Cybersecurity

Applied Bachelor’s Degree In Computer Information Systems

Program Length: 3 - 4 Years
|
Courses: 35
|
Credits: 130
|
Industry Certifications: 6

Availability:

California Institution
New Mexico Institution

Overview:

The threat of cybercrime is growing, and the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. Nearly every industry today needs specialists to prevent, detect, and defend against cyber-attacks.

At CIAT, our Cybersecurity Program prepares you to take charge in today's digitally driven world through three core learning outcomes:

- Organize the usage of proper security planning, concerns, issues, and risk assessment using NIST, ISO, modern security policies, and best practices.

- Develop security solutions using available technology to prevent or discover vulnerabilities and exploits within enterprise systems.

- Successfully critique existing security measures for weaknesses in design and implementation using current and new unfolding security threats.

We go beyond traditional education by requiring students to earn three industry certifications from leading organizations such as CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, Amazon, and EC Council. These certifications boost your earning potential, help you stand out to employers, and validate your practical skills. Our comprehensive support includes complimentary workshops, bootcamps, practice exam software, tutoring, and unlimited certification exam attempts.

Our Cybersecurity Specialization can be earned as part of our Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology and Networking, delivered using a 2+2 approach where students earn an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems before taking upper-division courses.

Enrollment Deadline: April 12th, 2025

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Applied Bachelor’s Degree In Computer Information Systems

Courses

Have more questions? Reach out today and admissions advisor will answer any other questions you have!

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Cybersecurity Skills You’ll Learn:

Our Bachelor’s of Applied Science - Cybersecurity degree program, the cybersecurity degree track helps you understand what it takes to detect, manage, and prevent cyber-attacks. Students hone their cybersecurity skills and cover a wide range of pertinent security subject matter, including:

Cloud architecture and design
Proficient cloud security management
Seamless cloud service integration
Big data management
DevOps and automation techniques
Business continuity and disaster recovery strategies
Security operations
Security and risk management
Asset security
Security architecture and engineering
Web application security tools
Ethical hacking techniques

Applied Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems - Cybersecurity Concentration FAQs

This program is ideal for individuals interested in becoming cybersecurity professionals, including both beginners and those already working in IT who want to specialize in cybersecurity. It's particularly well-suited for those who want to pursue a comprehensive education that combines academic knowledge with industry certifications, and those interested in protecting computer networks, software, and hardware from cyber threats.

The program follows a 2+2 approach, requiring:

Completion of an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems (or equivalent transferable Associates level degree) before taking upper-division courses.
No prior industry experience needed – beginners are welcome.
No specific industry certifications required, though transfer credit may be applied for existing certifications.

To graduate from the program, students must:

Complete all required coursework within the 35-course curriculum.
Earn a minimum of two industry.
certifications from the pre-approved list of certifications.

The program offers several distinctive advantages:

Integration of 16 industry certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, Amazon, EC Council, and IC2.
Certification exam preparation at its core.
Complimentary workshops, bootcamps, practice exam software, tutoring.
Flexible framework allowing students to choose certifications aligned with their career goals.
Practical, hands-on training in real-world cybersecurity operations.

The program takes approximately 3.5 years to complete and consists of 35 courses.

The program is divided into three main course categories:

Technical Core Courses:

Introduction to Linux and Linux Administration
Cisco Networking (Parts 1 & 2)
DevNet Associate (Parts 1 & 2)
Computer Fundamentals
Principles of Information Systems
Computer Hardware Fundamentals
Computer Operating Systems
OS Fundamentals
Network Fundamentals (Part 1)
Network Fundamentals (Part 2)
Cybersecurity Fundamentals (Part 1)
Cybersecurity Fundamentals (Part 2)
Azure Cloud Fundamentals
Azure Cloud Administration
AWS Foundations

Cybersecurity Concentration Track:

Certified Ethical Hacker (Parts 1 & 2)
Advanced Network Security CISSP (Parts 1 & 2)
Senior Project (focusing on Business Continuity Planning)

General Education Courses:

