Guide to Cybersecurity Degree Programs and Careers
Explore comprehensive insights into cybersecurity degrees, certifications, career paths, and top online programs. Learn what qualifications you need, potential salaries, and how to advance in this rapidly growing industry. Discover accredited degrees and specialty tracks designed to prepare you for roles in protecting digital assets and combating cybercrime. Whether seeking an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, this guide provides essential information for aspiring cybersecurity professionals to succeed and secure their future in IT security.
Guide to Cybersecurity Degree Programs and Careers
Understanding Cybersecurity Education and Opportunities
Cybersecurity involves protecting digital systems through advanced tools and techniques, preventing threats such as hacking, malware, and data breaches. Also known as IT security, it demands innovative skills to combat cybercriminals and safeguard networks. Most roles in this field require a relevant cybersecurity degree. Some institutions offer dedicated cybersecurity programs, while others integrate it into broader disciplines like network management, criminal justice, or communication technology.
Here’s what aspiring cybersecurity professionals need to know about degree options.
What qualifications are necessary for cybersecurity roles?
A four-year bachelor’s in fields such as computer science, information technology, or engineering, including coursework in math, statistics, and English.
These credentials are typically required for employment in cybersecurity positions.
How can one obtain cybersecurity certifications?
Certifications can be earned through training programs provided by tech companies or industry organizations like Cisco, offering credentials like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Successful completion of exams is needed to achieve certification.
Career options after earning a cybersecurity degree:
Information Security Manager
IT Systems Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Security Consultant
Network Security Engineer
Database Security Administrator
Forensics Specialist
Software Developer
IT Consultant
Cyber Crime Investigator
Online cybersecurity degree durations:
Associate degree: Two years or four semesters
Bachelor’s degree: Four years or eight semesters
Master’s degree: Additional two years or four semesters
Typical salary for cybersecurity professionals:
Average annual income around $116,000
Approximately $55.77 per hour
Top online cybersecurity degree programs:
Western Governors University’s BSc in Information Technology Security covers systems, networking, data, scripting, and business aspects.
Excelsior College features a BSc in Cybersecurity with general and specialized tracks, including healthcare cybersecurity.
Liberty University’s BSc focuses on network security, cyber defense, and web safety.
Wilmington University offers a BSc with specializations in digital security, forensics, and security law.
The University of Illinois at Springfield’s BSc centers on secure system design, security evaluation, and ethics.
Bellevue University’s BSc emphasizes programming fundamentals, cryptography, and access control.
Keiser University provides a BSc in Cyber Forensics and Security, training students in cybercrime detection and response.
University of Maryland offers degrees in network security management, cyber security policy, and software security.
Champlain College prepares students to defend organizations against digital threats.
Southern New Hampshire University’s program directs students on building and managing security networks.
