Moorpark College & CSUCI Launch New Cybersecurity Bachelor Degree Programs to Meet Growing Region
The Californer/10360200

MOORPARK, Calif. - Californer -- Moorpark College and Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) today announced the Spring 2027 launch of two new bachelor's degree programs in cybersecurity, responding to an urgent national demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals.

"The future of higher education depends on our ability to work together, respond to the evolving needs of our communities, and create meaningful opportunities for students," said Dr. Rick MacLennan, Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District. "This collaboration reflects what is possible when our institutions align their strengths to expand educational pathways, support regional workforce needs, and prepare students for an increasingly complex and interconnected world."

Moorpark College's Bachelor of Science in Applied Cyberdefense and Network Operations (ACNO) provides hands-on training in network security, penetration testing, and digital forensics, while CSCUI's Bachelor of Science in Business with a Cybersecurity Management Emphasis equips students with leadership and policy skills needed to manage cybersecurity strategy at the enterprise level.

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"Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical challenge—it is a business imperative and a matter of national security," said Dr. Julius Sokenu, Moorpark College President. "With these two programs, Moorpark College and CSUCI are giving Ventura County students access to world-class cybersecurity education without leaving the region. We are proud to be building this pathway together."

"This partnership is about creating opportunity for Ventura County students while building the talent our region needs," said CSUCI Interim President Dr. Susan Andrzejewski. "Together, Moorpark College and CSUCI are creating complementary pathways into cybersecurity, from highly technical preparation to business and organizational leaderships. Students can pursue an affordable, high-quality education close to home and graduate prepared for careers that are increasingly important to our region and the state."

CSUCI's 2-year upper-division program for transfer students combines business fundamentals with coursework in information systems planning and policy, cybersecurity management, and incident handling and investigation.

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Moorpark's ACNO program builds on its Computer Network Systems Engineering department, designated by the NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. Students study network security, penetration testing, digital forensics, and cloud security in hybrid lab environments.

Students may start at Moorpark, complete lower-division coursework, and transfer to CSUCI to finish in two years, or complete Moorpark's ACNO degree and enter the workforce.

"We want every student in Ventura County to know that a high-quality bachelor's degree in cybersecurity is within reach—and that there is a pathway designed for them," said Dr. John Forbes, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Moorpark College. "Moorpark is proud of our standing as an Aspen Award Top 10 College, and this partnership with CSUCI represents the next chapter in delivering on that promise of excellence for our students and our region."

Contact: MCbdp@vcccd.edu (Moorpark); admissions@csuci.edu (CSUCI).