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Cybersecurity Professor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Assistant Professor Department Information Systems and Analytics Department Worker Type ... The successful candidate will teach courses in the Information Systems & Cybersecurity Management ...

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Cybersecurity Professor information

See California salary details

$57.2K

$113.3K

$186.5K

How much do cybersecurity professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for cybersecurity professor in California is $113,289.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,300.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cybersecurity professor do?

A Cybersecurity Professor is an academic expert who teaches courses on cybersecurity topics at colleges or universities. Their responsibilities include developing curriculum, conducting research, publishing scholarly articles, and mentoring students in areas such as network security, cryptography, and information assurance. They often collaborate with industry partners and contribute to advancing cybersecurity knowledge. In addition to classroom teaching, they may lead research projects, supervise graduate students, and participate in academic conferences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cybersecurity professor?

To thrive as a Cybersecurity Professor, you need an advanced degree in computer science or a related field, deep knowledge of cybersecurity principles, and a strong record of research or professional experience. Familiarity with cybersecurity tools, programming languages, and industry certifications such as CISSP or CEH is highly valued. Excellent communication, mentorship, and curriculum development skills help engage students and foster their academic growth. These skills are crucial for effectively educating future cybersecurity professionals and advancing the field through research and innovation.

What are some common challenges faced by cybersecurity professors in keeping course content current?

Cybersecurity Professors often face the challenge of keeping course materials up-to-date with rapidly evolving threats and technologies. Since the cybersecurity landscape changes frequently due to new attack vectors, regulations, and defensive tools, professors must continually revise their syllabi and incorporate the latest case studies or hands-on labs. Collaborating with industry partners and participating in ongoing professional development helps ensure that students gain relevant, real-world skills. Staying current not only enhances student learning but also maintains the program's credibility and competitiveness.

What is the difference between Cybersecurity Professor vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectCybersecurity ProfessorCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/Ph.D.), teaching certificationsBachelor's or Master's in cybersecurity, relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP)
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, classrooms, research labsCorporate, government agencies, security operations centers
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, research institutionsPrivate companies, government, cybersecurity firms
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic roles, teaching, researchSecurity monitoring, incident response, threat analysis

While a Cybersecurity Professor primarily focuses on teaching and research within academic settings, a Cybersecurity Analyst works in operational environments to protect organizations from cyber threats. Both roles require cybersecurity knowledge, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

How much do cybersecurity professors make?

Cybersecurity professors typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education level, and the institution. Salaries may be higher for those with advanced degrees, research experience, or administrative roles in academia or industry settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cybersecurity Professor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cybersecurity Professor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cybersecurity Professor jobs in California?

For Cybersecurity Professor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cybersecurity Professor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cybersecurity Professor job openings:

Infographic showing various Cybersecurity Professor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,289 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Full-time Assistant or Associate Professor, or Professor of Practice & Academic Program Director (AP

National University System

San Diego, CA • On-site

$74K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach and develop online and/or onsite courses in cybersecurity.

  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for program faculty and students, and support program quality and student success.

  • Participate in curriculum oversight, program assessment, and collaboration with faculty and administration to ensure program standards and industry relevance.


