Become a Cybersecurity
Professional in Less Than a Year

Set the Stage for a Successful Cybersecurity Career

The Cybersecurity Professional Certificate Program offered by the College of Professional and Continuing Education at California State University, Long Beach provides you with the education you need to make a career change into the cybersecurity industry in just 10 months. Designed to take you from zero-experience to job-ready, this program teaches cybersecurity through hands-on classes taught by expert instructors, immersing learners in real-world cyberattack simulations and a comprehensive curriculum.

With over 700,000 job
openings nationwide,
there’s never been a
better time to join the
cybersecurity
industry.

- Source:
Cyberseek.org

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Fast-Track Your Future With
an Accelerated Curriculum

Build the Cybersecurity Skills Employers Want

Gain hands-on experience with the top industry tools and software, while developing the
advanced skills that will help you stand out to employers.

Train to Become a
Cybersecurity Professional

Hands-on Simulations and Labs

Hands-On Courses

We train learners to gain practical cybersecurity skills they can apply on the job from day one. Companies looking to fill cybersecurity positions prioritize candidates that have hands-on training, and that’s why these courses focus on practicing offensive and defensive tactics.

TDX Arena and Cyber Labs

Grow your cybersecurity skill set by practicing with Cyber Labs and TDX Arena, our proprietary virtual training platform. Experience real-world cyberattacks through immersive gamified learning, practice what you learn in class, and test your growing knowledge and skills.

Virtual Classroom

This program offers fully remote, live classes on a part-time schedule. You will have access to an online learning ecosystem, including class recordings and communication tools that facilitate interactions between you and your new community of cybersecurity professionals in-training.

Expert Instructors

The instructors are cybersecurity professionals active in the field. They bring years of industry knowledge directly into the classroom, and give learners unique insights into the most relevant cybersec tools and techniques through their mentorship and guidance.

We Support You Every Step of the Way

Grow Within a Built-in Professional Network for a Unique Competitive Edge

Professional Network

This program offers virtual networking events and opportunities to connect to other cybersecurity professionals, including local and national hiring partners. Set yourself up for success and open up new possibilities for your future cybersecurity career.

Career Coaching

This program includes a team of career advisors and coaches, dedicated to getting you on the right track to the career of your dreams. They empower you to be a top candidate for job opportunities by helping with your resume, LinkedIn profile, interview prep, and more.

Student Support

Student success managers are here to make sure you thrive during this program and beyond. From helping learners access additional resources and tutoring sessions to keeping you accountable and arranging test retakes, they ensure you always get the support you need.

Job Search Strategies

Get a team of career services professionals whose mission is to help you find the best job opportunities for the career you want. They are instrumental in getting your foot in the door with future employers and jumpstarting your professional path in cybersecurity.

Download the
Course Catalog

Here Are All the Classes
That Will Train You in Cybersecurity

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Program Overview

20-Hour Introductory Course
| 380-Hour Extended Program

  • Introductory Course

    Take the Cybersecurity Professional Certificate Program for a test drive with the Introductory Course. During this course, you’ll learn about the industry and will be introduced to networking and network security fundamentals, security on the Linux and Microsoft platforms, offensive security, threats/threat actors, and more.

    You’ll also get a feel for the remote learning environment and acquire all of the information you need to make an informed and confident decision on signing up for the Cybersecurity Professional Certificate Program.

    When the Introductory Course is over, the results from your assessment exam will help you determine your ability to excel in a cybersecurity career.
  • Part 1: Fundamentals

    In the Fundamentals Phase, learners learn the basics of the cybersecurity career path. It includes training on Microsoft Windows, Linux, and basic network and cloud security. This phase acts as foundational training for the more rigorous portions of the program.
  • Microsoft Security

    Many companies across the globe rely on Windows Server to manage their computers, networks, and infrastructure. The Microsoft Security course will give learners a real-world, hands-on education in both modern and widely used versions of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Server. Individuals will learn best practices for administrating and securing the Microsoft ecosystem of products.
  • Computer Networking

    Computer networking is an essential skill for cybersecurity professionals since networks are used in a variety of fields—including health care, finance, technology, manufacturing, travel, and more. The Computer Networking course will give learners a firm understanding of computer network basics, including protocols, topologies, network design, and devices.

    Additionally, the Computer Networking course will give learners a foundation for preparing to take the CompTIA Network+ exam.*
  • Cloud Security

    Cloud solutions like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure are all becoming commonplace as more organizations adopt them. The Cloud Security course prepares learners to discuss, identify, compare, contrast, and use common cloud service platforms and providers. It also covers security offerings so that learners can understand how to implement security for cloud-based platforms.

