The best cyber security schools in California happen to also be some of the best in the academic institutions in the world. With the state being one of the largest tech hubs in the country, attending one of the top cyber security schools in California is a great way to boost your chances of securing a high-paying job at one of the largest tech companies in the world.
In this article, we’ve put together a detailed list of the best cyber security schools in California, their top programs, and the best-paid jobs you can get with them. Guided by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education’s school rankings, our California cyber security school rankings will help you learn about the wide range of educational institutions that can kickstart your career in cyber security.
How to Choose a Good Cyber Security School in California
To choose the best cyber security school in California for you, you should consider your career goals, the school’s reputation, the specialization options available, the flexibility of its programs, and employment opportunities for graduates. Knowing what to look for before you even start looking will help you tremendously in the long run. Below is a breakdown of the factors you should consider.
Career Goals
Having a solid idea of what your career goals are is extremely important when choosing a degree program. This is because it will help you determine whether or not the programs you are considering actually offer courses that will teach you the wide variety of foundational skills needed to work in a technical field like cyber security.
Reputation of School
Graduates from schools with a good reputation are more likely to become employed soon after and sometimes even before graduating. They are also more likely to earn higher wages and to have a higher acceptance rate in future programs. A number of reasons contribute to this, but this is primarily due to degrees from higher-ranked schools holding more value in the job market.
Specialization Options
There are many fields of specialization in cyber security. Whether you want to specialize in national security defense, cryptography, artificial intelligence, or the development of new technologies for online payments, you’ll want to make sure that the school you choose offers the specialization track you want.
Flexibility and Format
You can often save time and money by attending online courses instead of commuting to campus. If enrolling in an online program is ideal for you, pick a cyber security school that offers a distance learning option so that you can study remotely and on your own schedule. Some schools also offer flexible hybrid programs on top of on-campus and online programs.
Employment Opportunities
Cyber security professionals are in high demand but some schools offer a wider range of career services than others. Whether it’s through internship opportunities, career fairs, or partner programs, try to pick a cyber security school that has good connections to employers across both the state and country.
California Cyber Security School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Cyber Security Programs in California?
| Cyber Security School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | 2 |
| University of California-Berkeley | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS) | Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) | 2 |
| California Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science | 11 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science | 11 |
| University of California-San Diego | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Doctor of Philosophy in Computational Science and Engineering | 11 |
| University of Southern California | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science (Computer Security) | 23 |
| University of California-Irvine | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Networked Systems | 28 |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science | 28 |
| University of California-Davis | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | 43 |
| University of California- Riverside | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science | 60 |
California Cyber Security Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Cyber Security Schools in California
To rank the best cyber security schools in California, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best computer science program as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Cyber Security Schools in California Explained
In this section, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the ten best cyber schools in California along with their top undergraduate and graduate academic programs. These universities are among the best computer science schools in the nation according to the US News & World Report.
Best Undergraduate Cyber Security Schools in California
The best undergraduate cyber security schools in California offer degree programs that allow students to successfully launch their careers as cyber security specialists. It takes around four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, while an associate degree can be earned in just two. Below is a list of the best cyber security associate and bachelor’s degree programs in California.
Best Cyber Security Associate Degree Schools in California
- Cypress College | Cyber Defense Associate in Science. Students can earn this degree by completing a minimum of 60 units. The program teaches students how to identify cyber security threats and implement procedures for asset protection. This associate degree works well for part-time students due to its flexible schedule.
- Long Beach City College | Associate of Science in Computer Security & Networking. Students in this 60-credit program learn how to install, configure and troubleshoot security and networking parameters through courses such as Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures, and Computer Forensics and Investigation.
- Ohlone College | Associate of Science in Information Technology. Students need to earn at least 60 credits to complete this associate degree program. A great option for part-time students, the program includes courses like Oracle Database Administration and Cloud Security Fundamentals.
- City College of San Francisco | Associate of Science in Computer Networking and Information Technology. The City College of San Francisco’s two-year, 60-credit program offers a specialization in cyber security that equips its students with the skills needed to work as network administrators and security specialists.
- Coastline Community College | Associate of Science in Cybersecurity. Students can earn this associate degree after completing 60 units. With this degree, graduates can get jobs as cyber security specialists and information security analysts.
Best Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree Programs in California
- Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Stanford University offers this exclusive program at its Palo Alto campus. It offers a specialization pathway that includes cyber security courses like Introduction to Cryptography, and Computer and Network Security.
