Cybersecurity

A Career that makes an impact.

From phishing scams and fraud schemes to data ransoming and infrastructure attacks, cyber crime impacts everyday life with staggering consequences. If you’re looking for a career with competitive salaries, incredible growth opportunities, job security, and the potential to make a positive impact, consider launching a career in one of today’s most exciting and in-demand fields: cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity entails protecting computer networks, software, and hardware from theft or damage to their functionality. It is a growing field that has been evolving rapidly over recent years as the technology becomes more and more integrated into our lives. The need for cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. This is an incredible industry to pursue as a career. Ic3..gov reports that the potential loss from cyber incidents and attacks is $102 billion in the United States alone.

Join a fast-growing profession:

Looking for a career with growth potential? Consider this: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment for Information Security Analysts is expected to grow 32% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. A career in cybersecurity can offer you:

  • Competitive salaries
  • Growth opportunities
  • Job security
  • Potential to make a positive impact

Nearly every industry today needs cybersecurity specialists to prevent, detect, and defend against cyber attacks. It’s time to take charge of today’s digitally-driven world. Earn your degree and learn what it takes to be at the cutting edge of this dynamic and rapidly developing field.

NCAE-C Community Badge
CIAT Recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

CIAT has earned the prestigious CAE-CD designation from the NSA's National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C).

Are you interested in Cybersecurity?

At CIAT, we are here for you on your journey to success, and it starts with answering your questions. Let us connect you with the information you need to navigate your next steps.

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Is Cybersecurity right for me?

Take our career quiz to discover career paths that match your style and interests.

Career Outlook
Career Outlook

With the increasing reliance on digital technologies across industries, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, with many positions offering flexibility and room for growth.

Earning Potential
Earning Potential

Income for cybersecurity positions is well above the national average. The shortage of cybersecurity professionals with the necessary skills and expertise to fill the growing number of job openings drives up salaries as companies compete to attract and retain qualified talent.

High Impact
High Impact

Cybersecurity professionals protect individuals, businesses, and society from financial losses, privacy breaches, and disruptions to critical infrastructure. By defending against cyber threats, they have a direct impact on the health, growth, and reputation of organizations.

Explore Cybersecurity Programs

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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Certificate Program

Certificate in Cybersecurity

  • Program Length: 40 Weeks

  • Courses: 8

  • Credits: 32

  • Availability:
  • California Institution New Mexico Institution
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Cybersecurity - Frequently Asked Questions

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer networks, software, and hardware from theft, damage, and unauthorized access. In today's digitally-driven world, cybersecurity professionals play a critical role in defending organizations against cyber threats like phishing scams, fraud schemes, data ransoming, and infrastructure attacks. The stakes are high – Ic3.gov reports potential losses from cyber incidents at $102 billion in the United States alone.

CIAT offers a career quiz to help you discover career paths that match your style and interests. Additionally, you can speak with the CIAT Career Services department, which provides personalized support to help you achieve your unique career goals.

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

Key advantages include:

  • Competitive salaries
  • Exceptional growth opportunities
  • Strong job security
  • Potential to make a positive impact
  • High demand across multiple industries
  • Continuous learning and development

The total cost of your program will depend on factors like program length, number of credits, and any applicable scholarships or transfer credits. Our Admissions and Financial Aid team will provide a personalized estimate based on your situation.

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.

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.

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

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

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Cybersecurity Jobs are in Demand

There’s never been a better time than now to launch your cybersecurity career. The industry is booming with no signs of slowing down. And, right now, there’s a major cybersecurity skills gap. The need for cybersecurity experts is outpacing the rate at which people are earning necessary skills for a cybersecurity career. In fact, it’s estimated that there will be 3.5 million unfilled jobs in the cybersecurity industry through 2025.

From healthcare to finance and technology to government, industries of all kinds are hiring cybersecurity professionals to grow their security departments.

You can help bridge the gap.

Cybersecurity Professionals Needed Worldwide

Career Opportunities in the field of Cybersecurity

From healthcare to finance and technology to government, industries of all kinds are hiring cybersecurity professionals to grow their security departments. While there’s a multitude of cybersecurity jobs across sectors, some of the more common cybersecurity job positions include:

Entry Level:

  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Cyber Crime Analyst
  • Incident & Intrusion Analyst

Mid Level:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Consultant
  • Penetration & Vulnerability Tester

Senior Level:

  • Cybersecurity Manager
  • Cybersecurity Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Architect
CIAT Career Services

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

Learn more
Earning Potential Chart

Earning Potential

Here are the average yearly salaries for various positions that require or request a Security+ certification by industry. A CompTIA Security+ certification can make an enormous impact on one’s salary, but keep in mind the amount of pay one can earn will depend on a number of factors including job location, amount of experience, local economic conditions, and other factors.

Ready to Get Started?

Request an appointment with one of our Admissions Advisors for personalized guidance on building your education plan. You’ll be able to book an appointment instantly for a time that fits your schedule.

Enrollment Deadline - December 19th, 2025

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California Institute of Applied Technology has shared ownership and management of two distinct institutions. California Institute of Applied Technology located in California, and California Institute of Applied Technology located in New Mexico.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. CIAT is approved to offer VA benefits. *Financial aid is available for those who qualify. *Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in their Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after graduation. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details. Certifications or courses may change to address industry trends or improve quality