    Upon completion of the course, learners will have a foundation of cloud security knowledge that they can use to prepare for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification exam.*
  • Linux Security

    The Linux Security course imparts knowledge and practical skills on the most used operating system in the world—one that is absolutely essential to cybersecurity professionals. Individuals will learn all of the basics of using and manipulating Linux and will also learn about the various Linux distributions available.

    Upon course completion, learners can begin preparing for the LPI Linux Essentials certification exam.*
  • Part 2: Cybersecurity Infrastructure

    In the Infrastructure phase of the program, learners begin focusing exclusively on security concepts and practices. This phase allows course participants to study Python programming, network security, and Critical Infrastructure Security (CIS). Learners gain practical security skills and experience that will prepare them for the Advanced phase of the program.
  • Network Security

    Networks are the foundation for nearly everything on the internet. Learners will leave this course with the skills needed to suggest, design, or implement controls to build secure networks from the design stage to post-implementation. They will have the digital skill set and know-how needed to appeal to potential employers looking to fill technical positions.

  • Cyber Infrastructure & Technology

    This course provides learners with the knowledge and practical training needed to design and maintain secure infrastructures and technologies. Security countermeasures such as SIEM, SOAR, endpoint security, and more provide an essential understanding of how to effectively protect organizations. This course begins to cover the CompTIA Security+ and CySA+ certificate objectives.
  • Intro to Python for Security

    Sometimes the best cybersecurity tool is the one you make yourself. Often, cybersecurity professionals find themselves needing to analyze data, scan a system, or review hosts on a network in a novel way. The Intro to Python for Security course gives learners the tools they need to create these custom scripts on the fly, serving as an introduction to basic programming concepts in Python.
  • Part 3: Advanced Cybersecurity

    In the Advanced phase, learners solidify existing skills and begin building new ones in advanced security concepts like game theory, digital forensics, incident response, and ethical hacking. By the end of this phase, learners will have a more complete view of cybersecurity and will be well-prepared to enter the industry.
  • Offensive Security: Ethical Hacking

    This course is a deep dive into the world of ethical hacking, which is critical to the cybersecurity industry. Ethical hackers can include anyone from penetration testers to GRC auditors. The Ethical Hacking course lets the learner get into the mindset of criminal hackers and provides them with the foundation needed to pursue a career with ethical hacking as the primary role.

  • DFIR and Threat Hunting

    When there’s a cyberattack, first responders are the first in line to analyze and contain the incident. The Digital Forensics & Incident course gives learners the necessary tools to appropriately respond to attacks, conduct various types of investigations and evidence gathering, and report the results.

  • Game Theory Strategy in Cybersecurity

    In cybersecurity, game theory allows professionals to analyze the nature of cyberattacks by viewing each incident as a series of games and players. This allows them to describe the interactions and outcomes between a threat and an organization without knowing who the threat actually is. The Game Theory course covers the basics of philosophy and mathematics and also provides experience in how to use game theory in cybersecurity. This course helps develop soft skills that are highly critical in cybersecurity by fostering a learner’s ability to think creatively and critically.
  • Cybersecurity Certification Workshops

    These workshops are led by one of our expert instructors, who are ready to talk through cybersecurity certifications: what certifications generally cover, their different advantages, how to prepare for the exams, and more. They are also equipped to answer any questions and offer tips for exam success.
  • Career Outcomes

    Get the competitive edge you need to succeed in technical interviews with this specialized workshop. TDX Arena also hosts a dedicated resource hub that includes detailed career guides as well as asynchronous classes.
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Introductory Course (20 Hours)

Take the Cybersecurity Professional Certificate Program for a test drive with the Introductory Course. During this course, you’ll learn about the industry and will be introduced to networking and network security fundamentals, security on the Linux and Microsoft platforms, offensive security, threats/threat actors, and more.

You’ll also get a feel for the remote learning environment and acquire all of the information you need to make an informed and confident decision on signing up for the Cybersecurity Professional Certificate Program.

When the Introductory Course is over, the results from your assessment exam will help you determine your ability to excel in a cybersecurity career.

Icon

Part 1: Fundamentals

In the Fundamentals Phase, learners learn the basics of the cybersecurity career path. It includes training on Microsoft Windows, Linux, and basic network and cloud security. This phase acts as foundational training for the more rigorous portions of the program.

Icon

Microsoft Security (40 Hours)

Many companies across the globe rely on Windows Server to manage their computers, networks, and infrastructure. The Microsoft Security course will give learners a real-world, hands-on education in both modern and widely used versions of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Server. Individuals will learn best practices for administrating and securing the Microsoft ecosystem of products.

