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Smiling student studying outdoors with a tablet and notebook, representing USC Pre-College online course “Introduction to Cybersecurity: From Securing Systems to Ethical Hacking,” where students learn flexibly and earn a Certificate of Completion.

Learn on your own time and earn a Certificate of Completion.

When people think of cybersecurity, they often envision a hacker in a dark room. While hacking is definitely one part of cybersecurity, this discipline also includes keeping devices and data safe from criminal access and ensuring important information stays confidential and secure. In this course, students will hear from security experts, companies, government employees and yes, even hackers!

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This course equips students to get a head start on their futures in cybersecurity by introducing them to core cybersecurity concepts, including real-world applications, how to assess and manage risk, security standards and frameworks, how the Internet of Things functions and even ethical hacking.

Students will come away with a stronger knowledge of information technology, networks and protecting data.

Featured Topics

  • Cybersecurity in the real world
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Security standards and frameworks
  • Internet of Things
  • Ethical hacking

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the core principles of cybersecurity
  • Conduct cyber risk assessments
  • Understand various cybersecurity frameworks and standards
  • Understand the risks, vulnerabilities and threats resulting from connected devices (i.e., Internet of Things)
  • Develop basic ethical hacking skills

Format and Course Length

  • This course consists of recorded lectures, academic exercises, research assignments and labs. Each module is composed of topics woven together to give a complete picture of cybersecurity.
  • Combined coursework of recorded lectures, readings and assignments is approximately 20–25 hours, to be completed at the student’s own pace.
  • Students are expected to complete the course in four weeks but have 90 days of access if more time is needed.

In this course, you’ll be taking classes from Darin Gray, director of the USC Viterbi K-12 STEM Center at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.

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Headshot of Darin Gray.

  • Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applicants who submit a completed application can expect an admission decision within three to five business days.

    • Include basic contact information from you and your parent(s) or guardian.
    • Tell us why you want to take the course and a little about yourself through a short-answer essay.
    • Share a piece of writing, video or social media content that reveals something about yourself (optional).
    • Submit the $35 application fee.
    • Students must be at least 14 years old or older and enrolled in a high school or secondary program.

    Recent high school graduates, students taking a gap year or time off from college, and students who are older than 18 can request an exemption to apply by emailing precollegeonline@usc.edu. Please include a short paragraph (no more than 200 words) stating your interest and how this program will add value to your academic or career plans.

  • In addition to the requirements listed above, international applicants are expected to be proficient in English. International students who successfully complete an online course will receive a digital Certificate of Completion and, by request, a USC Pre-College Programs transcript at no additional cost.

  • Program Start DateApplication and Tuition Deadline
    Monday, November 10, 2025Wednesday, November 5, 2025
    Monday, November 24, 2025Wednesday, November 19, 2025
    Monday, December 8, 2025Wednesday, December 3, 2025
    Monday, December 22, 2025Wednesday, December 17, 2025
    Monday, January 5, 2026Wednesday, December 31, 2025
    Monday, January 19, 2026Wednesday, January 14, 2026
    Monday, February 2, 2026Wednesday, January 28, 2026
    Monday, February 16, 2026Wednesday, February 11, 2026
    Monday, March 2, 2026Wednesday, February 25, 2026
    Monday, March 16, 2026Wednesday, March 11, 2026
    Monday, March 30, 2026Wednesday, March 25, 2026
    Monday, April 13, 2026Wednesday, April 8, 2026
    Monday, April 27, 2026Wednesday, April 22, 2026
    Monday, May 11, 2026Wednesday, May 6, 2026
    Monday, May 25, 2026Wednesday, May 20, 2026
    Monday, June 8, 2026Wednesday, June 3, 2026
    Monday, June 22, 2026Wednesday, June 17, 2026
    Monday, July 6, 2026Wednesday, July 1, 2026
    Monday, July 20, 2026Wednesday, July 15, 2026

  • Application fee: $35

    Tuition: $1,990

    Tuition and fees cover access to the chosen online course and materials for up to three months after your chosen start date.

    Please note that application fees are nonrefundable. All course cancellations requests must be made in writing to precollegeonline@usc.edu. Any tuition paid to the university will be refunded, not including fees, if requested no more than three days past the course start date. Requests to drop the course more than three days after the start date will not be eligible for a refund.

    The university will not refund tuition for USC Pre-College online exploration courses for students who are removed from the program due to a violation of our Letter of Understanding for Online Participation and our Student Code of Conduct.

[Doing the assignments] step-by-step after watching [the] videos helped cement the learning process.

— Pre-College Online Student, 2025
Smiling student sitting by a window with a laptop, representing motivated high school students applying to supplement their studies through USC Pre-College programs.
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