Code written on a laptop screen
Applied Technology

Cyber Defense Center

Welcome to the Sierra College Cyber Defense Center (CDC). The goal of the CDC is to prepare our students to meet the ever-increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals to keep our businesses and our country safe. Our mission is to provide cyber defense-related resources for Sierra College students, staff and the community we serve.

We can help you find the program that fits your passion and interests.
Headshot of Nicki Riley, Success Center Support Specialist
Nicki Riley, Success Center Specialist

Put Your Mind to It

Following graduation, Information Technology graduates specializing in cybersecurity can find well-paying jobs working in data security analysis, systems security and network security.

Students at computer stations in an Information Technology class at Sierra College
The IT department provided me the foundation I needed to get a job in the field of cybersecurity just six months later. I hope to use the experience and education Sierra College has provided me to teach others about the importance of cybersecurity in our digital age. Jesse Rivera, IT/Cybersecurity Graduate

Considering Cyber Security? Watch This Video

Nationally Recognized Program

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security designated Sierra College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Defense Education (CAE-CDE) through academic year 2024.

Logos for U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency

We’re proud of this designation for the following reasons: 

  • Only 5 community colleges in California earned this designation for academic years 2019-2024
  • Assures students they are receiving the highest quality Cybersecurity education
  • Increases student’s credibility with prospective employers
  • Our program has proved to provide students with valuable job skills in powerful Cybersecurity tools and techniques from industry professionals

If you want to learn how to stay ahead of cyber security attacks in an ever-changing security environment, we can help you get started. Our cyber security program will train you how to identify and respond to cyber threats of all kinds. These skills will prepare you to enter a highly paid, in-demand cyber security career. 

In fact, Cyberseek states that every year in the U.S., 40,000 jobs for information security analysts go unfilled, and employers are struggling to fill 200,000 other cyber security-related roles. The biggest obstacle to stronger cyber security today, according to the 2017 Cybersecurity Trends Report, is the lack of skilled employees.

More Information

Contact Us

Cyber Defense Center – Academic Office

cis@sierracollege.edu
Rocklin

Todd Higley

thigley@sierracollege.edu
Rocklin

Shawn Monsen

(916) 660-7825
rmonsen@sierracollege.edu
Rocklin

V-115C

Alex Torres

(916) 660-7828
atorres19@sierracollege.edu
Rocklin

V-115D

Looking for something else?

With more than 50 programs in total, something is bound to align with your goals. Find out which one is the right fit for you.

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    Information Technology

    Design, create, manage and maintain computer systems. There are many career paths including tech support, cyber security, office work and business analyst.
    AS CA SC
  • Male students working together on computer coding

    Computer Science

    Computers are essential to almost every business, so this is the best time to begin a career in computer science. Solve problems and make efficient systems through theory and practical experience in the field.
    AS-T AA/AS CA

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