You’re fascinated by the way multiple parts work together to make entire systems operate. You want to connect to something bigger.

PLNU’s Computer Information Technology (CIT) B.A. with a concentration in cyber security equips you with specialized training to develop and evaluate technology infrastructure, manage information systems, and design software solutions. The need for cyber protection and stewardship of digital systems is an ever growing need in today’s cyber climate. This program prepares you for careers in security, computer information, and other computer technology related sectors.

A hybrid learning path to IT proficiency

Completing your Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Technology (CIT) with a concentration in cyber security from PLNU will give you the practical skills needed to connect businesses and individuals with IT solutions. Learn valuable skills to thrive in today’s market within the flexibility of a hybrid schedule and finish in as few as 15 months!

Continue your tech education in convenient locations

The quality of PLNU education without the hassle of long commutes.This program features one in-person evening class per week, with the rest of the classes online. Rather than feeling like you’re starting a new program, you can continue your education in the environment that’s most comfortable and convenient for you. For this CIT program, PLNU has partnered with Grossmont College and MiraCosta College to bring our quality education and mentorship to excellent San Diego college locations.

Technology training on your terms

This program’s hybrid structure gives you the flexibility to learn when and where you want. You can complete coursework in the comfort of your home, favorite coffee shop, or local library while choosing a study schedule that works best for you. Having one in-person class per week will help you to build a routine that keeps you motivated without interrupting your weekly schedule. 

While completing this program, you’ll still be able to continue spending time with family, thriving at your full- or part-time workplace, or leisure time. 

Plug in to a supportive network of IT professionals

A key advantage to having weekly in-person classes is the ability to enjoy PLNU’s tight-knit community in person. You’ll be able to form meaningful connections with fellow students as you learn and grow together in your IT expertise. 

You’ll also have access to top-tier mentorship from professors and advisors. They’ll help you to leverage your strengths to expand your connections and career opportunities. You’ll be able to access resources tailored to you and your career goals. 

Time for life’s personal and professional commitments

Learning shouldn’t prevent you from doing what you love. Coursework is designed to be flexible to your needs and help you balance your other life commitments. 

While completing this program, you’ll still be able to continue spending time with family, thriving at your full- or part-time workplace, or leisure time.

Be a leading force in IT

This program is designed to help you to be an innovative, leading force in information technology with a strong specialization in security. You’ll take courses that cover in-demand subjects such as:

• Security+ Exam Prep
• Topics in Cyber Security
• Hardware
• Networking
• And more!

With this program, you will:

• Gain a hands-on understanding of systems — technical and personal.
• Be equipped to use information technology to solve business problems.
• Enable communication between computer systems and lead collaboration among the people operating them.

Certify your Specialized Concentration

In this program, you’ll build your resume by taking at least three IT certification tests before you graduate, with the cyber security concentration requiring CompTIA Security + as one of the three certification tests. PLNU’s CIT degree will ensure your professional readiness by preparing you for the following certifications:

CompTIA Tech +
This test certifies a wide spectrum of foundational technical knowledge and serves as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications, such as A+, Network+, and Security+.

CompTIA Security + (Required)
This certification covers the essential principles for network security and risk management — knowledge and skills needed to enter an IT security career.

CompTIA A +
This certification validates knowledge of the hardware and software most commonly used in business and certifies the skills needed to support complex IT infrastructures.

CompTIA Network +
This certification validates the knowledge and skills needed to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless devices.

CompTIA Cloud +
This certification validates the skills needed to deploy and automate secure cloud environments that support the high availability of business systems and data.

CompTIA Project +
This test certifies the knowledge and skills involved in professional project management. It validates the ability to initiate, manage, and support project and business initiatives.

Enhance your degree with a Minor

Adding a minor to your Accelerated undergraduate program can be a great opportunity to broaden your knowledge, increase career opportunities, and foster personal growth. Explore subjects like Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Communication, Management, Creative Digital Media, Child Development, and Applied Psychology. Choosing to add a minor can make your degree more versatile, well-rounded, and appealing to future employers. PLNU Counselors are ready to help you integrate a minor into your academic plan. Discover the benefits of a minor at PLNU today!

Program Start Date(s):

• Fall 2026 — August 31, 2026

Start Application

The Selection Process

We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. That’s why we are committed to reviewing it thoroughly and giving it the individual care and attention it deserves. We believe you have more to offer than just a GPA, which is why there is no numeric formula that determines admission. Rather, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into the program. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you’re unsure of your qualifications.

To be admitted into PLNU's degree completion program, you must have completed at least 40 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.25 from an accredited institution as evidenced by an official transcript sent directly from each college or university attended.*

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit online application for admission.
2. Submit official transcripts from each institution attended.
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu

Start Application

Note: All students are expected to have some proficiency with computer technology (email, Internet, word processing, etc.).

*Prospective students who meet the other criteria but do not have the required semester hours for entrance or are lacking in the core requirements will be advised how to correct any deficiency. An enrollment counselor will assist these students with the development of a written pre-admission educational plan, which may include bridge courses taken at PLNU. Only courses from an accredited institution where at least a grade of a “C” has been earned will be accepted by transfer. Prospective students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement can be considered for admission under exception. Contact your enrollment counselor for details.