Icon

Computer Networking (50 Hours)

Computer networking is an essential skill for cybersecurity professionals since networks are used in a variety of fields—including health care, finance, technology, manufacturing, travel, and more. The Computer Networking course will give learners a firm understanding of computer network basics, including protocols, topologies, network design, and devices.

Additionally, the Computer Networking course will give learners a foundation for preparing to take the CompTIA Network+ exam.*

Icon

Cloud Security (15 Hours)

Cloud solutions like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure are all becoming commonplace as more organizations adopt them. The Cloud Security course prepares learners to discuss, identify, compare, contrast, and use common cloud service platforms and providers. It also covers security offerings so that learners can understand how to implement security for cloud-based platforms.

Upon completion of the course, learners will have a foundation of cloud security knowledge that they can use to prepare for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification exam.*

Icon

Linux Security (30 Hours)

The Linux Security course imparts knowledge and practical skills on the most used operating system in the world—one that is absolutely essential to cybersecurity professionals. Individuals will learn all of the basics of using and manipulating Linux and will also learn about the various Linux distributions available.

Upon course completion, learners can begin preparing for the LPI Linux Essentials certification exam.*

Icon

Part 2: Cybersecurity Infrastructure

In the Infrastructure phase of the program, learners begin focusing exclusively on security concepts and practices. This phase allows course participants to study Python programming, network security, and Critical Infrastructure Security (CIS). Learners gain practical security skills and experience that will prepare them for the Advanced phase of the program.

Icon

Network Security (35 Hours)

Networks are the foundation for nearly everything on the internet. Learners will leave this course with the skills needed to suggest, design, or implement controls to build secure networks from the design stage to post-implementation. They will have the digital skill set and know-how needed to appeal to potential employers looking to fill technical positions.

Icon

Cyber Infrastructure & Technology (40 Hours)

This course provides learners with the knowledge and practical training needed to design and maintain secure infrastructures and technologies. Security countermeasures such as SIEM, SOAR, endpoint security, and more provide an essential understanding of how to effectively protect organizations. This course begins to cover the CompTIA Security+ and CySA+ certificate objectives.

Icon

Intro to Python for Security (25 Hours)

Sometimes the best cybersecurity tool is the one you make yourself. Often, cybersecurity professionals find themselves needing to analyze data, scan a system, or review hosts on a network in a novel way. The Intro to Python for Security course gives learners the tools they need to create these custom scripts on the fly, serving as an introduction to basic programming concepts in Python.

Icon

Part 3: Advanced Cybersecurity

In the Advanced phase, learners solidify existing skills and begin building new ones in advanced security concepts like game theory, digital forensics, incident response, and ethical hacking. By the end of this phase, learners will have a more complete view of cybersecurity and will be well-prepared to enter the industry.

Icon

Offensive Security: Ethical Hacking (50 Hours)

This course is a deep dive into the world of ethical hacking, which is critical to the cybersecurity industry. Ethical hackers can include anyone from penetration testers to GRC auditors. The Ethical Hacking course lets the learner get into the mindset of criminal hackers and provides them with the foundation needed to pursue a career with ethical hacking as the primary role.

Icon

DFIR and Threat Hunting (60 Hours)

When there’s a cyberattack, first responders are the first in line to analyze and contain the incident. The Digital Forensics & Incident course gives learners the necessary tools to appropriately respond to attacks, conduct various types of investigations and evidence gathering, and report the results.

Icon

Game Theory Strategy in Cybersecurity (10 Hours)

In cybersecurity, game theory allows professionals to analyze the nature of cyberattacks by viewing each incident as a series of games and players. This allows them to describe the interactions and outcomes between a threat and an organization without knowing who the threat actually is. The Game Theory course covers the basics of philosophy and mathematics and also provides experience in how to use game theory in cybersecurity. This course helps develop soft skills that are highly critical in cybersecurity by fostering a learner’s ability to think creatively and critically.

Icon

Cybersecurity Certification Workshops (10 Hours)

These workshops are led by one of our expert instructors, who are ready to talk through cybersecurity certifications: what certifications generally cover, their different advantages, how to prepare for the exams, and more. They are also equipped to answer any questions and offer tips for exam success.

Icon

Career Outcomes (15 Hours)

Get the competitive edge you need to succeed in technical interviews with this specialized workshop. TDX Arena also hosts a dedicated resource hub that includes detailed career guides as well as asynchronous classes.

*Although the course curriculum provides the knowledge necessary to do well on industry exams, this isn’t a test preparation program, where the main focus is how a student performs on an exam. Certification exams are not taken as part of the program and will require additional costs not included in the program tuition.