Literature and the Art of the Narrative
Technology, Society and Culture
Professional Practice in Ethics
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Career and Technology

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Analyst
IT Security Analyst
Network Architect
Cybersecurity Manager
IT Systems Administrator

Students will develop comprehensive cybersecurity skills including:

Security operations
Security and risk management
Asset security.
Security architecture and engineering
Web application security tools
Ethical hacking techniques
Network security
Linux system administration
Cisco networking
DevNet operations
Business continuity planning
Critical thinking and problem-solving in cybersecurity contexts

We understand the financial commitment required for career development. Our team is happy to discuss available federal aid, scholarships, private loans, and payment plans, to support your educational goals. Please reach out to our admissions counselors for more information.

Have more questions? Reach out today and admissions advisor will answer any other questions you have!

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Industry Certifications

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or trying to take your career to the next level, students graduate skilled, certified and ahead of the curve.

Security+

DevNet

CISSP 2024

CEH v12

Azure Administrator

AWS Cloud Practitioner

Why Get Certified?

92% of employers said their certified individuals receive higher starting salaries than those without certifications.

- Source: CompTIA HR Study

With every CIAT certification training course, everything you need to succeed is included in the cost of your tuition:

No exam fees
Unlimited attempts*
Unique certification-focused curriculum
Build Your Own Computer with at-home lab kits
Live online classes with industry certified instructors
Personalized career services support

* Some exclusions apply. See CIAT certification exam policy.

Unlimited Certification Exam Policy

Our programs are strategically designed to help you pass your exams, so you can take your exams as many times as you need.

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CIAT Career Services

CIAT’s dedicated Career Services department customizes support to your unique career goals.

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Career Opportunities for Applied Bachelor’s Degree In Computer Information Systems

Our cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program prepares students for potential roles including but not limited to:

Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Analyst
IT Security Analyst
Network Architect
Cybersecurity Manager
IT Systems Administrator
Cybersecurity Consultant
Azure Administrator Associate
AWS Networking Specialist
Cloud Engineer
IT Systems Administrator
IT Manager

Tuition & Aid

Investing in your education can be one of the smartest investments you make on the path to a more prosperous and fulfilling future. Getting a clear picture of your final tuition starts with selecting the right program that meets your academic, career, and financial goals. We focus on rapid entry into the workforce to put your new tech skills to work in as little as 15 weeks, then help you advance your career with additional training and industry certifications.

Select from a combination of financial support options including military benefits, federal grants and loans*, private loans, monthly payments, and scholarships, to help you build an affordable, ROI-based education plan.

Military Benefits
FAFSA
Private Loans
No Interest Options
Scholarships

Your final tuition cost will vary based on program selection, credits transferred from other institutions, and potential scholarships applied. Our Admissions and Financial Aid team will prepare a personal financial aid projection with tips on how to maximize your educational investment, plan your ROI, and reduce out of pocket expenses. Download the Program & Tuition Guide below to get started.

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Earn up to $15K in Scholarships!

Take the first step to receive a personalized financial plan that complements your education and career goals. Get instant access to complete program details including tuition rates, career paths, and more. Your personal Admissions Advisor will connect with you to help you through the process.

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Transfer Credit Evaluation

Learn More Arrows

Already have a degree, or want to transfer your current college experience and credits?

Use your previous degree or prior college experience to bypass the general education requirements and enroll in an accelerated program to earn the skills and certifications you need to advance in your career.

Ready to start your journey?

Take the first step to receive a personalized financial plan that complements your education and career goals. Download our Applied Bachelor’s Degree In Computer Information Systems program guide to get instant access to complete program details including tuition rates, career paths, and more. Your personal Admissions Advisor will connect with you to help you through the process.

How to Apply

Applying is easy, and submitting an online application is free! Your admissions advisor will walk you through every step of the way, including choosing your program, transferring your prior college credits, and making sure you have everything you need to be prepared as a student.

Simply follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to enrolling:

Program Eligibility

Prior industry experience needed: None – beginners welcome!