Job description

Compensation Range:
Annual Salary: $74,005.00 - $104,310.00
Full-time Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, or Professor of Practice & Academic Program Director (APD) in B.S. Cybersecurity
Hybrid - San Diego, CA
National University is a veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate a student body from across the U.S. and around the globe, with more than 230,000 alumni worldwide. Our three schools and three colleges offer more than 200 accredited and licensed graduate and undergraduate programs. National University holds accreditation through the Western Senior College and Universities Commission (WSCUC).
Position Summary
The Department of Cybersecurity and Technology at National University invites applications for a Full-time Assistant or Associate Professor, Professor of Practice and Academic Program Director in B.S. Cybersecurity . Rank is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of, or potential for excellence in, teaching and scholarship in their field and a commitment to serving the University's adult student body. This position works closely with other faculty within the discipline and administration contributing to programmatic strategies that ensure program quality, student engagement, and success. We are especially looking for a candidate who can contribute to the development and enhancement of our cybersecurity curriculum ensuring it meets the latest industry standards and addresses emerging threats. The ideal candidate should have hands-on knowledge of Linux, Windows, and a variety of cybersecurity tools.
The Academic Program Director (APD) is a full-time faculty member who directs the strategy, operations, and support for the degree program for which this role is responsible. As the primary spokesperson for all program (part-time and full-time) faculty and students, the APD will act as the primary source of information about specific programmatic strategies, needs and daily operations, and initiate and approve changes to ensure program quality, driving student engagement, and success. The APD serves as the lead discipline expert for the program as well as primary contact for multiple stakeholders. This position collaborates with program faculty in support of student success as well as the Director of Assessment to conduct program assessment on a regular basis to ensure the program is meeting the needs of the student and the program's related industries, and where applicable, the programmatic accreditation requirements. This position ensures the incorporation of identified trends or changes into the curriculum, in collaboration with the Director of Curriculum and serves in either a direct or consulting role during course development, updating, and maintenance. The APD meets regularly with the College leadership (Department Chair/Associate Dean and/or Dean) to ensure that the program aligns with University and College goals and priorities.
In lieu of scholarship requirements, if you are selected as the candidate, you may be considered for a Professor of Practice position.
This position is remote. For San Diego-based candidates, the position is hybrid and meets with students twice/monthly for 2.5 hours each session.
Essential Functions
Candidates will be evaluated for their proficiency and potential in teaching, scholarship, and service. The main expectations of this position include:
Teaching
  • Teach and develop online and/or onsite courses in cybersecurity.
  • Maintain andragogical and subject matter expertise in the instructor's field.
  • Create a positive learning environment for diverse learners.
  • Ensure course and program practices align with compliance and accreditation standards.
  • Adhere to the National University's academic integrity policy.

Scholarship
  • Maintain a productive scholarship agenda suitable to a teaching university.
  • Engage in scholarly activities to maintain professional growth and accreditation expectations.
  • Participate in professional development as outlined in faculty policies.

Service
  • Participate in curriculum oversight, shared governance, and the student experience.
  • Serve on the university committees and engage in community activities that promote program outreach and university goals.
  • Participate in program meetings and advisory boards to integrate best practices and strategic initiatives.
  • Create, modify, and update BS Cybersecurity course material.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Education & Experience
  • Master's degree in Cybersecurity or a related discipline required to qualify for the Professor of Practice rank.
  • Terminal degree in Cybersecurity or a related discipline required to qualify for Assistant Professor and Associate Professor ranks.
  • A minimum of 5 years of full-time faculty experience in higher education is required to qualify for the Associate Professor rank.
  • A minimum of 10 years of professional experience, evidence of significant professional achievement, and a minimum of 3 years of teaching/training experience required to qualify for the Professor of Practice rank.
  • At least 2+ years of industry experience in cybersecurity required.
  • Industry certifications such as: CISSP, SANS GIAC, CEH, CISM, CISA required.
  • Leadership or program management experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience with the National Security Agency Centers of Academic Excellence programs preferred.
  • Active involvement in the cybersecurity community preferred.

Required special conditions of employment include:
  • Background check.
  • Travel at least once annually to attend the annual Commencement ceremony (if held onsite).
  • Travel to attend cybersecurity-related events (typically 3-5 events/annually).

This position will be posted until filled.
For full consideration, interested candidates should provide the following:
  • A cover letter that includes a list of industry-related certifications, teaching experience, and industry experience.
  • A curriculum vita
  • Statement of teaching experience online and/or onsite

#LI-HYBRID
Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate's qualifications, skills, and competencies. Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. Base pay is one component of National University's total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the "whole you" with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family. For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For part-time positions, please click here.
National University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a mix of highly talented, innovative, and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University.