Gain the Skills You Need to
Study for Industry Certifications

If you are new to the cybersecurity industry, obtaining industry-recognized certifications can help boost your credentials and give you a competitive advantage over other candidates. While this is not a certification-prep program, we’ve created in-depth resources to help you learn skills applicable to certification exams such as the below.

  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

    The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification exam is meant for individuals with knowledge of the widespread AWS Cloud platform, as well as its infrastructure and systems. Security and compliance experience in AWS Cloud is a key requirement for passing the exam.
  • LPI Linux Essentials

    The Linux LPI Essentials exam offers learners a way to verify their knowledge of the Linux operating system, as well as the workings of various open-source applications. The exam tests the ability to manage users and groups on Linux and also measures their competency with the Linux command line, system permissions and security, basic network configuration skills, and overall Linux administration.
  • Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

    The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification allows learners to gain an understanding of how Security Operations Centre (SOC) teams detect and respond to security incidents and is considered a great starting point for cybersecurity professionals.
  • CompTIA Network+

    The CompTIA Network+ certification exam measures a learner’s ability and knowledge of network device configuration, management, and troubleshooting. It also tests a cybersecurity professional’s familiarity with emerging mobile, cloud, communication, and virtualization technologies.
  • CompTIA Security+

    The CompTIA Security+ certification exam takes learners a step above the CompTIA Network+ exam. Considered an entry-level certification in the cybersecurity field, the CompTIA Security+ exam measures a candidate’s skill over a wide range of disciplines, including networks, systems, security administration, and penetration testing.
  • CompTIA CySA+

    Designed to provide a higher focus at an intermediate level on applying behavioral analytics to networks than the CompTIA Security+ exam, this exam will cover core cybersecurity skills while placing a greater significance on software and application security. Additionally it will cover automation, threat hunting, and IT compliance within the industry.
  • (ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner**

    For learners who have achieved one year of experience after completion of their program.

    Learners with at least one year of experience after the completion of their program can take the (ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner certification exam.

    The (ISC)² SSCP exam is meant for cybersecurity professionals who have proven, practical, and hands-on experience and knowledge of the security environment. Once they obtain this certification, individuals have proof that they can carry out the implementation, monitoring, and administration of information technology infrastructure according to information security best practices, policies, and procedures.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification exam is meant for individuals with knowledge of the widespread AWS Cloud platform, as well as its infrastructure and systems. Security and compliance experience in AWS Cloud is a key requirement for passing the exam.

LPI Linux Essentials Certification

The Linux LPI Essentials exam offers learners a way to verify their knowledge of the Linux operating system, as well as the workings of various open-source applications. The exam tests the ability to manage users and groups on Linux and also measures their competency with the Linux command line, system permissions and security, basic network configuration skills, and overall Linux administration.

Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification allows learners to gain an understanding of how Security Operations Centre (SOC) teams detect and respond to security incidents and is considered a great starting point for cybersecurity professionals.

CompTIA Network+

The CompTIA Network+ certification exam measures a learner’s ability and knowledge of network device configuration, management, and troubleshooting. It also tests a cybersecurity professional’s familiarity with emerging mobile, cloud, communication, and virtualization technologies.

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam takes learners a step above the CompTIA Network+ exam. Considered an entry-level certification in the cybersecurity field, the CompTIA Security+ exam measures a candidate’s skill over a wide range of disciplines, including networks, systems, security administration, and penetration testing.

CompTIA CySA+

Designed to provide a higher focus at an intermediate level on applying behavioral analytics to networks than the CompTIA Security+ exam, this exam will cover core cybersecurity skills while placing a greater significance on software and application security. Additionally it will cover automation, threat hunting, and IT compliance within the industry.

(ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner**

For learners who have achieved one year of experience after completion of their program.

Learners with at least one year of experience after the completion of their program can take the (ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner certification exam.

The (ISC)² SSCP exam is meant for cybersecurity professionals who have proven, practical, and hands-on experience and knowledge of the security environment. Once they obtain this certification, individuals have proof that they can carry out the implementation, monitoring, and administration of information technology infrastructure according to information security best practices, policies, and procedures.

** In order to be certified, learners must have a minimum of at least one year of cumulative work experience in one or more of the seven disciplines of the SSCP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK)

Program Tuition

This is your chance to invest in your professional development and use this career-prep program to jumpstart your future as a cybersecurity professional.

20-Hour Introductory Course

$180

380-Hour Extended Program

$17,800

Requirements

Internet access

Drive, ambition, and passion

Introductory course and an admission exam

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