Masters in Cyber Security: Requirements to go to Grad School
Our society is getting more and more tech-reliant, and information is being amassed in electronic databases more than ever. This has increased cases of cyber threats, and cybercriminals are finding more sophisticated strategies to break into secure computer systems and exploit information. Data has a lot of money and power even on an international scale as recent events show us. Because the cybersecurity industry is exploding and it offers more opportunities than any other IT position, you may wonder whether you need a degree to get a job.
Your answer will depend on how high you want to climb up the corporate ladder. If you want to run a cybersecurity company or become a CISO, then you’ll need a master's degree in cybersecurity. A master’s degree in cybersecurity will equip you with skills that will strengthen your technical abilities and provide you with basics in finance and management. Management skills and the ability to analyze technology investments are important to move you beyond the management level position.
Perks of Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
You can change careers: A master’s degree in cybersecurity provides you with an advanced education within a short time.
More job opportunities: The Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, predicts the cybersecurity management industry will grow by about 12%. This makes now is a great time to pursue your master’s degree to gain the experience needed to manage this ever-growing industry and workforce. A master’s degree in this industry will give you important skills needed to take advantage of different cybersecurity job opportunities that will be available in the future.
Increased salaries: The demand for trained cybersecurity professionals has remained high, and organizations are willing to pay their cybersecurity professionals increased salaries. According to the BLS, the average salary for a computer and information systems manager is $135,800 per year.
Requirements to Pursue a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
A master’s degree program in cybersecurity is designed to equip you with knowledge and skills to enable you to protect computers, networks, and electronic infrastructures from internal and external threats. The cybersecurity master’s degree curriculum includes both practical and theoretical components of information security, including computer forensics, hardware and software engineering and system integrity. Master’s degree programs are available both in traditional and online classrooms.
Before you apply for a cybersecurity master’s degree, you need to have successfully completed your undergraduate degree in a field related to cybersecurity from an accredited institution. Some institutions also require applicants to have work experience prior enrolling. Some of the other requirements can include letters of recommendations, standardized test scores, and an admissions essay. Be sure to research what each university you’re applying to requires before starting your admissions process.
Undergraduate Classes that can Help You in Higher Level Classes
Although most undergraduate cybersecurity degree programs may emphasize on security, the best programs are the most interdisciplinary. This means that they emphasize on computer science, computer engineering, and management skills. These skills will help you later when pursuing your master’s degree to diagnose problems and be able to propose solutions that fix them. Undergraduate classes in technical writing and legal issues surrounding technology and ethics are equally important to mold you into a well-rounded cybersecurity professional.
Important Soft Skills When Pursuing You Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Although cybersecurity is a technical field, soft skills are important for all jobs. Here are some important skills if you are aspiring to pursue your master’s degree in cybersecurity:
Collaborating: Participating in the decision-making processes means that you can effectively solve problems. This is important when pursuing a master’s degree where you’ll be required to solve complex problems.
Thinking and communicating critically: You should be able to demonstrate the ability to see the difference and relationship between people and data, and discover ways to respond to cyber threats.
Leadership: At this point in your career, you have to be more than a cybersecurity expert; you have to be a leader as well. Your team, no matter how big or small, will need someone to make decisions and keep them focused towards their common goals.
Are you interested in higher-level education in cyber security? If you want to earn a Master of Science Degree in Cybersecurity, ECPI University offers this degree program at an accelerated pace. It’s possible to earn the masters in as little as 15 months of hard work and studying. For more information on this exciting program, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Cybersecurity - Master’s
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