Earning a Master's Degree in Cyber Security: Is it Worth It?

Is it worth the investment of time, money, and effort to earn a Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree? If you're already working in cyber security, you might think there isn't anything left for academia to teach you. But the big question is, are you where you want to be in your career? If you want to move into management or take on more responsibilities, it could be worth it for you to pursue a master's degree in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity Outlook

Computers are everywhere. From the watches on our wrists and the phones in our pockets, to the desks in our offices. This penetration of technology into the lives of everyone on the planet is accelerating and evolving. As a result, it creating an insatiable demand for businesses and organizations who are seeking ways to balance consumer demand with the need for protecting their systems from individuals and entities who wish to do them harm. Whether that threat is a hacker stealing passwords or a thief stealing credit card numbers, demand for cybersecurity professionals is increasing by the day.

In 2017, a report by McAffee Security indicated that 82% of cybersecurity managers had a shortage of personnel with the skills required to perform cybersecurity duties. As of 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that there were 100,000 individuals employed in the field in the United States. It's a small number and the industry is expected to see 28% growth over the next 8 years.

That's the conservative estimate and it doesn't take into account the number of positions available outside of the United States. In fact, global demand for IT and cybersecurity managers is increasing at a rapid rate and those with the skills and experience required to fill the positions might find jobs in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Australia. It is a truly international field and borders or nationality does not bind it.

Courses towards the Master's Degree in Cybersecurity

It takes considerable skill to master the art of digital protection, students studying cyber security are required to become experts in data structures, and algorithms, system administration, Java programming, secure data management, and leadership. Students must also become highly-skilled communicators who possess the ability to write and present data regarding system status, threats, and security protocols.

That's just the start. Students are also required to pass courses that cover hacking, hacking responses, cyber warfare, IT security, software testing, vulnerability analysis, and project management. It is also advisable to complete courses in mobile security, cloud security, and digital forensics.

If you are thinking it sounds like a lot of work, you are right. However, the courses are broken down into manageable segments so that you can focus on each section and master the required skills. This makes it possible for you to nail down key concepts and skill sets before moving on to the next lesson.

Studies Don't End After Graduation

Cybersecurity professionals must be continual students. The systems and threats are continually evolving and this means that students never truly graduate. Indeed, every day on the job is another day in the classroom where new flaws in the network may be exposed to enhanced threats from the outside.

Graduates must have the ability to determine the most appropriate methods to fill the holes and seal the gaps in the security network before systems can be breached and data compromised. As a graduate with a master's degree, you may find yourself in a leadership position or a position where you have considerable decision-making authority in this regard.

Are you working in cybersecurity and want to move ahead in your career? If you want to earn a Master of Science Degree in Cybersecurity, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information about this exciting degree, connect with a helpful admissions counselor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Cybersecurity - Master’s

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