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AP Cybersecurity
Application
Anyone interested in joining Mr. Clark’s AP Cybersecurity class should fill out the application and submit tuition to hold a spot.
Course Description
Launching in the 2026–27 school year, AP Cybersecurity is a yearlong high school course that offers a broad introduction to the field and aligns closely with a college-level, introductory cybersecurity course. Students learn about common threats and vulnerabilities and how they combine to create risk. Students study how individuals and organizations manage risk and how risk can be mitigated through a defense-in-depth strategy. Students explore specific vulnerabilities, attacks, mitigations, and detection measures across a variety of domains including physical spaces, computer networks, devices, and data and applications. Throughout the course, students consider the impact of cybersecurity on individuals, organizations, societies, and governments. Content and skills taught in the course align with the professional skills outlined in the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Workforce Framework.
AP Cybersecurity is part of the AP Career Kickstart™ group of courses, which are designed to accelerate high school students on their paths to in-demand careers.
The course framework is organized into five units that reflect key domains of cybersecurity knowledge and practice:
Unit 1: Introduction to Security
Unit 2: Securing Spaces
Unit 3: Securing Networks
Unit 4: Securing Devices
Unit 5: Securing Applications and Data
Unit scenarios throughout the course offer authentic cybersecurity situations that help students apply their developing knowledge and skills to relevant, real-world applications.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE CLASS WILL BE ANNOUNCED.
Course Fee
Early Bird Special: $699
After June 30: $750
Materials
TBA
Technical Requirements
Computer with high speed internet access, email capability and camera
Smartphone or scanner to save multiple handwritten pages as a single PDF file
Reliable access to course platforms and online tools used throughout the course
Who Should Apply?
This course is recommended for students with an interest in computer science, technology, engineering, or cybersecurity. Students should be comfortable working with computers and willing to engage in analytical problem solving. Prior programming or networking experience is helpful but not required.
Why Take This Class?
With over 572,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the United States,* AP Cybersecurity offers early exposure to one of the fastest-growing and most essential technology fields. The cybersecurity workforce deficit provides an opportunity for high-wage jobs for Americans. The course combines academic rigor with real world relevance, helping students develop in demand technical and analytical skills.
From a college admissions perspective, enrolling in a specialized AP course demonstrates initiative, intellectual curiosity, and readiness for advanced study. The course also builds transferable skills such as critical thinking, systems level reasoning, and problem solving that are valuable across many STEM disciplines and career paths.
* Cybersupply.org, “Cybersecurity Education in U.S. Public High Schools,” accessed June 5, 2025
Credit and Placement
The AP Program engaged cybersecurity and information technology faculty from colleges and universities to ensure that AP Cybersecurity reflects the academic rigor of introductory college courses in the field. Students with qualifying AP Cybersecurity Exam scores can earn credit or placement in required or elective courses at colleges and universities.
Industry Recognition
The AP Program partnered with industry leaders to ensure the course skills align with employer demand for core requirements in aligned, high-growth and high-demand jobs. Along with the potential to earn college credit, students with qualifying scores on the exam will earn the AP Cybersecurity Credential.
Created in partnership with industry experts, AP Career Kickstart Employer-Endorsed Credentials accelerate students’ progress toward in-demand careers and align with the needs of employers, college-level coursework, and secondary CTE programs.
High school students earn the credential after completing a yearlong AP Cybersecurity course and achieving a qualifying score on the AP Cybersecurity Exam.
Career Connections:
The AP Cybersecurity Credential is aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework, preparing students with qualifying skills for high-demand, high-growth jobs, such as:
Instructor Qualifications
Mr. Clark holds a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Applied Mathematics from Santa Clara University. He was a mathematics and computer science instructor in the Graduate School of Engineering at Santa Clara University for 28 years. He brings decades of experience as a software engineer and is an expert in networking, with extensive industry experience and conference speaking engagements.
After working as a software engineer, he chose to dedicate his time to teaching mathematics, technology, and debate to young students (www.clarksdebate.com). He has taught AP® Calculus to homeschooling students and has co taught summer math camps with Ms. Amelia Chan, making advanced mathematical ideas accessible through intuitive and exploratory learning.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Clark has homeschooled his three now-adult children. and is the founding Debate Chair of the StoaUSA National Speech and Debate League, bringing an emphasis on logical reasoning and clear communication to his instruction.