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    Introduction to Cybersecurity: From Securing Systems to Ethical Hacking
    Online Program

    Introduction to Cybersecurity: From Securing Systems to Ethical Hacking

    by USC Pre-College

    USC’s cybersecurity course combines independent study with practical exercises in risk assessment, connected-device security and ethical hacking, helping students explore the field.

    Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Introduction to Cybersecurity at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Closing soon

    Eligibility

    High school or secondary students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14+

    Location / Region

    Online

    Cost

    $1,990

    Duration

    4 weeks

    Format

    Online

    Next application deadline

    7 October 2026

    Save deadline
    Computer ScienceCybersecurity
    Language: English
    Sessions / cadence: 5 modules; 20–25 hours independent study
    Mentor model: USC Mentor content questions
    Assessment style: 5 multiple-choice knowledge checks
    Main deliverable / output: Exercises, research assignments and labs
    Certificate: Non-credit USC Certificate of Completion
    Scheduling model: Independent study; no fixed class times

    Introduction to Cybersecurity summary

    USC Pre-College introduces cybersecurity as both protecting systems and understanding ethical hacking, with risk management and connected-device security alongside practical work.

    You study recorded lectures, complete exercises, research assignments and labs, and check your understanding through module quizzes.

    It suits independent learners who want to test their interest in cybersecurity; the qualification is a non-credit certificate.

    What is Introduction to Cybersecurity: From Securing Systems to Ethical Hacking?

    Introduction to Cybersecurity: From Securing Systems to Ethical Hacking is a USC Pre-College course exploring how devices, networks and data are protected. Its academic focus includes real-world cybersecurity, risk assessment and management, security standards and frameworks, Internet of Things and ethical hacking.

    Students work independently through recorded lectures, readings, academic exercises, research assignments and labs. Darin Gray of USC Viterbi teaches the course, while USC Mentors can answer questions about the content. Module knowledge checks connect the practical work to a Certificate of Completion.

    Why Succeed highlights Introduction to Cybersecurity

    • The curriculum connects ethical hacking with risk assessment, frameworks and connected-device security, giving a broader introduction to cybersecurity.

    • Labs and research assignments give students practical ways to apply ideas from recorded teaching.

    • Darin Gray combines USC Viterbi teaching experience with cybersecurity training for the California National Guard.

    • Retakable module knowledge checks make mastery, rather than a single test attempt, central to certificate completion.

    Who is Introduction to Cybersecurity for?

    Best for

    Independent learners who want to explore protecting networks and data while trying basic ethical hacking and practical cybersecurity tasks.

    Not ideal if

    You need college credit or prefer a regular timetable of live classes.

    Is Introduction to Cybersecurity worth it?

    This course offers a structured way to test whether cybersecurity interests you beyond the popular image of hacking. Its combination of risk assessment, frameworks, connected devices and labs gives students several angles from which to evaluate the subject.

    The main limitation is that learning happens independently, so value depends on completing the work rather than simply watching videos. Treat the certificate as evidence of study and reflection: it carries no college credit and does not guarantee admission or special preference at USC.

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    A practical overview of cost, time commitment, provider details, student outcomes and online support to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $1,990; includes Access to the chosen online course and materials for up to three months., Recorded lectures, academic exercises, research assignments and labs., USC Mentor access for course-content questions., USC Certificate of Completion after meeting course requirements., USC Pre-College Programs course transcript on request..

    Dates and time commitment

    4 weeks; 5 modules; 20–25 hours independent study.

    Provider details

    Review the USC Pre-College provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    What the student gains

    Potential output: The main coursework outputs are academic exercises, research assignments and labs demonstrating your developing cybersecurity understanding.. Check whether feedback, certificate, recommendation or application evidence is included.

    Online support and safeguarding

    Students can contact a USC Mentor with questions about course content. The online platform includes chat features and messages from mentors and staff.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, session schedule, payment terms, cancellation rules, support expectations and what output or certificate is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Introduction to Cybersecurity need?

    Effort level

    Moderate, with approximately 20–25 hours of independent coursework.

    Best started

    Begin the application two to three weeks before your chosen intake's deadline to allow for the essay, admission decision and tuition payment.

    Main challenge

    Keeping a consistent study routine without scheduled live classes.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft a short explanation of why cybersecurity interests you and what you hope to learn.

    • Gather student and parent or guardian contact details, and budget for the separate application fee.

    • Plan around five to six hours of study each week if aiming for the expected four-week completion.

    • Read the academic-integrity and AI-use rules before starting assignments.

    Useful if

    You want to assess your interest in cybersecurity before choosing further study.

    What do students do on Introduction to Cybersecurity?

    You build cybersecurity understanding through recorded instruction and independent practical work. The course combines real-world security concepts with academic exercises, research assignments and labs, followed by knowledge checks.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Work through the recorded lectures and readings in each module.

    2. 2

      Study risk assessment, security frameworks, connected-device threats and ethical hacking.

    3. 3

      Complete the academic exercises, research assignments and labs.

    4. 4

      Ask a USC Mentor to clarify course concepts when needed.

    5. 5

      Complete each module's knowledge check and retake it if necessary.

    6. 6

      Finish all required coursework to qualify for the certificate and request a course transcript if useful.

