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Enrollment Deadline - May 24th, 2025

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Request Transfer Credit Evaluation

Book an appointment with one of our Advisors to determine which credits can be applied towards your program.

Enrollment Deadline - May 24th, 2025

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Cybersecurity Center of Education & Innovation

Center Mission and Services

At California Institute of Applied Technology (CIAT), our Cybersecurity Center stands at the forefront of technological innovation, bridging academic excellence with real-world cyber defense strategies. We are more than just educational programs—we are a complete ecosystem dedicated to transforming how cybersecurity professionals are developed, how technological challenges are addressed, and how digital resilience is built.

Our mission is comprehensive and dynamic, focusing on four critical pillars:

Cultivate Cyber Defenders: Develop innovative cybersecurity professionals with applied skills and critical problem-solving abilities tailored to California's tech landscape.
Drive Collaborative Innovation: Create strategic partnerships across CIAT, tech industry, and government to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.
Advance Applied Cybersecurity Knowledge: Build a specialized learning hub responding to the dynamic technological threat environment.
Enhance Technological Cyber Resilience: Equip students and organizations with practical strategies to anticipate, prevent, and respond to sophisticated cyber threats.

Explore Cybersecurity Programs

Certificate Program

Certificate in Cybersecurity

Program Length: 40 Weeks
Courses: 8
Credits: 32

Availability:
California Institution New Mexico Institution

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Certificate Program

Certificate In Computer Information Systems

Program Length: 45 Weeks
Courses: 9
Credits: 36

Availability:
California Institution New Mexico Institution

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Associate's Program

AAS in Computer Information Systems

Program Length: 1 - 2 Years
Courses: 17
Credits: 64

Availability:
California Institution New Mexico Institution

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Bachelor's Program

Applied Bachelor’s Degree In Computer Information Systems

Program Length: 3 - 4 Years
Courses: 35
Credits: 130

Availability:
California Institution New Mexico Institution

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Student Cybersecurity Activities

CIAT Cybersecurity Club

A dynamic community empowering students to become innovative digital safety guardians, addressing critical cybersecurity challenges in our interconnected world. CIAT student members have access to hands-on workshops, engaging speaker series, networking events, and competitions.

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Capture the Flag

Students involved in the Cybersecurity Club can participate in internal Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions and regional cybersecurity challenges. These competitions provide invaluable hands-on security experience, allowing participants to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges.

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Cyber Opportunities & Events

Leadership and Guidance

Center Point of Contact

Eva Pellegrini

Associate Dean of Education — Cybersecurity

p: (858) 379 - 0749

e: epellegrini@ciat.edu

Cybersecurity Faculty Members

Shannon Zoch

Cybersecurity Faculty

Shannon served in the Navy for 28 years as an Electronic Technician, Cryptology Officer, and Cybersecurity Team Lead. He has worked cyber operations with NSA Red Team and USCYBERCOMMAND for eight years. He has now been a CISSP instructor with CIAT for almost a year.

Eva Pellegrini

Associate Dean of Education — Cybersecurity

With over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), FedRAMP, and Risk Management Framework (RMF), Holds a Master’s in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance and certifications including CISSP, CISM, CEH, and Security+.

Enoc Torres

Cybersecurity Faculty

Passionate Cybersecurity Instructor at CIAT with over 18 years in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) within the US Department of Defense. Expertise in system administration, virtualization, and training. Holds multiple certifications including CISSP, CCSP, and 8 CompTIA certifications.

Cybersecurity Industry Advisory Board

CIAT has a Cybersecurity Industry Advisory Board consisting of experts from various sectors within the cybersecurity field. The Cybersecurity Industry Advisory Board provides guidance and recommendations to CIAT on cybersecurity strategies, threat assessment, and best practices to address evolving cyber threats and education.

For documentation of the CIAT Cybersecurity Industry Advisory Board, please contact Associate Dean of Education — Cybersecurity, Eva Pellegrini at epellegrini@ciat.edu.

Cybersecurity News & Resources

Cybersecurity Certificate vs. Degree? Navigating Your Path to a Tech Career

In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity has become critical in protecting organizations from sophisticated cyber threats. According to recent...
What Type of Jobs are in Cyber Security?

As organizations face an ever-growing array of sophisticated cyber threats, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to soar. Whet...
Top Cybersecurity Certifications to Boost Your Career in 2025

In an era where digital threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed. As organi...
Choosing the Right Cyber Security Degree: Factors to Consider

Finding the right cyber security degree program is essential for anyone who wants to start a career or advance in the cyber security field. To choose...
Why Pursuing a Cyber Security Degree is a Smart Career Move

IT security professionals are in high demand across healthcare, finance, and government industries. Many organizations compete to hire talented indivi...
Explore the Unique Roles of NOCs and SOCs

The security and performance of an organization’s network infrastructure are critical to its success. As cyber threats evolve and the demand for...
Computer Networking Fundamentals for Cybersecurity

Computer networking forms the backbone of our digital infrastructure. From sending emails to streaming videos, from online shopping to cloud computing...
Strengthening Cyber Defenses with NIST Framework

Cyber threats like data breaches, ransomware, and sophisticated hacking attempts pose grave risks to all businesses, governments, institutions and ind...
Why are GitLab Tools Better for DevSecOps?

Streamlined workflows and enhanced collaboration are essential in today’s fast-paced software development world. GitLab stands out as a comprehe...
Understanding Security Clearance Levels for Cybersecurity

Security clearances are background checks commonly needed for Federal job positions and dealing with national security information. This certification...