Prior industry certifications required: N/A

Book an Appointment
Apply Online
Complete Financial Consultation
Submit Documentation

That’s it! Simply follow these steps to enroll in your desired program. We can’t wait to meet you!

Apply Now

Admissions FAQs

First Time College

At CIAT, we take a skills-based, career-focused approach to education. Our programs are designed to provide you with the practical, hands-on experience employers seek beyond just the theoretical knowledge you'd get at a typical university. You'll graduate with specialized capabilities and industry-relevant certifications to thrive in your chosen field.

We understand that navigating higher education can be daunting, especially for students new to the college experience. That's why we provide comprehensive student support services, including dedicated Admissions Advisors, Student Services Advisors, and Career Services Advisors. They'll work closely with you every step of the way to ensure you have the guidance, resources, and confidence to reach your full potential.

Affording college is a significant concern for many first-time students. At CIAT, we're committed to making your education accessible and affordable. In addition to accepting federal financial aid, we also offer a variety of scholarships, grants, and flexible payment plans. Our financial aid experts will help you explore all your options to create a personalized funding strategy.

Many of our career-focused programs can be completed in 3.5 years or less. We understand the importance of getting you into the workforce quickly. Our accelerated, year-round schedule allows you to earn your degree faster without sacrificing the quality of your education.

Experiential learning is a core part of our curriculum. Through classroom projects, simulations, labs, and other real-world applications, you'll have the chance to apply your newfound knowledge and skills in practical, industry-relevant settings. This gives you a significant competitive advantage when entering the job market.

The first step is to connect with one of our Admissions Advisors. They'll learn about your unique goals and needs and help you determine the right program path. From there, you can quickly complete our streamlined online application, submit any required documents, and explore financial aid options - all with personalized guidance.

College Transfer

CIAT accepts up to 75% of eligible credits earned from previous institutions, including community colleges, technical schools, and 4-year universities. Our admissions team will evaluate your official transcripts to determine how many credits can be transferred to your desired program.

In addition to standard college coursework, we also accept credits earned through military training, industry certifications, and general education platforms like CLEP, Straighterline, and Sofia Learning. We aim to help you maximize the value of your past educational investments.

We understand the importance of timely assessment of your eligible transfer credits. That's why our transfer credit evaluation process is fast and efficient, usually completed within 24-48 hours of receiving your transcripts.

No problem! We're experienced in reviewing transcripts from multiple institutions and determining the optimal way to apply your accumulated credits toward your degree program at CIAT. Our advisors will work closely with you to ensure a smooth transfer process.

Absolutely! We have a dedicated Transfer Scholarship and other resources like flexible payment plans to help make your education affordable. Our financial aid experts will collaborate with you to identify all the available funding opportunities.

The process is simple. Start by requesting a transfer credit evaluation from our admissions team. Once we've reviewed your transcripts, you can complete our streamlined online application. Our admissions advisors are here to assist you if you need any guidance.

You can bypass those courses entirely if you've already completed your general education requirements at a previous institution. We'll work with you to determine which credits can be transferred to provide the most efficient path to your degree.

Working Adult

Our 100% online, accelerated degree programs are designed to provide maximum flexibility for working adults. With 5-week courses, you can focus on one subject at a time and complete your program at your own pace without sacrificing your job or other commitments.

Absolutely! CIAT offers challenge exams that allow you to translate your industry certifications, professional licenses, and relevant job experience into college credits. This can help you save time and money on your degree.

Our accelerated, 5-week courses enable you to move through your program expeditiously. Depending on your schedule and the number of credits you can transfer, you can earn your degree in 1-2 years. We'll work closely with you to create a customized academic plan.

The admissions process for our online programs is tailored to working adults. In addition to your previous education and work history, we evaluate factors like your motivation, time management skills, and alignment with your career goals. Acceptance is based on a holistic application review and a mandatory technical assessment.

We understand that cost is a significant consideration for working students. We offer competitive tuition, generous scholarship opportunities, and flexible payment plans. Our financial aid experts will work with you one-on-one to create an affordable education plan.

CIAT has multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing you to begin your program when it's most convenient. Our rolling admissions process means you don't have to wait for a specific semester to enroll.

