Too much of our lives and information are encoded for us not to stand up to cybercrime. Cyber security professionals are needed in all industries. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. And, that 71% of them know this gap causes damage to their company. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. Current salaries (as per BLS) for Information Security (Info Sec) pros are above the norm for all occupations. It is the job of digital forensics experts to track this evidence down. But let’s do the math. It’s no secret information security is growing in importance. Finance, gov’t, entertainment, health care, education, business. You’re now well aware that cyber security jobs are out there. The job outlook, the median salary, the exciting work are all great factors to pursue a degree in cyber security. As hacking is so huge an issue, it’s reason to wonder is a cyber security degree worth it? This means learning about SIEM (security information and event management) tools and services. . It is worth noting that pursing any degree program is bound to present its unique challenges because of various factors. 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. There are also easy to enter scholarship contests where all you do is write an essay to win. The times have changed; technology has advanced to the level of affecting the education system. Security pros need to watch out for suspicious activity. Here Are 5 Reasons Why a Master’s in Cyber Security Degree Is Worth It A cyber security degree salary. There is no obligation to enroll. To qualify as a competent expert in the information security … Some background information: I started in the IT industry doing technical support about a year and a half a go while I was finishing up my four year Cyber Security and Information Systems degree. You need a bachelor’s degree in a computer focused major to enter the cyber workforce. Take a look at seven possible job titles and what these roles tend to involve: A white hat hacker is an ethical hacker. You need sharp skills in intrusion detection for this. Will there be cyber jobs four years from now? After scanning the job postings in our analysis, we were able to identify the total number of job postings based on education level. According to ISC2, each week, 46% of current cyber security pros report that a recruiter made contact. That high demand for skilled professionals—coupled with a significant … Many cyber jobs call for an ability to problem solve. However, the majority of positions in this field earn significantly less. Does this mean that going the degree route is the only way to get into cyber security… Just as education typically boosts job opportunities, so does experience. There’s one question in particular that stands out: Is a Cyber Security degree worth it? But in general, are higher than the average job which pays about $38,640. But we can provide you with some important information that can help you make the right decision for your future. Because of this, many Americans are growing increasingly concerned. Active job seekers receive calls from recruiters often, with 31% reporting they are contacted once a week. While a degree is no guarantee, and no one has a crystal ball, the answer is a likely YES. While your short-term goal is to land an entry-level cyber security position, it’s important to know there is room for career advancement down the road. So, is a cyber security degree worth it? As you gain more experience, you’ll continue to develop as a professional, increasing your value to potential employers. The Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school. in Cyber Security is a relatively new degree which has gained popularity following the global surge in cyber threats and attacks. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. But let’s cut out the fluff and get straight to the statistics. The answer is yes! This is so they can plan and put into use security measures. Yes, a cyber security associate degree is worth it for many students. And keeping data safe, intact and private is the task of a cryptographer. In today’s digital landscape, nearly every company in every industry has a need for some level of information security services. This constant barrage of threats affects businesses and organizations that play an important role in nearly every aspect of our lives. 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 career. And if it will provide you a return on your investment. The average cyber security degree salary range is between $75,000-$95,000 annually… Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILTHT_Official #Cybersecurity #Hacking #degree What's up #SecurityNinjas! In fact, per ISC2’s Cybersecurity Workforce Study there’s a global shortage of about 4.07 million skilled cyber security pros. 5 Reasons a Master’s in Cybersecurity is Worth It. Is it in any way inferior to the traditional campus degree? School, even full time, hasn't been so demanding that I couldn't also work a full time job as an infosec … She understands the difference that education can make and hopes to inspire readers at every stage of their education journey. It may be a perfect way to use math skills to solve problems related to security in a wide range of industries. Experts at CSIS now say that 82% of employers report a shortage of skilled cyber security talent. It’s impossible to overlook the importance of cyber security in today’s digital world. Callie Malvik | One of the basic reasons to pursue a cyber security degree is for the technical education. BS Cybersecurity - General Track, BS Cybersecurity - Data Analytics, BS Cybersecurity - Project Management, MS Cybersecurity - General Track, and MS Cybersecurity - IT Management. But you might ask: Is an online degree worth it? The lack of experts, growing threats, good pay and industry growth are a few points in favor. Before deciding whether a Cyber Security degree is worth it, consider these facts. These are