**General Education deficiencies may be completed after admission, but at least 20 hours must be completed prior to starting the program cohort. Three hours of appropriate prior learning credit (see below) may be used to meet one of the General Education areas — with the exception of English composition and math.

***The PLNU General Education Learning Outcomes (GELOs) will be addressed and measured within the PLNU degree program to ensure the outcomes we value are demonstrated.

CIT Program Course Fee

Students will also be charged a $50 per course fee for books and certificates received in the program. 

Program Prerequisites

Incoming students must have completed a computer concepts course or an introduction to computer technology course or have significant work experience in the field of computer technology to be admitted to the program. If you do not have any experience with IT or have not taken a basic IT class, students will need to complete an acceptable course before being admitted to the program. 

Applicants must complete four prerequisite courses prior to admission:

• Cyber Security Analyst
• Ethical Hacking or Penetration Testing
• Linux/Unix
• Windows Server

Students with at least two of the four courses may still qualify and can complete the remaining courses with guidance from an advisor.

Students starting the program on the MiraCosta College campus will need to pass CSIT180, CSIT181, CSIT182 and 3 additional units of IT course work at MiraCosta (or equivalent courses at another college) before they can start the CIT program.

The following are the minimum hardware/software requirements:

• Each student is responsible for supplying their own laptop meeting the minimum hardware and software requirements described below.
• Each student is expected to have their laptop available at each class session unless instructed otherwise by the course instructor.
• Each student is expected to set up and maintain their laptop to be connected to the campus wireless network.

Hardware:

• Laptop computer with the following hardware levels:
  • Processor: Intel i5, AMD 5, or Apple M1, M2 or M3 with 4+ cores processor 2.0 GHz or greater.
  • LCD: 14 inch or greater
  • Memory: 8GB or more of RAM
  • Hard Drive: 250 GB or more of free disk space. Solid State Drive is highly recommended.
  • Wireless network adapter
  • Webcam, speaker, microphone

Operating System:

• Windows 11 or greater with current service patches OR
• Mac 13 (or later) with the ability to run Windows 11 via a dual-boot or virtual machine.

Software:

• Required software supplied by student:
  • Current OS security patches and fixes
  • Current Malware Scanning Software
• MS Office 365 – available for free to students currently taking PLNU classes at https://www.office.com/. Sign in using your current PLNU userID and password.  

PLNU’s B.A. in Computer Information Technology with a concentration in cyber security will prepare you for a career that uses information systems in business, industry, government, and the nonprofit sector, as well as graduate-level study in fields related to information systems.

Possible Careers With a Bachelor’s in Computer Information Technology:

• Junior Technology Security Specialist
• Junior Network Administrator
• Junior Web Developer
• Quality Assurance Analyst
• Junior Business Analyst
• Junior Software Application Developer
• IT Support Engineer
• Hardware and System Repair Engineer
• IT Solutions Specialist

What Can I Do With A Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Technology with a concentration in cyber security? 

Over the course of the last half-century, computers, the internet, and information systems have become essential to the function of society. A degree in computer information technology with a concentration in cyber security secures a path toward a multitude of careers and industries, places where problem-solving abilities and analytical skills are valued assets. 

The following are some of the most popular jobs for those with a Computer Information Technology, B.A.: 

Junior Web Developer
2020 Median annual salary $50,392
Junior web developers help with creating websites and updating existing web applications. They work under senior developers and assist with coding, testing, design adjustments, and client reviews. After working in the industry for several years, they may choose to seek senior developer positions.

What it takes to be a junior web developer: 

• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Ability to learn
• Work ethic

Quality Assurance Analyst
2020 Median annual salary $110,140
A quality assurance analyst works to make sure an organization's software is working properly and tests programs that software developers build. Quality assurance analysts test software even before it’s released to the public. They work closely with development teams and other analysts to validate software updates and requirements.

What it takes to be a quality assurance analyst: 

• Communication
• Creativity
• Programming skills
• Ability to prioritize

Junior Business Analyst
2020 Median annual salary $61,674
Junior business analysts work to assist senior analysts and other professional analysts. They gather, document, validate, and update system information and needs. Junior business analysts maintain and verify requirement baselines set by lead analysts.

What it takes to be a junior business analyst: 

• Organization
• Analytical and evaluative skills
• Communication
• Ability to multitask
• Interpersonal skills

Using Your Computer Information Technology Degree: 

PLNU’s computer information technology program is designed to prepare you for career advancement, success, and fulfillment. Industries often rely on skilled professionals to manage a company's technological needs, making computer information technology graduates invaluable to countless employers.

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.

We take seriously the role of providing you with financial, academic, and career support so you have the tools you need to be successful at PLNU and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Financial Aid and Student Support

For information about the courses required for the Computer Information Technology, B.A. Hybrid program with a concentration in cyber security, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information