Military Students

At CIAT, we understand active duty service members' and veterans' unique challenges and demands. That's why we offer flexible, 100% online programs that can be completed at your own pace, no matter where you're stationed. We also provide dedicated military student support services and accept various military tuition assistance and benefits.

CIAT proudly offers military tuition assistance and benefits to service members in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. This includes GI Bill® benefits, Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E), VA STEM Scholarship, VA Yellow Ribbon Program, Active Duty Tuition Assistance, MyCAA Scholarship Programs, and more. Our financial aid experts will work with you to maximize your available funding.

We understand the challenges of attending in-person classes for active duty and deployed service members. That's why we offer a Hybrid Campus Plan, where you only need to attend your final exam session at our National City campus. All other coursework can be completed 100% online.

Whether advancing your military career or transitioning out, CIAT is dedicated to helping you reach your professional goals. Our career-focused programs, small class sizes, and personalized career counseling services ensure you graduate with the skills, competencies, and confidence to thrive in the civilian workforce.

Yes, CIAT offers a variety of exclusive scholarships and grants for active duty, veterans, and military spouses, including the GI Bill®, VA STEM Scholarship, VA Yellow Ribbon Program, MyCAA Scholarship, and more. Our financial aid experts will work with you to identify all the funding opportunities for which you qualify.

CIAT has multiple start dates throughout the year to accommodate your schedule. Our rolling admissions process means you don't have to wait for a specific semester to enroll. Once you connect with our military admissions advisors, they'll quickly guide you through the application and enrollment steps.

In addition to our flexible online programs, military students at CIAT also have access to a range of dedicated support services. This includes academic advising, disability counseling, career counseling, and a community of fellow military-affiliated students and faculty. We're here to ensure your success every step of the way.

We understand that life sometimes gets in the way of your academic goals. If you previously withdrew, were dropped, or were dismissed from your CIAT program, you can petition for consideration of re-enrollment. Our admissions team will work with you to understand the circumstances and determine the best path forward.

The re-enrollment process includes:

1. Schedule an appointment with an admissions representative to discuss your

renewed academic goals.

2. Completing a new enrollment application and signing the Gainful Employment

Disclosures.

3. Submitting a 250-word essay detailing your goals, how CIAT can help you achieve

them, and how you'll address any previous obstacles.

4. Completing a formal interview with the Director of Admissions.

The CIAT management team will review your re-admission application, previous academic history, attendance, and reason for departure. Each case is evaluated individually - prior admission does not guarantee re-admission. The final decision will be made in writing within 10 business days.

If your re-enrollment is approved, any coursework you completed with a grade of "C" or better will be transferred to your new enrollment if you re-enroll within 12 months of your withdrawal.

Yes. Suppose you're an active-duty service member who had to withdraw due to deployment or other service requirements. In that case, we'll waive the formal re-admission interview and essay steps to make the process easier for your transition back.

Our rolling admissions process means you don't have to wait for a specific semester to re-enroll. Once you complete the re-admission requirements, you can start your program at the next available term.

Have more questions? Reach out today and admissions advisor will answer any other questions you have!

Request Info

Talk to an Advisor

Cybersecurity

Applied Bachelor’s Degree In Computer Information Systems

Availability:

Enrollment Deadline: April 12th, 2025

Download Program Guide

Courses

Cybersecurity Skills You’ll Learn:

Applied Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems - Cybersecurity Concentration FAQs

Industry Certifications

Why Get Certified?

Unlimited Certification Exam Policy

CIAT Career Services

Career Opportunities for Applied Bachelor’s Degree In Computer Information Systems

Tuition & Aid

Earn up to $15K in Scholarships!

Transfer Credit Evaluation

Already have a degree, or want to transfer your current college experience and credits?

Ready to start your journey?

How to Apply

Program Eligibility

Admissions FAQs

First Time College

College Transfer

Working Adult

Military Students

Related Programs

California Institution

New Mexico Institution

Phone

Get Started

For Students

Information

California Institution

New Mexico Institution