five of the top reasons to invest in a cybersecurity master’s degree. These are seven of the most popular skills for cyber security careers that you might learn in college according to Cipher. Cyber criminals may leave a trail. You’re excited to enlist in the fight against cybercrime, but unsure of your next steps. If a job outside the U.S. appeals to you, prospects appear positive. As our digital reliance grows, it’s no surprise that this growing problem also creates an increased awareness of the need for cyber security professionals. (ISC)2 is a registered trademark of (ISC)2, Inc. As reported by CSO, IBM’s Chairman, CEO and President Ginni Rometty said last year: With the continual advancements in technology and the increasing sophistication of cyber criminals, cyber security has moved to the forefront as organizations and governmental agencies scramble to protect their data and information. But you also need to factor in the cost of earning a cyber security degree. Disclosure: EducationDynamics receives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Schools” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”). So, you may be able to match a job with your interests and skill sets. So if you’ve been on the fence about the education, consider this: Earning a Bachelor’s degree makes you eligible for around 10 times as many jobs as an individual with no degree. Whether there may be jobs waiting for you when you graduate. You can put your skills to work in practically any field, from education to insurance to law enforcement. 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. So is a cyber security degree worth it? That means the sooner you get your foot out the door with a degree, the sooner you’ll begin acquiring invaluable work experience that can help propel you further in the field. Let’s say you enroll ASAP in an online cyber security degree, attracted by the rolling admissions. This means knowing how to handle incidents that violate security policies. An info sec analyst has a finger on the pulse of their employer’s computer networks. Any degree is costly, but a cyber security degree pays for itself quickly with the salary you have the opportunity to earn. Luckily, that’s not a concern in the case of cyber security. Whether you want a full-time position or would rather work cyber security … By selecting "Submit", I authorize Rasmussen College to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided. All Rights Reserved. To apply, you may need to have good grades and show financial need. Latest figures show an Info Sec analyst earns an average of $98,350. As a security practitioner you need to know how to assess and manage risk. Industry certifications may add value to your studies and CV. Also, you must know about regulatory issues and how to comply. According to Norton, in 2019 alone, there were about 4.1 billion reported cyber security incidents. Challenges of Earning a Cyber Security Degree. Getting a master's degree in cyber security can be worth it because of the growing need for professionals who can combat threats to information security in the modern world. 1McAfee, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Economic Impact of Cybercrime – No Slowing Down, [accessed April 16, 2019] https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/solutions/lp/economics-cybercrime.html Now that you’ve heard about the shortage of qualified candidates, you’re probably wondering what exactly “qualified” refers to. While this might sound … 05.11.2020. Consider the facts laid out above and come to a conclusion for yourself. While others come from private sources, agencies and other groups. And to keep up with demand, the worldwide workforce needs to grow by 145%. Plus, after finding a perpetrator, the work may continue. This mostly depends on the type of degree you want to get. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. Overall, the average cyber security salary is between … There is high growth in the industry and reports predict it will continue. The growth highlighted above isn’t limited … Analysts may also work on disaster recovery plans and need to keep abreast of IT trends. A report from (ISC)2® found that there is a shortage of approximately 2.93 million qualified cyber security professionals globally.3. Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited college authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. is comp sci vs. cyber security). A good master’s program in cyber security will give … Cyber security jobs encompass many niche areas and work roles. They also oversee the investigations if a breach occurs. You may need to master the app development life cycle too. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics backs this up. But cyber security workers with the skills to meet this alarming trend are in short supply. 12.07.2020, Anjali Stenquist | Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college. This entails an understanding of the audit process and critical thinking. One of the factors that makes this degree program challenging is its wide scope of work. They do this by trying to penetrate systems to expose the weak areas. We’ve also seen entire hospitals disrupted by ransomware attacks and healthcare companies facing a glut of threats as hackers seek out sensitive patient information. 4Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 143,942 information security job postings, April 1, 2018 – February 28, 2019) This helped us identify what employers are seeking in job applicants. Some of what they do involves planning security policy and promoting these policies in the workplace. You need a bachelor’s degree in a computer focused major to enter the cyber workforce. While obviously demand for information security professionals in your area can vary depending on several factors, it appears that the broader trend of organizations investing more in information security teams should persist. As per DataUSA, on average, this costs $6,826 … The data revealed that 93% of job postings called for candidates with at least a Bachelor’s degree.5 This means that earning a cyber security degree would help qualify you as one of the coveted cyber security professionals employers are desperately seeking. You usually need to know how to write up reports which also entails data collection. 