FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2026

 

Media Contacts:
Cerro Coso: Kelsey Pauxtis
[email protected]
Kern Community College District: Norma Rojas-Mora
[email protected]
 

 
CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE RECEIVES FINAL APPROVAL FOR BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN CYBER SECURITY TECHNOLOGY

New program brings a locally accessible four-year degree to Eastern California students.

 

RIDGECREST, CA-Cerro Coso Community College (Cerro Coso) has received final approval to launch a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Technology, bringing a locally accessible four-year degree in one of today’s most important fields to the communities it serves.

The approval follows authorization from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and accreditation approval from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). The new degree is the result of years of planning and collaboration among faculty, staff, industry partners, and community leaders who recognized the growing need for cybersecurity education in the region.

 

The approval marks the culmination of a strategic initiative championed by President Sean Hancock and supported by college employees, industry partners, elected officials, and community advocates committed to expanding educational opportunities throughout Eastern Kern, Inyo, and Mono counties.

 

“This bachelor’s degree has been a long-term vision for Cerro Coso Community College and seeing that vision become a reality is incredibly rewarding,” said Sean Hancock, president of Cerro Coso. “Our students deserve access to affordable, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare them for the future. This program will help open doors for generations of students while strengthening the workforce that drives our regional economy.”

 

For many students in the college’s service area, earning a bachelor’s degree often requires relocating or traveling long distances. The new program will allow students to continue their education close to home while preparing for careers in cybersecurity, technology, and related fields.

 

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity community colleges are meant to create,” said Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, president of the Kern Community College District Board of Trustees. “Students who want to stay in their communities while pursuing a bachelor’s degree now have that option. We’re proud of the work Cerro Coso has done to bring this program to life.”

 

Kern Community College District Chancellor Steven Bloomberg said the approval reflects the college’s commitment to meeting the needs of students and the region.

 

“This achievement reflects what is possible when a college listens closely to its community and works tirelessly to meet its needs,” Bloomberg said. “Cerro Coso has built a program that expands opportunities for students while supporting the future of the region it serves. The impact of this degree will extend far beyond the classroom, creating opportunities for students, families, employers, and communities for years to come.”

 

Congressman Vince Fong praised the program’s potential to support both students and employers throughout the region.

 

“Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation, and building a strong cybersecurity workforce is critical to our economic and national security,” Fong said. “The approval of this bachelor’s degree program at Cerro Coso Community College is a major achievement for our region and an important investment in our country’s future. By expanding access to advanced cybersecurity education, Cerro Coso is helping prepare the next generation of professionals who will protect our critical infrastructure, strengthen our defense capabilities, and meet the evolving needs of a rapidly changing world.”

 

The approval was made possible through the support of many partners, including Senator Shannon Grove, Senator Melissa Hurtado, Assemblyman Stan Ellis, and Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains, who each provided letters of support for the program. Their advocacy helped highlight the importance of expanding educational opportunities in the region and reflected a shared belief in the potential of local students and the communities Cerro Coso serves.

 

In a congratulatory letter to the college, California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian noted that community college bachelor’s degree programs expand access to affordable four-year degrees for students who may otherwise be unable to pursue them and help prepare graduates for high-wage careers. She also recognized the role these programs play in strengthening local communities and expanding economic opportunities.

 

The new degree will help prepare students for careers in cybersecurity while supporting industries that are increasingly dependent on protecting information, systems, and critical infrastructure.

 

Additional information regarding admissions, program requirements, and enrollment timelines will be announced by Cerro Coso Community College in the coming months.

 

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