- University of California-Berkeley | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS). Students in this program acquire a variety of skills in computer science and cyber security engineering. Throughout their studies, they gain a deeper understanding of cyber security for large-scale infrastructures.
- California Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Students can earn this degree from CalTech in as little as four years. Graduates of this program have found employment in government agencies like the CIA and the Department of Homeland Security.
- University of California-Los Angeles | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This bachelor’s degree program can be completed in four years. Students can who graduate from it can smoothly transition into UCLA’s computer science PhD program.
- University of California-Riverside | Bachelor of Science in Data Science. Students from UC Riverside have access to the school’s Center for Research and Education in Cyber Security and Privacy (CRESP), which is located on its campus.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Cyber Security in California
The best graduate cyber security schools in California offer fantastic programs filled with courses in cryptography, network security, and intrusion detection that will equip you with the skills you need to excel in this competitive field. In the following section, you’ll find a list of the best schools for master’s and PhD programs for cyber security in California.
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Best Schools for Master’s in Cyber Security in California
- University of California-Berkeley | Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS). The Master of Information and Cybersecurity program offered by the University of California-Berkeley allows students to earn their graduate degree in less than two years. Its graduates can easily work for any of the top companies in the world.
- University of California-Berkeley | Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS). Students can complete this two-year master’s program at their own pace through the school’s online learning platform. The program’s courses equip its graduates with the ability to adapt to a constantly evolving industry.
- California Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Computer Science. The California Institute of Technology is home to one of the most well-known and prestigious computer science graduate programs in the entire world. Earning this degree can easily set you apart from the competition.
- University of California-Los Angeles | Master of Science in Engineering – Computer Networking. This master’s program’s curriculum includes a wide range of advanced courses on network security and infrastructure integrity. Students can use the credits they earn from it towards the school’s PhD program.
- University of Southern California | Master of Science in Computer Science (Computer Security). This Master’s Degree in Computer Science offers a computer security concentration option, making it one of the most specialized programs available for prospective cyber security professionals.
Best PhD in Cyber Security Universities in California
- Stanford University | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. Students can earn this doctoral degree by completing a total of 135 units. This program usually takes approximately four years to complete and can be tailored toward the study of cyber security.
- University of California-Berkeley | Doctor of Philosophy in Information Management and Systems. Students in this program have the opportunity to join interdisciplinary research teams and work on the development of cutting-edge cyber security and regulation technology.
- California Institute of Technology | Doctor in Philosophy in Computer Science. CalTech doctoral students can graduate from this program after just three years of residence. PhD students in it learn the skills they’ll need to work the most demanding jobs in the field of cyber security.
- University of California-San Diego | Doctor of Philosophy in Computational Science and Engineering. Graduates from this program have the ability to solve problems in cyber security, including cyber threats to urban infrastructure and critical online systems, using the latest cutting-edge technology.
- University of California-Irvine | Doctor of Philosophy in Networked Systems. Graduates from this program are qualified to pursue a career in research, academia, or working in the cyber security divisions of large organizations to identify cyber vulnerabilities on large-scale networks.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Online PhD Programs
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Admission Requirements for Cyber Security Schools in California
The basic admission requirements for cyber security schools in California are different for undergraduate and graduate students. Freshman applicants often only require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Graduate programs typically require applicants to meet a minimum GPA requirement as well as submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
Cyber Security Schools in California: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- A high school diploma or its equivalent
- Your official transcripts
- A nonrefundable application fee
- Completed online application
- SAT and ACT scores have not been required during COVID-19
Cyber Security Schools in California: Graduate Admission Requirements
- A statement of purpose or interest
- Your official transcripts from all attended postsecondary institutions
- Three letters of recommendation
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- A bachelor’s degree
- Nonrefundable application fee
- A completed online application
- GRE scores have not been required during COVID-19
- A copy of your resume
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Cyber Security in California?
Yes, it is hard to get into a school for cyber security in California. Schools like Stanford University and UC Berkley have some of the lowest acceptance rates in the country. There are a few schools with open admissions and good cyber security programs but a degree from one of them often has less value in the job market than one from a more prestigious institution.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in California for Cyber Security
- MiraCosta College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. MiraCosta College has an open admissions policy for Californian students and the tuition cost for its cyber security programs is very affordable. Its associate degree program can, in some cases, be completed in under a year.
- Cypress College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. The credits earned from Cypress College’s cyber security associate degree can be transferred to the bachelor’s program offered by a university. The school’s tuition is also quite affordable.
