This article was updated on February 22, 2024.
µţ˛âĚýBrian Fairbanks
Whether you’re pursuing a degree in cybersecurity or looking to pivot into a related information security (infosec) career, there are several options to explore. and can be a good fit for individuals interested in information technology (IT) and safeguarding digital systems.Ěý
Let’s look at how to get into cybersecurity, what you can do with a cybersecurity degree and more about the future of the cybersecurity industry. We also spoke with J.L. Graff, an associate dean in the College of Business and Information Technology at °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝, about how those interested can step into roles that use cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is a specialized field within IT under the infosec umbrella. It focuses on protecting computer systems, networks, programs, devices and data from unauthorized access and malicious digital threats.
While IT is a broad field that harnesses digital technologies to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data, infosec and cybersecurity have emerged as crucial subsets given the vulnerability of digitally connected systems.
Some examples of the symbiotic relationship between cybersecurity and IT are:
Cybersecurity aims to reduce the risk of cyberattacks and safeguard organizations and individuals whose systems are connected to the internet. This includes securing both private networks and end-user devices.
Effective cybersecurity manages threats from numerous sources, including fraudsters, hackers, malware, denial-of-service attacks and data breaches.
The cybersecurity arm of IT plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the operations, data integrity and reputation of some of the largest industries across sectors like:
The importance of cybersecurity means employment opportunities continue to expand. The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals to mitigate cyberattacks continues to grow as technology advances and the world becomes more digitally connected. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of information security analysts to grow by .
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ students or graduates.
Job growth isn’t the only advantage cybersecurity has to recommend it. Careers in this field offer additional advantages like learning opportunities, the chance to make a positive impact in one’s organization and the ability to leverage cutting-edge technology.
Graff states: “Explore the many different careers in IT such as cybersecurity, computer science, data science, software development, cloud computing, network defense, information security and more. Within these broad IT fields, you can delve into machine learning, virtual reality, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, ethical hacking, sniffing and network analysis, penetration testing and cloud technologies. These emerging technologies are revolutionizing organizations and how we function day-to-day.”
Kicking off a career in cybersecurity can start with acquiring a cybersecurity certificate or associate degree. For example, °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ offers the following programs:
Options like those can help expedite the enhancement of your knowledge and experience, which can be attractive for individuals working in the field and looking to upskill quickly.
Asked if one needs a college degree to work in cybersecurity, Graff states: “Based on my research and conversations with employers and cybersecurity professionals, those interested in cybersecurity would greatly benefit from a degree as it will help students expand their knowledge and skills and prepare them for careers in cyber. A degree can prepare you for more job opportunities as many organizations still require employees to have an IT degree. A degree will also expose students to the many areas in cybersecurity and establish a strong foundation to build upon. I encourage those interested in cybersecurity to earn industry certifications during or soon after the completion of a degree.”
Entry-level roles may require candidates to hold a certificate, an associate degree or fewer than three years of real-world experience to qualify.
As you grow in your career, you might seek roles designed for more experienced candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree or specific third-party security certifications or certificates.
A bachelor’s degree — such as a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ — provides foundational knowledge and skills that benefit a cybersecurity career. The comprehensive UOPX degree program can strengthen your technical expertise, widen your cybersecurity skill set and help prepare you for more advanced roles and certifications. It can also help prepare you for cybersecurity leadership roles.
An individual with a degree in cybersecurity can pursue several careers. Below are just a few you can obtain with an advanced certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.
Note: Titles and responsibilities vary across industries and organizations.
Roles such as those help students learn how to integrate elements of security in a networked environment, and how to coordinate the use of information security tools within an organization.Ěý
Master’s degrees in computer science, IT or cybersecurity are sometimes required for more senior positions in the industry. Enrolling in a master’s degree program — such as a Master of Science in Cybersecurity at °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ — will teach you more in-depth knowledge about the field to complement your experience and undergraduate education.ĚýĚý
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program teaches advanced topics like:
Here are some common advanced or senior-level cybersecurity role titles:
Starting your degree in cybersecurity or enhancing your cybersecurity education is easy at °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝. Several degree programs and certificate options answer a variety of needs and interests.
A career in cybersecurity requires a mastery of several hard and soft skills. A successful cybersecurity professional will demonstrate the ability to balance these skills daily.Ěý
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, employers search for cybersecurity professionals with , including an understanding of:
Security certifications such as:
Here are cybersecurity professionals need, according to the Infosec institute:
A career in cybersecurity may provide a good salary, depending on the role, your location, the amount of education you have and the certificates you’ve earned along the way.
According to BLS:
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
°®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ offersĚýflexible online course collections, certificates, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees to accommodate established and aspiring IT professionals looking to enhance their knowledge in this field.ĚýLearn more about undergraduate and graduateĚýonline technology degrees from UOPXĚýand start your IT journey today!
If you’re interested in learning more about what next steps might look like, be sure to consult a °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ academic advisor or admissions representative for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian Fairbanks is a freelance writer with a background in SEO content creation and blog article development
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,ĚýKathryn Uhles has served °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝.
This article has been vetted by °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝'s editorial advisory committee.Ěý
Read more about our editorial process.
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