Navigating the CIAT Student Portal: A Comprehensive Guide

For students embarking on their educational journey at the California Institute of Applied Technology (CIAT), understanding the student portal is crucial. This guide provides a detailed overview of the portal's features, resources, and how to utilize them effectively. CIAT takes a skills-based, career-focused approach to education, designing its programs to provide practical, hands-on experience that employers value, going beyond theoretical knowledge.

Accessing and Utilizing Student Support Services

Navigating higher education can be daunting, especially for new students. CIAT provides comprehensive student support services, including dedicated Admissions Advisors, Student Services Advisors, and Career Services Advisors. The first step is to connect with one of the Admissions Advisors, who will learn about your unique goals and needs and help you determine the right program path.

Financial Aid and Affordability

Affording college is a significant concern for many first-time students. CIAT is committed to making education accessible and affordable. In addition to accepting federal financial aid, CIAT also offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and flexible payment plans. Students can explore their financial aid options with dedicated guidance and support.

CIAT also offers tuition assistance through partnering up with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The WIOA program provides federal aid to qualifying students enrolled in a qualifying Career-Technical or Workforce Program at CIAT. Qualifying students will need to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) first and utilize all grants as available along with the WIOA grants. Students who are not qualified to receive Pell Grants will be only responsible for the program cost listed on the Individual Training Account (ITA) approved by WIOA. This WIOA Title I-funded program is an equal opportunity program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Qualifying students may be approved to receive up to $7,000 in an ITA towards total program tuition, required books and fees.

Program Flexibility and Duration

Many of CIAT's career-focused programs can be completed in 3.5 years or less, understanding the importance of getting students into the workforce quickly. The 100% online, accelerated degree programs are designed to provide maximum flexibility for working adults. CIAT also offers accelerated, 5-week courses that enable students to move through their program expeditiously. Depending on your schedule and the number of credits you can transfer, you can earn your degree in 1-2 years. CIAT has multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing you to begin your program when it's most convenient.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a core part of the CIAT curriculum. Through classroom projects, simulations, labs, and other real-world applications, students have the chance to apply their newfound knowledge and skills in practical, industry-relevant settings.

Transfer Credits and Prior Learning

CIAT accepts up to 75% of eligible credits earned from previous institutions, including community colleges, technical schools, and 4-year universities. In addition to standard college coursework, CIAT also accepts credits earned through military training, industry certifications, and general education platforms like CLEP, Straighterline, and Sofia Learning. CIAT understands the importance of timely assessment of your eligible transfer credits and is experienced in reviewing transcripts from multiple institutions and determining the optimal way to apply your accumulated credits toward your degree program.

The process is simple: start by requesting a transfer credit evaluation from the admissions team. Once your transcripts have been reviewed, you can complete the streamlined online application. You can bypass those courses entirely if you've already completed your general education requirements at a previous institution. CIAT offers challenge exams that allow you to translate your industry certifications, professional licenses, and relevant job experience into college credits. It’s easier than ever to transfer the credits you’ve already earned at other colleges and universities. With this head start on your degree, CIAT can help make the process as painless as possible.

Admissions Process

With our streamlined application process, applying online is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Jumpstart your path to earning your degree by taking 5-10 minutes to fill out our simplified online application. Submit a copy of your high school diploma and supplemental materials to CIAT’s Office of Admissions. Additional documentation may include your GED, DD-214, and college transcripts.

The admissions process for online programs is tailored to working adults. In addition to your previous education and work history, CIAT evaluates factors like your motivation, time management skills, and alignment with your career goals.

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Military Students

CIAT understands active duty service members' and veterans' unique challenges and demands. That's why CIAT offers flexible, 100% online programs that can be completed at your own pace, no matter where you're stationed. CIAT proudly offers military tuition assistance and benefits to service members in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. This includes GI Bill® benefits, Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E), VA STEM Scholarship, VA Yellow Ribbon Program, Active Duty Tuition Assistance, MyCAA Scholarship Programs, and more.

CIAT understands the challenges of attending in-person classes for active duty and deployed service members. That's why CIAT offers a Hybrid Campus Plan, where you only need to attend your final exam session at the National City campus. Whether advancing your military career or transitioning out, CIAT is dedicated to helping you reach your professional goals. CIAT offers a variety of exclusive scholarships and grants for active duty, veterans, and military spouses, including the GI Bill®, VA STEM Scholarship, VA Yellow Ribbon Program, MyCAA Scholarship, and more.

