And if it will provide you a return on your investment. Take a look at recent figures for the 7 jobs referenced above. Analysts may also work on disaster recovery plans and need to keep abreast of IT trends. Is a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It? In fact, ISC2 says that 38% of cyber pros have a bachelor’s degree. But cyber security workers with the skills to meet this alarming trend are in short supply. According to Norton, in 2019 alone, there were about 4.1 billion reported cyber security incidents. Maybe you’re wondering, is a cyber security degree worth it? Seems like some people are able to get into the field in other ways, but it doesn't work that way for everyone. They also oversee these systems and know how to analyze threats and risks. They do this by trying to penetrate systems to expose the weak areas. Transform your career in an industry that's transforming the world. But let’s do the math. Network or security architects design and build secure systems. It illustrates the important benefits of enrolling in a cyber security degree. But you also need to factor in the cost of earning a cyber security degree. With cybercrime on the rise, businesses and organizations are investing more in protecting their assets than ever before. Filtering network traffic to prevent unauthorized users for example. The information on this page is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid. Superhero powers aside, the ROI on a cyber security degree appears positive. in Cyber Security is a relatively new degree which has gained popularity following the global surge in cyber threats and attacks. You need a bachelor’s degree in a computer focused major to enter the cyber workforce. And others earn degrees that are not IT focused, such as engineering (19%) and business (10%). These are seven of the most popular skills for cyber security careers that you might learn in college according to Cipher. A cyber security careers list may show several jobs from basic to Master’s in Cyber Security jobs. All Rights Reserved. For the vast majority of people, pursuing a cybersecurity degree is absolutely worth it: it's a smart investment in your future, and the best way to advance in your information security … This means choosing your perfect major (e.g. Is a Degree in Cybersecurity Worth It? While a degree is no guarantee, and no one has a crystal ball, the answer is a likely YES. Here Are 5 Reasons Why a Master’s in Cyber Security Degree Is Worth It A cyber security degree salary. When compared to other college degrees, cyber security degrees are absolutely worth it. Given that most jobs expect a 5% growth spurt, the future in cyber security looks bright. Cryptography is the practice of converting readable data into a masked code. Read this article and find out everything about cyber security degree! Computing and IT. Latest figures show an Info Sec analyst earns an average of $98,350. But for heaven's sake don't listen to the vast brigade of people telling you a postgraduate degree won't matter. That high demand for skilled professionals—coupled with a significant shortage of cybersecurity talent—is a perfect storm for cybersecurity professionals, Sierra says. Data security analysts, for example, earn between $105,000 and $178,250 depending on experience, while network security engineers earn between $98,000 and $167,500, and information systems security managers may earn up to $199,750. If you’re looking to take the next step in yours, here are five reasons why earning a cybersecurity degree is worth it. Salaries for cyber security pros vary by location, sector and job title. You need a bachelor’s degree in a computer focused major to enter the cyber workforce. While entry-level cybersecurity jobs, such as information security analysts, earn an average of $95,510, according to BLS, candidates with advanced degrees can earn well into six-figures. When you pursue a bachelor’s degree in cyber and data security technology, you will become equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to work against some of the most serious threats to domestic and international security. Cyber security jobs encompass many niche areas and work roles. It's worth considering a (good) MBA instead of a security degree, especially if you want to become a CISO some day. “Cybersecurity is one of the hottest fields today,” says Jose Sierra, associate director of Northeastern’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program. The data proves it—most employers are looking for cybersecurity professionals who have completed higher education and earned a degree. You need a bachelor’s degree in a computer focused major to enter the cyber workforce. Before deciding whether a Cyber Security degree is worth it, consider these facts. This is all about threat detection and ways to remediate issues. And may create tools that prevent, detect, lessen and rebuild systems. It will also help you to keep up better with the advancement of cyber security. Besides, she says, “I wanted to see things.” “The future of business is going to rely on cybersecurity, and today’s workforce and the workforce of the future will be tasked with helping organizations and companies achieve their goals,” he says. This means knowing how to handle incidents that violate security policies. This includes North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. But, not so fast. Some experts also team up with law enforcement to ensure prosecution. The sources for school statistics and data is the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System unless otherwise noted. Some entry-level cyber security positions only require an associates degree, thus making an associate degree in cyber security worth it . I think they're worth it but I think you will also get a lot of different answers to this question. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. The job outlook, the median salary, the exciting work are all great factors to pursue a degree in cyber security. Industry certifications may add value to your studies and CV. Does this mean that going the degree route is the only way to get into cyber security? Building a safe network often uses Firewall/IDS/IPS skills. You may need to master the app development life cycle too. Maybe you’re on the fence about whether you’d like to pursue a masters in cyber security degree. Earning an advanced degree will not only improve your salary, but it also opens up more career options in the field, Sierra says. 24/7 online classroom access. Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. There are two-year and four-year degree programs for cyber security as well as graduate studies in the field. Not only does it provide the education you need, it also gives you more job security in this rapidly evolving field. Per BLS records, in 2017 Security Analysts in the highest 10 percent bracket earned above $153,090 The demand for cyber pros is higher than the supply. We’re here to help you decide: is a cyber security degree worth it for you. is comp sci vs. cyber security). “Cybersecurity isn’t just technical—you also need to understand how organizations are managed, how risks are managed, and how decisions are made,” he says. My school has a cyber security degree with an emphasis in business, so … Although the total cost for a cybersecurity degree or masters varies from school to school, the average cost of a cybersecurity degree will be anything between $20,000 and $70,000. Let’s not forget about credit card hacks and identity theft either. 10 Reasons the Endless Frontier Act May Boost Cyber Security Careers, 15 Cities That May Become Technology Hubs in the Next 5 Years, Recent Cyber Security Stats Prove Cybersecurity is for Everyone, 21 Best Cyber Security Tweets of All Time, Do Not Sell My Personal Information (CA and NV residents), Purdue Global offers 180 programs at associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, Competency-based ExcelTrack™ Programs may allow you to earn your degree faster and for less money, Take advantage of some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, while earning a degree from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university. While that is a significant investment, the payoff proves it is worth it. As per DataUSA, on average, this costs $6,826 at a public college. Another thing they do is come up with improved antivirus software. Like viruses, worms, and other kinds of malware. Burning Glass Technologies also found that 88% of cybersecurity postings specify a bachelor’s degree or higher. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice. And 28% of recruits are recent graduates. In-Demand Biotechnology Careers Shaping Our Future, The Benefits of Online Learning: 7 Advantages of Online Degrees, How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School, Online Learning Tips, Strategies & Advice, How to Create a Requirements Management Plan, How to Become a Human Resources Manager: Key Tips for Success, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02115. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILTHT_Official #Cybersecurity #Hacking #degree What's up #SecurityNinjas! It may be a perfect way to use math skills to solve problems related to security in a wide range of industries. Advanced Degrees in Cybersecurity Mean More Career Options, Cybersecurity Pros Are Needed in All Industries, The Future for Cybersecurity Professionals Is Bright, $600 billion is lost to cybercrime each year, Northeastern’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, investing more in protecting their assets than ever before, The 9 Highest-Paying Computer Science Jobs. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } Firewalls for instance, and data encryption. Disclosure: EducationDynamics receives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Schools” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”). But the highest 10% of earned more than $156,580. Security pros need to watch out for suspicious activity. Cyber Security is more than a buzz phrase, it’s an exploding field that tackles a wide variety of existential threats to digital information and systems. 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