There are so many ways to earn money from home. You can start an online career in any field and work wherever you want. One such promising profession is cyber security.
To make money as a cyber security professional, you need to get an education in this field.
In this piece, you can find more about how to get a cyber security degree in the best way for you.
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Does cyber security have a job for you?
As more and more of our lives turn online and digital, cyber security is becoming critical to virtually every business. There are more cyber security jobs than there are qualified candidates to fill them.
Starting a career in cyber security can mean a well-paid and secure job and the opportunity to work in a fast-paced field that is constantly evolving.
Getting started in cyber security often means acquiring the necessary skills and qualifications. For many cyber security professionals, this means earning a degree.
On this page, you can read what types of majors will help you succeed in cyber security and alternative degree options that may be a better fit for you.
Cyber Security degrees: In what should you be specialized?
A degree in cyber security isn’t required, but if you have one, you will have more opportunities and a higher salary. A cyber security degree can help you develop your core skills, open up new job opportunities, and make you a more competitive candidate when you start looking for work.
Cyber security specialists have a wide variety of backgrounds. If you’re interested in cyber security or information technology (IT), here are some majors (for undergraduate degrees) that cover relevant skills.
Potential specialties for cyber security professionals:
- Cyber security. Not all universities today offer cyber security degrees, but they are becoming increasingly popular as the need for qualified security professionals grows. You can get that chance to become one of the first cyber security specialists in your area. If you know you want to pursue cybersecurity (and your university offers this specialty), this might be for you a good choice.
- Computer science. Computer science is among the most popular undergraduate computer-related majors. Typically these programs cover a wide range of technical skills, including systems engineering, programming, security, and networking. You can consider this widely-available degree if you are interested in technology but want your options to go beyond cyber security.
- Information technology. Information technologies are more focused on using technology to solve problems despite similarities with computer science. If you’ve chosen IT as your major, take a few programming classes to develop your code-writing skills.
- Computer engineering. As you know, a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering combines computer science with electrical engineering, with coursework in hardware, software, and computer programming. This direction may interest you if you want to work with embedded systems.
What will you study in your cyber security coursework?
Coursework in cyber security programs varies from one institution to another. Typically, you can expect to take classes in topics such as:
- Programming
- Cryptography
- Networking
- Digital forensics
- Penetration testing
- Security law and ethics
What degree do you need to get started in cyber security?
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Education plays a crucial role in getting a top-notch job in cyber security. As you know, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field for most cyber security positions from entry-level and above is not required. Those who aspire to the highest levels of cyber security and hope for a long career in the profession should consider pursuing a master’s degree.
The most popular degree programs often attended by those interested in a career in cyber security:
- MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership
- MS in Cybersecurity Engineering
- MS in Computer Science
- MS in Computer Engineering
- MS in Information Assurance
- MS in Information Technology
- MBA (with specialty)
- Of course, choosing which program is right for you depends upon your ultimate career goals and aspirations.
Is it worth getting a degree in cyber security?
Here are a few facts to consider.
Getting a bachelor’s degree takes time and money. You should consider it carefully before deciding if it’s right for you. Below you can find a few necessary things to remember when you decide which learning path best suits your needs.
Cyber security specialists are in demand.
There are thousands of cyber security jobs in the United States. The supply of job seekers with cyber security skills is low. If you have the necessary skills and qualifications, you have a high chance of a job in cybersecurity.
Jobs in cyber security are well paid.
Although salaries vary by job title, company, experience level, location, and many other factors, cyber security professionals tend to have high earning potential. The median annual salary for information security analysts in the United States is $103,590. That amounts to just under $50 per hour.
Degrees cost time and money.
Talking about wages and jobs, earning a degree is still an investment of time and money. Online degree options make it easier to earn a degree while working, raising a family, or fulfilling other life obligations.
A bachelor’s degree is the most common entry-level requirement.
Although it is possible to get a job in cyber security without a degree, many employers still require one. As you consider your options, you should research companies for which you would like to work. What are their credential requirements? Do they place a higher value on skills or certifications?
A degree can open up more employment opportunities.
Higher-level cyber security positions, especially at the executive and management level, often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Cyber security engineers, cyber security architects, cyber security managers, and penetration resistance testers have more than 90 percent of job postings requiring a degree or at least a bachelor’s degree.
A degree can help you get a higher certification.
These popular cyber security certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), require several years of work experience to get a chance to pass the exam. The degree often counts as part of the work experience requirement.
Do you need a degree to work in cyber security?
Most cyber security professionals enter the field with a bachelor’s degree. However, up to 88 percent of cyber security jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
You can read this post one more time and make your personal opinion about getting a cyber security degree for work.
The most common path to a career in cyber security involves earning a degree, but you don’t need one to find a job in the field. Just over 30 percent of those who work in information security do not have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
What are the alternatives for earning a degree in cyber security?
If getting a high school diploma isn’t for you, getting a degree isn’t your only career path in cyber security. Here are some other options for developing the skills you need to get a job in security:
- Certification. Obtaining a cyber security certification can show recruiters and hiring managers that you have the skills to work in cyber security. About 59% of job postings require at least one certificate. Preparing for a certification exam gives you an idea of what you need to learn to be successful, and many leading organizations offer certifications for beginners, intermediate and advanced professionals.
- Work experience. Another option is to start with an entry-level IT position, such as an IT support specialist, where a degree is not always necessary. As you gain experience in the real world, you can move into a more specialized position in cyber security.
- Self-Study. There is no shortage of free or low-cost online training courses on the Internet. If you are self-motivated and like to study, you may well develop core cybersecurity skills for yourself. If you choose this path, remember that a certificate or other credential can help your resume stand out.
How do you get started in cyber security?
Get basic cyber security skills and hands-on experience with industry-leading tools. You’ll be qualified for your resume even with no work experience in less than six months.
How long does it take to get a cyber security degree?
A bachelor’s degree in cyber security usually requires four years of full-time study. A master’s degree requires an additional two years of full-time study, although some universities offer accelerated or part-time programs that may take less or more time.
What can you do with a cyber security degree?
When you start a career in cyber security, you will find many different roles and specializations. Earning a degree in cyber security can be your stepping stone to career opportunities such as:
- Security Engineer
- Information security analyst
- Security Architect
- IT auditor
- Penetration tester or ethical hacker
- Digital forensic analyst
- Incident responder
- Cyber crime investigator
- Security software developer
- Network administrator
- Cryptographer
Is it challenging to study cyber security?
Topics covered in a cyber security degree program are usually technical. Programming and network security skills can be challenging. You can master these skills with the right approach and plan of action.
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