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Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree and Steer the Future of Digital Defense.
´ó·¢â€™s online bachelor’s in cybersecurity equips you with essential skills and knowledge to safeguard digital assets, corporations and even nations against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
During your final-year capstone project, you’ll apply your cyberdefense expertise in real-world settings, partnering with organizations to tackle genuine security challenges.
There’s never been a better time to launch your cybersecurity career. Cyberthreats are rapidly rising, and the industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals to meet this challenge—up to 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled globally.
100% Online Program
Complete in Just 5 Semesters
Gain Hands-On Experience
Application Deadlines
Applications to the online BS in Cybersecurity program are reviewed on a rolling basis;
apply at any time! However, priority is given to applications that are received by
these deadlines:
- Fall 2026: Applications opening soon
Quick facts
Fast-Track Degree Completion: The BS in Cybersecurity is specifically designed for students who have earned some
college credits and are looking to complete an accelerated bachelor’s degree while
juggling personal and professional obligations.
Real-World Collaboration: Engage directly with industry leaders on live cybersecurity projects, gaining practical experience and building valuable professional connections that are essential for a successful career in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. 
Attend an Information Session
Join an Online Information Session
Learn more about the online BS in Cybersecurity through a brief, informal webinar
and Q&A session:
Admission and Costs
Admission
This is a degree-completion program. Students must complete required prerequisite courses and some transferable units. Additionally, applicants are required to fulfill the CSU general education transfer requirements.
Credit for Prior Learning
If you hold CompTIA or CISCO Certified Network Associate certifications, you may qualify for academic credit, potentially reducing the number of courses required for your bachelor’s degree. To explore your eligibility for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), please consult with a ´ó·¢ advisor. Our department faculty will assess your certifications to determine how they can contribute to your BS in Cybersecurity.
Costs and Financial Aid
- $530 per unit
- Discounts available for active-duty military
- Eligible for financial aid
Who Is This Cybersecurity Degree For?
Does this sound like you?
- Tech professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects through specialized knowledge in cyberdefense and information security.
- Career changers with tech backgrounds looking to pivot to a new, dynamic career in cybersecurity.
- Members of the armed forces and veterans ready to leverage their unique experience into the field of cybersecurity.
- IT professionals who want to advance into management and leadership roles in the information security space.
Curriculum Highlights
The BS in Cybersecurity curriculum provides a thorough exploration of the multifaceted aspects of cybersecurity, including organizational data systems, network infrastructure, device security and critical service protections, offering a broad and integrated perspective.
Secure Software Development
Gain an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices essential for designing and developing secure software systems. This course covers the latest security protocols, threat models and defense mechanisms tailored for software development. You'll explore secure design and coding practices, vulnerability assessment, risk management and the integration of security features throughout the software development lifecycle.AI for Cybersecurity
Explore the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in this course. You will learn how AI technologies such as machine learning and deep learning can be harnessed to enhance cybersecurity measures, detect vulnerabilities and automate emergency threat detection and response. The curriculum guides you through various AI models, their applications in cyberdefense, and the ethical considerations of using AI in securing digital assets.Cybersecurity Capstone
Apply your comprehensive knowledge acquired throughout the program to real-world security challenges. Collaborate with actual organizations to engage in extensive security projects, testing your abilities in security analysis, mitigation strategies and solution implementation. This course challenges you to tackle complex cybersecurity issues, demonstrating your readiness for a professional career in cybersecurity.Careers and Job Outlooks
Position Yourself for Professional Growth
The information security sector in the U.S. is experiencing robust job and salary growth.
Industry Openings Each Year
Projected Job Growth through 2031
Median Salary for Cybersecurity Roles
Potential Career Paths
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is designed with adaptability in mind, enabling
you to pursue any number of security or IT roles, including new emerging disciplines.
Some prominent examples include, but are not limited to:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Security Specialist
- Security Manager
- Systems Administrator
- Security Architect
- Penetration Tester
FAQ
- What is a degree-completion program?Degree-completion programs at ´ó·¢ cater to individuals who have initiated, yet not completed, their four-year undergraduate degrees. If you have earned at least 60 transferable units, you are eligible for this coveted bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Cal State San Marcos. 
- What is a cohort?A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic degree. Because they are accepted into the same program, take their classes together and graduate together, students in cohorts form strong bonds, creating a support system and professional network that proves beneficial during and after the program.
- What colleges can BS Cybersecurity students transfer from?Students from various community colleges across the nation as well as in Southern California, including Palomar College, MiraCosta College, Southwestern Community College and Imperial Valley College, are well-equipped to transition into our online BS Cybersecurity program.
- What kinds of careers will I be prepared for after completing this program?Students who complete this program can pursue a career as cybersecurity analyst, cybersecurity engineer, network engineer, systems engineer, DevSecOps engineer, software developer, cybersecurity manager, penetration and vulnerability tester, systems administrator, cybersecurity consultant, cybersecurity specialist and information security officer, just to name a few prominent roles.
- What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?
- Why should I pursue a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity instead of just certifications?Opting for a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity offers a comprehensive educational experience that extends beyond the technical skills taught in certifications. This degree provides a solid foundation in computer science, mathematics and business, essential for a holistic understanding of the cybersecurity landscape and better career advancement opportunities.
- How does this major prepare me for the master's program? Do any units transfer to
the MS?Our BS in Cybersecurity program includes flexible electives, allowing you to take master-level courses that directly count toward a future master's degree. This seamless integration not only saves you time but also prepares you for advanced studies by giving you early exposure to graduate-level content and research opportunities.
- How does the Senior Cybersecurity Capstone (CYBR 490) work?In the Senior Cybersecurity Capstone, you will engage in practical, hands-on projects by partnering with real organizations under the guidance of a faculty mentor. This semester-long capstone is designed to simulate the responsibilities of a cybersecurity consultant, involving comprehensive security analysis, the creation of mitigation strategies and the implementation of security solutions tailored to real-world business needs.
- What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and how can it benefit me?Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows you to earn academic credits for skills and knowledge you've acquired outside of a traditional classroom. This can help reduce the number of courses needed for your degree, saving you time and money while accelerating your path to graduation.
- How do I apply for CPL?
Start by contacting your ´ó·¢ advisor, who will guide you through the CPL process. You’ll need to provide proof of your certifications and/or provide supporting documentation demonstrating your learning, knowledge or skill acquired through experience. Once the appropriate paperwork has been received, the department faculty will assess which credits you qualify for.
- What certifications are pre-approved for CPL?The following industry-recognized certifications are currently approved for credit in the Cybersecurity program:
- CompTIA certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Linux+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CISCO certification
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
If you hold one or more of these certifications, you may be eligible to receive academic credit. - CompTIA certifications
- Can other forms of experience besides certifications count towards CPL?Yes, beyond certifications, prior experience such as work or military experience may also qualify for credit. Faculty at ´ó·¢ will review these experiences on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility.
Secure Your Future in Cybersecurity Today.
*Salary Sources
Unfilled jobs: https://cybersecurityventures.com/jobs/
Salary: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd. San Marcos CA, 92096