Two pathways. One in-demand field.

Launch your career in Cyber Security.

Train hands-on for the certifications and skills employers actually hire for — online or on campus. Choose the focused 12-month certification track or the full Associate of Science degree.

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ACCET-Accredited
V.A. Funding Available
Lifetime Job Placement Assistance
Laptop Included

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Tell us a little about yourself and an ICOHS College advisor will reach out within one business day.

ACCET Accredited

BPPE Recognized

V.A. Funding Available

CompTIA Partner

Breaking into Cyber Security can feel out of reach.

It doesn't have to be. Here's what tends to get in the way — and how ICOHS College removes it.

“I don't have an IT background.”

Both programs start at IT fundamentals. No experience required — just the drive to learn.

“Certifications are confusing and expensive.”

Your tuition includes exam vouchers for up to six globally recognized CompTIA certifications.

“I can't put my life on hold to go back to school.”

Study fully online or hybrid, with daytime and evening lab options that fit around work.

“What if I finish and still can't get hired?”

ICOHS College offers lifetime career placement assistance — resume help, mock interviews, and employer connections.

Two ways to enter Cyber Security

Same hands-on core. Same certifications. Pick the credential and timeline that fit your goals.

Certificate

Cyber Security Certification

12-month Certification

Length: 12 months
Format: Online or Hybrid
Schedule: Daytime or evening lab options
Credential: Professional Certificate

Best if you want the fastest route to certifications and an entry-level security role.

Apply for this program

Degree

A.S. in Cyber Security

Associate of Science degree

Length: 18 months
Format: Online or Hybrid
Schedule: Flexible weekly deadlines
Credential: Associate of Science Degree

Best if you want a full degree, broader business and communication coursework, and the strongest long-term foundation.

Apply for this program

Skills that protect real organizations

Whichever path you choose, you graduate ready to defend networks, data, and systems against modern threats.

Secure on-premise and cloud-based infrastructure
Detect, analyze, and respond to security threats
Run vulnerability assessments and ethical penetration tests
Configure firewalls, monitoring, and incident response
Apply risk management and compliance best practices
Build the hands-on lab experience employers expect

What you'll learn

Both programs share the same hands-on technical core. The Associate degree adds general-education coursework that rounds out the credential.

ITF 100IT Fundamentals

Core concepts across hardware, software, networking, databases, and data security.

PC 101 / 102PC Hardware & Software

Troubleshoot systems and operating environments — preps you for CompTIA A+.

NET 101 / 102Networking & Advanced Networking

TCP/IP, devices, protocols, and troubleshooting — preps you for CompTIA Network+.

SP 101Security Professional

Entry-level network and computer security skills — preps you for CompTIA Security+.

LX 101Fundamentals of Linux Systems

Administer, secure, and automate Linux in cloud and hybrid environments — preps you for CompTIA Linux+.

CSA 102Cybersecurity Analyst

Threat detection, incident response, and security monitoring — preps you for CompTIA CySA+.

PEN 101Penetration Testing Fundamentals

Ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment, and reporting — preps you for CompTIA PenTest+.

CD 101Career Development

Resume building, the hiring process, interview prep, and the job search.

Why students choose ICOHS College

A supportive, career-focused college built for people changing their lives through skills.

Lifetime career placement assistance

Return any time after you graduate for resume reviews, mock interviews, and employer introductions.

Everything included

Tuition covers a laptop you keep, all books and supplies, and exam vouchers for your certifications.

Learn on your terms

Fully online or hybrid, with daytime and evening lab schedules designed around real life.

Veteran-friendly

V.A. funding available and a community that supports those transitioning from service.

Hear from our graduates

Real ICOHS College students building Cyber Security careers.

Career outlook

A field that needs you

Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country — and employers can't fill roles fast enough.

Projected job growth for Information Security Analysts, 2023–2033 (BLS)

Job openings projected each year, on average (BLS)

Industry-recognized CompTIA certifications you can prepare for

Where graduates work

Information Security AnalystCyber Security SpecialistCyber Security EngineerPenetration TesterNetwork Security AdministratorSecurity Operations (SOC) AnalystIncident ResponderCyber Security Consultant

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts.

Start your application

Make it affordable

ICOHS College helps you build a funding plan that works.

Institutional Scholarship

Up to $3,000 in needs-based tuition aid for those who qualify.

Federal Financial Aid

Federal student aid for students who meet eligibility requirements.

Cal Grant

California state grant funding for eligible residents.

Veteran & Military Benefits

V.A. funding and military education benefits for those who served.

Cash or Payment Plan

Zero-to-low-interest monthly payment plans to fit your budget.

The ICOHS College edge

We're with you for life — not just graduation

Our Career Services team stays in contact with employers looking to hire. We send timely notices of openings and internships, review your resume and cover letter, and run mock interviews to get you ready. Any time during or after your program, you can come back for support. We can't guarantee a job — the interview is up to you and the employer — but we'll be in your corner the whole way.

Resume and cover letter reviews
Mock interviews and interview prep
Access to employer and hiring-partner networks
Internship and job-opening alerts

Frequently asked questions

Which Cyber Security program is right for me?

Choose the Cyber Security Specialist certificate (12 months) if you want the fastest path to industry certifications and an entry-level security role. Choose the Associate of Science in Cyber Security (18 months) if you want a full degree with added business and communication coursework and the strongest long-term foundation. Both prepare you for the same certifications and careers.

Can I start with the Specialist and continue to the Associate degree later?

Many students use the Specialist certificate as a stepping stone — it covers the same hands-on technical core as the degree. If you think you may want the degree later, talk to an ICOHS College admissions advisor about how your completed coursework can apply toward the Associate of Science.

What's the difference between the two programs?

The technical curriculum is the same. The Associate of Science adds general-education courses (critical thinking, business communication, business math, and introduction to business) and awards a college degree, which is why it takes about 18 months versus 12 for the certificate.

What certifications will I prepare for?

Both programs prepare you for up to six globally recognized CompTIA certifications: A+, Network+, Security+, PenTest+, Linux+, and CySA+. Exam vouchers are included in your tuition (contingent on passing the related class).

Do I need prior IT experience to enroll?

No. Both programs begin with IT fundamentals and build up step by step. They're designed for career changers, recent graduates, and anyone new to technology — as well as current IT professionals looking to specialize.

Can I complete the program online?

Yes. You can study fully online with virtual labs, or choose the hybrid option with hands-on labs on campus in San Diego. Hybrid students can pick daytime (Tue–Thu, 9:30am–4:00pm) or evening (Tue–Thu, 5:45pm–10:15pm) lab schedules.

How much can I earn in Cyber Security?

Pay varies by role, location, and experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for information security analysts was about $120,360 in 2024, and the field is projected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033 — much faster than the average for all occupations.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, for those who qualify. ICOHS College offers a needs-based institutional scholarship, federal financial aid (FAFSA), Cal Grant, veteran and military benefits, and zero-to-low-interest payment plans. Our admissions team can walk you through your options.

Does ICOHS College help with job placement?

Yes. ICOHS College provides lifetime career placement assistance — resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and access to our employer and hiring-partner network — available to you during your program and any time after you graduate.

Your next step starts here

Ready to start your Cyber Security career?

Request information about either pathway and an ICOHS College admissions advisor will help you choose the right fit. Spots in each cohort are limited — the sooner you apply, the better.

Request information

One quick form. Tell us which program interests you and we'll take it from there.