CIAT has multiple start dates throughout the year to accommodate your schedule. The rolling admissions process means you don't have to wait for a specific semester to enroll. In addition to the flexible online programs, military students at CIAT also have access to a range of dedicated support services. This includes academic advising, disability counseling, career counseling, and a community of fellow military-affiliated students and faculty. You may be eligible for up to 100% tuition coverage using your GI Bill, a textbooks stipend, and a Monthly Housing Allowance. A yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.00 is paid proportionately based on enrollment. You may be eligible for a Monthly Housing Allowance. The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is generally the same as the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. This rate is variable based on whether you are certified as a resident student or an online student. The Responsible Education Mitigating Options And Technical Extensions Act, also known as the REMOTE Act, extended previous legislation initiated at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 to protect military education benefits. If there is no course available in a given term that meets the requirements for your program, you will be placed on a temporary Leave of Absence. You will preserve any tuition benefits or months remaining on your GI Bill.

Re-Enrollment

CIAT understands that life sometimes gets in the way of your academic goals. If you previously withdrew, were dropped, or were dismissed from your CIAT program, you can petition for consideration of re-enrollment. The admissions team will work with you to understand the circumstances and determine the best path forward. The CIAT management team will review your re-admission application, previous academic history, attendance, and reason for departure. Each case is evaluated individually - prior admission does not guarantee re-admission. If you're an active-duty service member who had to withdraw due to deployment or other service requirements, the rolling admissions process means you don't have to wait for a specific semester to re-enroll.

Campus Selection Agreement

Students who require residency status will be required to attend one class session, their final exam, at CIAT’s National City campus. Students will select their status (resident or online) through a Campus Selection Agreement. All active students will be required to complete a 2024 Campus Selection agreement no later than April 1, 2024, and reaffirm their election decision for resident or online status for the April 2024 term. Campus Selection Agreements will be available for completion beginning March 1, 2024. Students will only be required to complete their Campus Selection agreement once upon enrollment or upon any campus change. Yes, laptop computers will be stationed in classrooms to be used for the final exams. Exams will be delivered in a secure format. Students must meet the full attendance requirements, which requires students to complete one full on-campus attendance session. Tuition rates are the same for in-state and out-of-state students and are the same for CIAT Online and CIAT Hybrid Campus plans.

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Disability Accommodations

CIAT will continue to support students in need of disability accommodations.

Grievance Policy

Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the following: California Bureau For Private Post-Secondary Education 1747 N.

Additional Information

CIAT does not provide dormitory facilities but will assist students in finding accommodation for the duration of the course.

Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in their Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after graduation. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details.