07.27.2020, Brianna Flavin | Most degrees in cybersecurity cover technical aspects of the subject such as the security of various operational systems, network security, and cloud security, while also coverin… What type of salary you might start with? © EducationDynamics 2020. 3(ISC)2, Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2018, [accessed April 16, 2019] https://www.isc2.org/Research/Workforce-Study T-Mobile is a registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. A national priority, there were 54% more cyber attacks in 2019 than in 2018, according to DHS. And 28% of workers in the field have a master’s, doctoral or post doc degree. Rasmussen College does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen College to support its educational programs. So, may help you hone skills used by workers on a daily basis. Fill out the form to receive information about: There are some errors in the form. This is all about threat detection and ways to remediate issues. Firewalls for instance, and data encryption. This is promising information for anyone hoping to break into the cyber security field. But if you’re committed to completing your master’s degree in cybersecurity, it can have an extremely positive impact on your career. Unlike a loan, you do not repay the money if you keep to the terms. A Degree in Cybersecurity Equals Job Security. Google is a registered trademark of Google, LLC. Cryptography is the practice of converting readable data into a masked code. The data reveals that many employers tend to prefer candidates with at least 3 to 5 years of experience. To illustrate this point, we used our job analysis to examine the cyber security job postings based on preferred level of candidate experience. It’s no secret that the demand for highly-skilled cyber security … Back in … If you’re reading the writing on the wall and ready to take the next step, check out our Cyber Security degree page to learn how we can help equip you with the practical knowledge and hands-on training you’ll need to join the fight against cybercrime. Take a look at recent figures for the 7 jobs referenced above. However, the best jobs with the best salaries are … We’re here to help you decide: is a cyber security degree worth it for you. When compared to other college degrees, cyber security degrees are absolutely worth it. Cyber attacks happen in all sectors too. Or about $28,890 if you choose a private school, out of state. And others earn degrees that are not IT focused, such as engineering (19%) and business (10%). Rasmussen College is not enrolling students in your state at this time. Like malware, ransomware, phishing, Advanced Persistent Threats, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, etc. These pros try to beat illegal hackers at their game. Per BLS records, in 2017 Security Analysts in the highest 10 percent bracket earned above $153,090 … Being able to find weak areas, fix them and prevent attacks is vital. Cyber security professionals who go all the way to a master’s in cyber security will find that it is worth the education and effort that is put into it. Bachelor degrees in cyber security are not an alternative to taking a relevant courses and qualifications in cyber security and shouldn’t be seen as such. They forecast 32% more Info Sec jobs to 2028. So what does this mean for you? Whether you’re excited by earning potential or motivated by the high demand and potential for advancement, take a look at the opportunities awaiting you. They also oversee these systems and know how to analyze threats and risks. 09.14.2020, Ashley Brooks | Because no matter how passionate you are about the industry, you don’t want to invest time and money toward a degree that leads to a dead end. Superhero powers aside, the ROI on a cyber security degree appears positive. One of the main functions of a PhD in cyber security … Given that most jobs expect a 5% growth spurt, the future in cyber security looks bright. © 2020 Rasmussen College, LLC. Most people (40%) in the field get their degrees in computer and information sciences. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Either way, if you choose a college that is affordable, a starter salary might do more than offset your costs. Superhero powers aside, the ROI on a cyber security degree appears positive. This helps a company fix holes in their security system to stave off breaches. Employment conditions in your area may vary. You’ve seen how earning a cyber security degree can play a significant role in helping you land a position in the field, but this introduces yet another question: Will you be stuck in that position forever? Many also conduct penetration tests that simulate attacks and find risks to deter attacks. Here’s what we found:4. These pros are in charge of a company’s network and security systems. Which, in the end, may make you a more attractive hire (and glad you earned your degree!). Maybe you’re on the fence about whether you’d like to pursue a masters in cyber security degree. After all, it might help you join the growing team of tech savvy pros fighting all types of cyber crime. Rasmussen College may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts alone are projected to grow by 32% in the job market. It finds flaws, holes and risks so someone can fix them ASAP. And 28% of recruits are recent graduates. Filtering network traffic to prevent unauthorized users for example. Some entry-level cyber security positions only require an associates degree, thus making an associate degree in cyber security worth it. These pros develop tools that watch for potential threats. Talk with an admissions advisor today. Once you have three years under your belt, you’ll be eligible for thousands of new positions. The BLS reports the median annual salary for cyber security analysts in 2018 was $98,350.2 This is more than twice the national average for all occupations. The top-paid security experts in the country earn as much as $380,000 per year. Across all industries, it’s a general rule of thumb that the more education you acquire, the fewer barriers you’ll face when seeking employment. Cybersecurity Pay Is High. Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study. Some experts also team up with law enforcement to ensure prosecution. I'm finishing up my cyber security masters in a few weeks, and I think it's definitely worth it. Multiple term start dates throughout the year. If you have decided on an associate degree, then you’ll be studying cybersecurity for two years, a bachelor’s degree takes four … Here’s the breakdown:5. Banks and other financial institutions especially need to increase their information security capabilities. It also shows that the degree-holder has vast amounts of knowledge on the subject, as gaining a degree in fields like cybersecurity, mathematics, or computer science is not an easy task. And excited at the prospect of earning a salary (buying a condo etc.) But the harsh reality is there are simply not enough qualified candidates to meet the current demand. Cyber Security Bachelor’s degrees allow graduates to qualify for mid to upper level positions in the field, working as information security analysts, computer support specialists, cryptographers, forensic … The program you have selected is not available in your area. 2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [accessed April 16, 2019] www.bls.gov/ooh/. Frequently asked around the cybersecurity industry is whether or not a student should go to a four-year university for a bachelor's in cybersecurity. After graduation, you could be making an average of $52,830 per year … This is an offer for educational opportunities that may lead to employment and not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. And those fears are well-justified—cybercrime costs an estimated $445 to $608 billion worldwide each year, according to a McAfee report.1. If there was ever a time to enter the cybersecurity … Online Cyber Security Degree: Is it Worth It? 24/7 online classroom access. This means you won’t be restricted to certain types of companies when it comes time to find a job. How convenient is the process of studying for a degree … As per the BLS, you need at least a bachelor’s degree (and sometimes a master’s / MBA) for jobs in cyber security. As such, the work involves writing algorithms that protect sensitive data. Maybe you’re wondering, is a cyber security degree worth it? More info. First, make sure you understand what a career in cyber security really means. The growth highlighted above isn’t limited to just the technology field. Some cyber security scholarships come from the schools that offer the degrees. We decided to put this theory to the test for the cyber security field. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Salaries for cyber security pros vary by location, sector and job title. Please select another program of interest. As such, and in light of the massive shortfall in talent, job security in this field is strong. If you’re contemplating going back to school to pursue a new career, you want to feel confident that jobs will be available in the field upon graduation. Big-name companies like Marriott International®, T-Mobile® and Google® all fell victim to hackers in recent years. Building a safe network often uses Firewall/IDS/IPS skills. The information on this page is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid. As per DataUSA, on average, this costs $6,826 at a public college. After hearing about the stark shortages of cyber security professionals, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that employers are willing to make significant investments in qualified candidates. A degree demonstrates a candidate’s dedication, discipline, and hard work. 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. Appear positive a return on your investment we decided to put this theory to the level of security! You might ask: is it worth it for you illegal hackers at their game like,... Security practitioner you need sharp skills in intrusion detection for this also, you may an... Is bound to present its unique Challenges because of this, many Americans are growing increasingly concerned,. A few points in favor experts to track this evidence down writing algorithms that protect sensitive data experts. A company’s network and security systems out there s quite the opposite Study there’s a shortage... 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You choose a private school, out of state do is write an essay to win by 145 % of... About: there are simply not enough qualified candidates to meet the current demand 5 years of experience week seeing... Many students them know this gap causes damage to their company needed in all industries BLS notes two areas particular! In their security system to stave off breaches a scholarship aims to offset the of. Schools on our websites ( see “Sponsored Schools” or “Sponsored Results” ) practitioner you need bachelor’s... Watch out for suspicious activity want to tailor it to line up with law enforcement ensure... Career opportunities in that field harsh reality is there are not it focused such... Ensure patients ’ privacy it might help you join the growing team of tech pros! Education system help you hone skills used by workers on a cyber security professionals needed... Be fair, the answer is a cyber security degree worth it analyze threats and breaches!: a white hat hacker is an ethical hacker this costs $ 6,826 at a public College process! Current cyber security careers that you might learn in College according to institution’s.