Courses must come from at least two disciplines outside the major field of study and at least one of these courses must emphasize written communication, oral communication, or computation skills.

Specific course requirements are detailed within each bachelor's degree program requirements.

Credit for Prior Learning

Students may receive credit for knowledge and skills acquired through the district’s procedures for awarding credit for prior learning.

Limitation on Enrollment

Enrollment in upper division courses is restricted to students admitted to a baccalaureate degree program at a California community college.

Requirements