Course Updates

ASD 262: Replaced "Emerging Applications and Languages" (React and React Native) with "Java Programming," focusing on Java fundamentals, coding, variables, control structures, arithmetic operations, advanced topics like coding methods, exception handling, testing, debugging, and working with classes, objects, arrays, and file input/output.
ASD 263: Replaced "MEAN Stack Development" with "SQL and Database Management," empowering students with essential SQL skills and the ability to design and manage relational databases, covering data retrieval, updates, advanced SQL skills, views, scripts, stored procedures, functions, and triggers.
CIS 230A: Updated to represent the 1st half in a two-part class for the CompTIA certification exams for Linux operating system: XK0-005.
Course Description and code from CIS 331 “This course covers all of the topics related to the AWS Certified Security - Specialty Exam. Topics covered include the AWS Identity Access Management, Logging and Monitoring, Infrastructure Security and Data Protection with VPCs.” to CLD 331 - “This course covers all of the topics related to the AWS Certified Security - Specialty Exam.
Course Description and code from CIS 332 “This course covers all of the topics related to Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies. Topics covered include the securing Azure Active Directory, managing access control, using monitoring tools like Azure Monitory and Azure Sentinel, and configuring security for storage and databases.” to CLD 332 “This course provides IT Security Professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement security controls, maintain an organization’s security posture, and identify and remediate security vulnerabilities. This course includes security for identity and access, platform protection, data and applications, and security operations.
Course Description and code from CIS 333 “This course covers all of the topics related to the AWS Certified Database - Specialty Exam. Topics covered include the AWS Database Design, Deployment and Migration, Management and Operations, Monitoring and Troubleshooting and Database Security.” to CLD 333 “This course covers all the topics related to the AWS Certified Database - Specialty Exam.
Course Description and code from CIS 335 “This course covers all of the topics related to the Google Cloud Certified Associate Cloud Engineer Exam. Topics covered include the AWS Database Design, Deployment and Migration, Management and Operations, Monitoring and Troubleshooting and Database Security.” to “This course covers all the topics related to the Google Cloud Certified Associate Cloud Engineer Exam.
Course Description and code from CIS 340A “This course represents the 1st half of a two-part class that will immerse the student into an interactive environment where they will be shown how to scan, test, hack and secure their own systems. The lab intensive environment gives each student in-depth knowledge and practical experience with the current essential security systems. Students will begin by understanding how perimeter defenses work and then be led into scanning and attacking their own networks. No real network is harmed. Students then learn how intruders escalate privileges and what steps can be taken to secure a system. Students will also learn about Intrusion Detection, Policy Creation, Social Engineering, DDoS Attacks, Buffer Overflows and Virus Creation. This course prepares the student for the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker exam 312-50.” to SEC 340A “This class will immerse the student into an interactive environment where they will be shown how to scan, test, hack and secure their own systems. The lab intensive environment gives each student in-depth knowledge and practical experience with the current essential security systems. Students will begin by understanding how perimeter defenses work and then be led into scanning and attacking their own networks. No real network is harmed. Students then learn how intruders escalate privileges and what steps can be taken to secure a system. Students will also learn about Intrusion Detection, Policy Creation, Social Engineering, DDoS Attacks, Buffer Overflows and Virus Creation.
Course Description and code from CIS 340B “This course represents the 2nd half of a two-part course that will immerse the student into an interactive environment where they will be shown how to scan, test, hack and secure their own systems. The lab intensive environment gives each student in-depth knowledge and practical experience with the current essential security systems. Students will begin by understanding how perimeter defenses work and then be led into scanning and attacking their own networks. No real network is harmed. Students then learn how intruders escalate privileges and what steps can be taken to secure a system. Students will also learn about Intrusion Detection, Policy Creation, Social Engineering, DDoS Attacks, Buffer Overflows and Virus Creation. This course prepares the student for EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker exam 312-50.” to “This course represents the 2nd half of a two-part course that will immerse the student into an interactive environment where they will be shown how to scan, test, hack and secure their own systems. The lab intensive environment gives each student in-depth knowledge and practical experience with the current essential security systems. Students will begin by understanding how perimeter defenses work and then be led into scanning and attacking their own networks. No real network is harmed. Students then learn how intruders escalate privileges and what steps can be taken to secure a system. Students will also learn about Intrusion Detection, Policy Creation, Social Engineering, DDoS Attacks, Buffer Overflows and Virus Creation.
Course Description and code from CIS 350A “This course represents the 1st half of a two-part class that focuses on preparing for the CISSP Certification and career of IS/IT Cyber Security management professional. The CISSP Certification is administered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium or (ISC). (ISC) promotes the CISSP exam as an aid to evaluating personnel performing information security functions. Candidates for this exam are typically network security professionals and system administrators with at least five years of direct work experience in two or more of the eight test domains. As the first ANSI ISO accredited credential in the field of information security, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification provides information security professionals with not only an objective measure of competence, but a globally recognized standard of achievement.” to “This course represents the 1st half of a two-part class that focuses on preparing for the CISSP Certification and career of IS/IT Cyber Security management professional. The CISSP Certification is administered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium or (ISC). (ISC) promotes the CISSP exam as an aid to evaluating personnel performing information security functions. Candidates for this exam are typically network security professionals and system administrators with at least five years of direct work experience in two or more of the eight test domains. As the first ANSI ISO accredited credential in the field of information security, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification provides information security professionals with not only an objective measure of competence, but a globally recognized standard of achievement.
Course Description and code from CIS 350B “This course represents the 2nd half of a two-part course that focuses on preparing for the CISSP Certification and career of IS/IT Cyber Security management professional. The CISSP Certification is administered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium or (ISC). (ISC) promotes the CISSP exam as an aid to evaluating personnel performing information security functions. Candidates for this exam are typically network security professionals and system administrators with at least five years of direct work experience in two or more of the eight test domains. As the first ANSI ISO accredited credential in the field of information security, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification provides information security professionals with not only an objective measure of competence, but a globally recognized standard of achievement.” to “This course represents the 2nd half of a two-part course that focuses on preparing for the CISSP Certification and career of IS/IT Cyber Security management professional. The CISSP Certification is administered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium or (ISC). (ISC) promotes the CISSP exam as an aid to evaluating personnel performing information security functions. Candidates for this exam are typically network security professionals and system administrators with at least five years of direct work experience in two or more of the eight test domains. As the first ANSI ISO accredited credential in the field of information security, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification provides information security professionals with not only an objective measure of competence, but a globally recognized standard of achievement.
Course Description of SEC 400 from “This course will culminate in the application of classroom knowledge and skills in security-based technologies to solve real-world problems and to develop research and project management skills. The student will work as part of a team to respond to a Request for Proposal from a medium size company in need of a cybersecurity solution encompassing one of the following: Typical remote access security scenarios using detection and authentication/authorization technology, procedures, and process to prevent and identify intrusions. Ransomware/Malware/RAT prevention and detection solutions and development of policies to help users identify correct security procedures during regular business activities to prevent malware infections. Designing a security system…

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The Institute requires that a minimum of 35 hours of CPD is undertaken every year from May to April. As a member or affiliate, you are responsible for determining the method and content of your own CPD which should be appropriate to your professional obligations. Student members are exempt, and some other members or affiliates may also be exempt from this, depending on their level of responsibility. For members or affiliates who are on maternity/paternity leave, long-term ill or unemployed, the Institute advises you to undertake as much CPD as your circumstances will permit.

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