Cyber-Security PractitionerCertificate of AchievementAS Degree

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Community of interest
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Award
Certificate of Achievement
Program code
40709.01CA
Department
Comp Sys Admin/Info Sys
CIP code
11.1006: Computer Support Specialist.
TOP code
0708.20 - Computer Support*
See AS Degree in Cyber-Security Practitioner.
Program detailsAward, code, department, CIP/TOP

Program Snapshot

Community of interest
STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Award
Certificate of Achievement
Program code
40709.01CA
Department
Comp Sys Admin/Info Sys
CIP code
11.1006: Computer Support Specialist.
TOP code
0708.20 - Computer Support*

Next Steps

Map Class Schedule

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

Program Schedule ReportMeet with a counselor
Cyber-Security Practitioner
Certificate of Achievement — expand to learn about this award

A career-aligned credential built around a specific field of study or area of emphasis. Faster to complete than a degree, and the coursework typically stacks into a related AS or AA later if you choose to continue.

See the 2026-27 Catalog for official program details

Semester-by-Semester Map

Term 1

Class Schedules

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

10 units
CSCI 4
Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies
3 units
course details

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of programming. Students will learn about the software development life-cycle, algorithms, and the design, implementation, and testing of programs using an object-oriented programming language. (C-ID COMP 112).

View full course outline for CSCI 4

CSCI 25
Linux 1: Shell Scripting and Programming
3 units
course details

This course introduces a variety of the tools and concepts used while working with a UNIX/Linux-based computer system. Students will learn to write shell scripts using basic commands and regular expressions. They will then use those tools to write scripts first with basic shell commands, then with grep, sed, and awk, then with more advanced decision-making and flow control commands. Other scripting tools such as Perl and Python will also be explored. Students will write shell script programs to exercise their understanding of tools and concepts. This course will be taught using a combination of lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on labs. (C-ID ITIS-135).

View full course outline for CSCI 25

CSCI 49
PCs and Peripherals/A+
4 units
course details

This course provides an introduction to the computer hardware and software skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level Information & Communication Technology (ICT) professionals. The fundamentals of computer hardware and software as well as advanced concepts such as security, networking, cloud computing, and the responsibilities of an ICT professional will be introduced. A special emphasis is placed on software, hardware, and network troubleshooting techniques. This course is intended to help students prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exams. (C-ID ITIS 110).

View full course outline for CSCI 49

Term 2

Class Schedules

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Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

9 units
CSCI 17
Introduction to Cybersecurity/Security+
3 units
course details

An introduction to the fundamental principles and topics of Information Technology Security and Risk Management at the organizational level. It addresses hardware, software, processes, communications, applications, and policies and procedures with respect to organizational Cybersecurity and Risk Management. Preparation for the CompTIA Security+ certification exams. (C-ID ITIS 160).

View full course outline for CSCI 17

CSCI 26
Linux 2, System Administration
3 units
course details

In this course students learn how to perform basic administration of a multiuser Linux system. Topics include customizing the user environment, user administration, essential system services, networking, and security. Students will perform all essential tasks of a system administrator on a modern Linux distribution. This course prepares students for the globally recognized LPIC1-102 Certification test.

Prerequisite: CSCI 25

View full course outline for CSCI 26

Select one track:

CCNA

3 units
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Choose one of 1 choice

Systems Administration

3 units
Choose one of 1 choice
Choose one of 1 choice

Term 3

Class Schedules

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Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

6 units
CSCI 18
Ethical Hacking
3 units
course details

This course introduces the network security specialist to the various methodologies for attacking a network. Students will be introduced to the concepts, principles, and techniques, supplemented by hands-on exercises, for attacking and disabling a network within the context of properly securing a network. The course will emphasize network attack methodologies with the emphasis on student use of network attack techniques and tools and appropriate defenses and countermeasures. Students will receive course content information through a variety of methods: lecture and demonstration of hacking tools will be used in addition to a virtual environment. Students will experience a hands-on practical approach to penetration testing measures and ethical hacking. (C-ID ITIS 164).

Prerequisite: CSCI 17 or Security+ Certification, or department approval

View full course outline for CSCI 18

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CCNA

3 units
Choose one of 1 choice
Choose one of 1 choice

Systems Administration

3 units
Choose one of 1 choice
Choose one of 1 choice

Term 4

Class Schedules

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

4–7 units
CSCI 5
IT Career Skills
1 units
course details

This course prepares students for success in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) careers by developing the professional and interpersonal skills essential in today’s workplace. Students will learn how to create clear and effective reports, engage with stakeholders to ensure project and organizational success, and build confidence through interviewing techniques and résumé development. The course also emphasizes professional identity through social networking profile management and digital presence. A special focus is placed on the ethical and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace, helping students understand how to leverage emerging technologies responsibly. By the end of the course, students will possess a toolkit of career-ready skills that complement their technical training and support long-term professional growth. Pass/No Pass.

View full course outline for CSCI 5

Select one track:

CCNA

3 units
Choose one of 1 choice
Choose one of 1 choice

Systems Administration

3 units
Choose one of 2 choices
Choose one of 2 choices

Career Connections

2-Year Degree Paths

Entry points students may pursue after associate-level study, technical preparation, or licensure pathways.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset point cleanly to an immediate 2-year outcome for this program.

4-Year Degree Paths

Roles that more often open up after transfer and a bachelor's degree.

Example roles: 2

  • Computer User Support Specialists
  • Computer Network Support Specialists

Graduate School Paths

Advanced roles commonly associated with graduate, professional, or post-baccalaureate study.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the graduate-school pathway for this program.

Local Job Market

Computer User Support SpecialistsSOC 15-12322 nearby openings

Search keyword used: help desk · Search window: last 30 days, 25-mile radius

Top employers in sample

  • Maximus 1
  • PT Solutions Physical Therapy 1

Where the postings are

  • Chico, Butte County 1
  • Linda, Yuba County 1

Sample current postings

  1. PRN Therapy AidePT Solutions Physical Therapy · Linda, Yuba County · 3 days ago
  2. Junior CIC AnalystMaximus · Chico, Butte County · 3 weeks ago

See all openings on Adzuna

Computer Network Support SpecialistsSOC 15-1231no nearby openings indexed

No nearby openings matched any of: computer network support specialist. Browse this occupation on Adzuna for postings outside the mapped keyword set.

Posting counts come from Adzuna's index of US job boards, covering the last up to 90 days within up to 100 miles of ZIP 95965. Coverage and salary visibility vary by employer. Empty searches expand the radius and posting window before the section gives up.

Source Notes

Course sequencing is generated from the Acadia Program Mapper cache. Career groupings use local CIP-to-SOC mappings and BLS occupation data when available. Confirm education plans with Counseling and Advising.

Live wage data was not available from the BLS helper for the mapped occupations, so some pay fields may be blank.

Last generated 2026-07-05T16:55+00:00