Learning Cyber Security Online: What are the Pros and Cons?
As the complexity of technology has increased, so has the number of opportunities to learn cybersecurity. The prospective white hat hacker has a wide range of choices to obtain a degree in cyber security, through distance learning as well as face-to-face. Here, we talk about the pros and cons of pursuing such a degree online.
Advantages of studying for an online cybersecurity degree
Let’s start with the good news! Here are some advantages to earning your degree online:
Flexibility and convenience
The main advantage to distance learning is being able to work in your own time, at your own pace. If you are stuck on a topic, you can spend more time on it. If you have chosen a quality online course provider, they will have a provision for you to seek extra help. If you already have a job or stay at home to care for children or parents, this might appeal to you.
No travel involved
Not having to travel to and from classes saves you time. This means that what time you are able to allocate to your coursework is spent directly on learning. You also save money, both on traveling costs and on not requiring on-campus accommodations or parking passes.
Wider choice of providers
Because you are not restricted to attending institutions of higher learning that are in reasonable commuting distance, you have a broader choice of colleges and universities. You have the power to choose where to study and how much to pay. When deciding where to go for your cyber and network security degree, find out what provisions the institution makes for support. Is there a live person you can approach when you have questions, or is everything in the form of online content?
Another important consideration is the curriculum. Will the course prepare you to successfully complete the necessary IT certification exams, such as Cisco Systems, CompTIA and Microsoft? A typical program will include instruction in how to:
- Maintain network software and hardware
- Identify customer needs
- Design and assess network requirements
- Identify vulnerabilities in computer systems that a hacker might try to exploit.
- Monitor systems for security breaches
- Manage risk
As a cyber security analyst, you will be expected to know about business and project management, networking and cloud computing, and to have a working knowledge of Linux. You will also need training in soft skills like basic principles of communication, how to write clearly, and an understanding of topics such as psychology, culture, and diversity.
Distance Learning: Cons
No single learning system is perfect. One must consider the pluses and minuses of each method of learning to decide what is right for them.
Lack of in-person interaction
You may be worried about the lack of opportunities for networking with other students. Opportunities for social networking are actually better, not worse, for distance learning students. You get to reach out to a diverse pool of similar students over a wider geographical area. Stuck on a question in the wee small hours? Someone on the same course might be online at the same time you are and may be happy to work out the solution with you.
Will you be employable?
Do employers value online degrees as highly as they do qualifications that are more conventional? Employers are viewing online degrees more favorably than they did in the first decade of the 21st century.
According to Susan Montana, regional vice president of the global recruiting firm Manpower, entrepreneurs often favor candidates who earned their degrees while juggling other commitments. Employers are less concerned about whether you earned your degree on campus or online than they are with the reputation of the college that awards you that degree. Look for regional accreditation to ensure the widest acceptance of your online degree.
Are you interested in the world of cyber security? Ready to earn your Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security - Cybersecurity Track? ECPI University offers this program online or in-person. For more information about this degree program, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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