- Coastline Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Credits from the cyber security associate degree program offered by Coastline College can easily be transferred toward a bachelor’s degree at another college. This college offers open admission to Californians.
- Palomar College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This school’s open admissions policy allows students of all types of backgrounds to further their education. Students who graduate from its cyber security associate degree program can take two years off of a bachelor’s degree program offered by a university.
- California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Acceptance Rate: 65%. This Californian university has one of the highest acceptance rates among four-year institutions in the state. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science which can be completed in four years.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Cyber Security in California
The best online schools for cyber security in California are Stanford University and the University of California-Berkeley. The table below includes a list of five of the best schools offering online cyber security programs in this state. Information concerning their graduation rates was sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Cyber Security Program |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 96% | Master of Science in Computer Science |
| University of California-Berkeley | 93% | Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) |
| University of California-Los Angeles | 92% | Master of Science in Engineering – Computer Networking |
| University of Southern California | 93% | Master of Science in Computer Science (Computer Security) |
| Coastline Community College | 19% | Associate of Science in Cybersecurity |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Cyber Security in California
The most affordable colleges for cyber security in California are MiraCosta College, Palomar College, Los Medanos College, and Coastline Community College. These accredited colleges offer programs in cyber security, some of which can be completed in less than a year.
How to Attend the Top Cyber Security Schools in California With Financial Aid
There is financial aid available for students who want to enroll at the top cyber security schools in California. The federal and Californian governments offer different types of financial aid, including loans, grants, and work-study programs. There are also numerous cyber security scholarships available for students in California. Below are examples of some of these scholarships.
Best Cyber Security Scholarships for California Students
- CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS) | Amount: Three years of tuition and a $25,000 yearly stipend. This scholarship is for full-time students in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program related to cyber security. Recipients can be awarded the scholarship up to three times.
- DoD Cyber Scholarship Program | Amount: Tuition, books, and a stipend to cover room and board. Applicants must be enrolled in a participating cyber security program on a full-time basis. This scholarship covers the tuition, books, and expenses of students interested in working for the US Department of Defense after graduation.
- CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program | Amount: Up to $32,733. This scholarship is given to students demonstrating financial need. Applicants must be full-time students willing to work during their summer breaks for the CIA.
California Employment Outlook for Cyber Security
The California Employment Outlook for cyber security jobs is extremely positive, as it’s one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. The increasing reliance on online systems and networks keeps the demand for cyber security specialists growing much faster than the average for all jobs, making a degree in this field highly worthwhile.
Most jobs in cyber security allow professionals to work remotely and offer a high salary. Cyber security professionals are in high demand across all industries, including state and federal government agencies. These professionals are required to commit to a lifelong learning mindset due to cyber technology developing at an increasingly fast pace.
Highest-Paying Cyber Security Careers in California
| Cyber Security Job | Cyber Security Degree | Average Salary in California |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | Bachelor’s degree | $193,500 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $135,200 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts | Bachelor’s degree | $115,420 |
| Database Administrator | Bachelor’s degree | $106,250 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | Bachelor’s degree | $105,770 |
Best Cyber Security Jobs in California Explained
The best cyber security jobs in California include computer and information systems managers, information security analysts, software quality assurance analysts, database administrators, and network and systems administrators. In the following section, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of their responsibilities, what they earn, and more.
Does It Matter What Cyber Security School in California I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in California you go to for cyber security. While some schools take a holistic approach to computer security, others lean towards cyber security engineering and infrastructure, the early identification of threats and data breaches, or the development of policies and standards for cyber security.
In addition to having different areas of specialization being offered by different schools, some schools are more prestigious than others and can place you above other applicants when on the job hunt. These schools often have better-equipped facilities, professors with more industry recognition, and more student services.
Additional Reading About Cyber Security
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Best Cyber Security Schools in California FAQ
No, you don’t need to go to college to learn cyber security. The best cyber security bootcamps offer you the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to get a job in cyber security without a college degree. That being said, getting a college education is usually held in higher regard by employers in the tech industry.
You typically have to go to school for four years for cyber security. A four-year bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most positions in this field, but many choose to extend their studies and earn a master’s so that they can open themselves up to a higher earning potential.
The main skills you need to get a job in cyber security are a basic understanding of computer science and database management. You also need strong analysis, problem-solving, and programming skills in order to work in this field.
The essential skills a cyber security analyst needs to have are the ability to quickly identify and eliminate threats and data breaches. Other skills they need often depend on the type of cyber security jobs they occupy.
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