    Introduction to Cybersecurity dates and deadlines

    September intake 1 application deadline

    9 September 2026

    Past

    September intake 2 application deadline

    23 September 2026

    Past

    October intake 2 application deadline

    21 October 2026

    Upcoming

    November intake 1 application deadline

    4 November 2026

    Upcoming

    November intake 2 application deadline

    18 November 2026

    Upcoming

    December intake 1 application deadline

    2 December 2026

    Upcoming

    December intake 2 application deadline

    16 December 2026

    Upcoming

    September intake 1

    14 September 2026

    Past

    September intake 2

    28 September 2026

    Past

    October intake 1

    12 October 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 12 October 2026.

    Upcoming

    October intake 2

    26 October 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 26 October 2026.

    Upcoming

    November intake 1

    9 November 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 9 November 2026.

    Upcoming

    November intake 2

    23 November 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 23 November 2026.

    Upcoming

    December intake 1

    7 December 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 7 December 2026.

    Upcoming

    December intake 2

    21 December 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 21 December 2026.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Be at least 14 years old.

    • Be enrolled in a high school or secondary program.

    • Domestic and international applicants may apply.

    • International applicants must be proficient in English.

    • Older applicants, recent graduates and gap-year students can request exemptions.

    • Exemption requests require an interest paragraph of up to 200 words.

    How much does Introduction to Cybersecurity cost?

    Course tuition

    $1,990 — Includes online course and materials access.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $35 — Separate, nonrefundable fee.
    • NAI scholarship: Full scholarship — Restricted to eligible NAI summer participants in grades 9–12; confirm eligibility.

    What's included

    Access to the chosen online course and materials for up to three months., Recorded lectures, academic exercises, research assignments and labs., USC Mentor access for course-content questions., USC Certificate of Completion after meeting course requirements., USC Pre-College Programs course transcript on request.

    How to apply to Introduction to Cybersecurity

    1. 1

      Create an account or log in through the USC Online Application portal.

    2. 2

      Select the cybersecurity course and your preferred published start date.

    3. 3

      Provide your contact information and your parent or guardian's details.

    4. 4

      Write the short-answer essay explaining your interest and introducing yourself.

    5. 5

      Optionally upload writing, video or social media content that reveals something about you.

    6. 6

      Pay the $35 application fee and submit by your selected intake's application deadline.

    7. 7

      After admission, pay tuition by the intake's deadline and sign the Letter of Understanding before starting.

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    Learning format

    All coursework is online and completed independently through recorded lectures, readings, exercises, research assignments and labs. Plan for approximately 20–25 hours in total, with four weeks as the expected completion period and 90 days of access from your chosen start.

    The online platform includes course content, assignments, chat features and messages from USC Mentors and staff.

    Mentorship and feedback

    • Recorded course teaching comes from Darin Gray, director of the USC Viterbi K-12 STEM Center.

    • Gray also serves as a cybersecurity trainer for the California National Guard.

    • Students can contact a USC Mentor to clarify course content.

    • The platform supports chat features and messages from USC Mentors and staff.

    Time-zone considerations

    • Recorded teaching and assignments are completed at your own pace.
    • Domestic and international students use the same online application.
    • The course specifies approximately 20–25 hours of total independent work.
    • Students have 90 days from their chosen start to complete the course.

    Tech requirements

    • Use a computer, tablet or phone to access course materials.

    • Have an internet connection.

    • Access the course through a web browser.

    • Use the online learning platform shared with admitted students.

    Assessment style

    Assessment combines course assignments with multiple-choice knowledge checks at the end of each module.

    • Complete one knowledge check for each of five modules.
    • Score at least 70 percent on each module's knowledge check.
    • Retake knowledge checks as many times as needed.
    • Complete all content and required coursework for the certificate.
    • Submit original work and acknowledge any permitted AI assistance.

    Portfolio and outputs

    Main deliverable / output

    The main coursework outputs are academic exercises, research assignments and labs demonstrating your developing cybersecurity understanding.

    • Complete research assignments and labs alongside academic exercises.

    • Earn a USC Certificate of Completion after meeting all requirements.

    • Request a USC Pre-College Programs course transcript.

    Introduction to Cybersecurity FAQs

    Topics include cybersecurity in the real world, risk assessment and management, security standards and frameworks, Internet of Things and ethical hacking.

    The course specifies approximately 20–25 hours of recorded lectures, readings and assignments. Students are expected to finish in four weeks, with 90 days of access if needed.

    Complete all five modules and required coursework, and score at least 70 percent on each module's knowledge check. Knowledge checks can be retaken.

    No. This is a non-credit certificate course, distinct from USC's on-campus summer courses that award academic credit.

    Students can contact a USC Mentor with questions about course content. The online platform includes chat features and messages from mentors and staff.

    Course materials can be accessed using a computer, tablet or phone with internet access and a web browser.

    Participation does not guarantee admission or special preference in USC's admissions process. The certificate can be included on a high school resume or college application.

    Request cancellation in writing within three days of the course start for a tuition refund. The application fee is nonrefundable, and later cancellation requests do not qualify for a tuition refund.

    Alternatives to Introduction to Cybersecurity

    Compare a broader software-development option if your main interest is building technology rather than securing it.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • USC Online Application Management
    • USC Online Exploration Courses Policies | USC Pre-College
    • USC Pre-College Online FAQs | USC Pre-College
    • Online Introduction to Cybersecurity Course | USC Pre-College
    • Online Introduction to Cybersecurity Course | USC Pre-College

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page checked

    • Application deadlines checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Tuition and application fee checked

    • Assessment and certificate requirements reviewed

    • Scholarship guidance discrepancy flagged

    • Refund and safeguarding policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.