Taking Control of Cyber Security with a Master's Degree

Electronic data has gone from scarce to superabundant, and in an internet era, the risks to sensitive data are greater than ever before. Cybercriminals continue to discover complex and hard-to-detect strategies to exploit such information. Data has become valuable as the current world events show us. 

That's where cybersecurity specialists come in.

The higher the level of cybercrime, the higher the level of expertise needed to combat it. Although a bachelor's degree has been the reigning standard for many years, the field of cybersecurity has grown so advanced that you may want to consider a master's degree to reach your professional goals. 

Reasons Why You Should Pursue a Master’s Degree

More Opportunities

A master’s degree could qualify you for more and different opportunities. Depending on your experience and certifications, you could move ahead more quickly if you have a graduate degree on your resume. It all depends on what position you want and what other elements you bring to the table.

Flexibility & Freedom 

A master’s degree gives you the opportunity to specialize in a specific topic within a short time. In this fast-evolving world of technology, this is an added advantage. Cybersecurity is also the type of role you can perform from anywhere (as long as you have a solid internet connection). A master's degree in cybersecurity could free you up to live anywhere you like and work from home. 

Choose-Your-Schedule Degree Programs

Pursuing a master’s degree at a traditional university may discourage you, especially if you are a working adult. It can be difficult to balance family obligations with a full-time degree program--not to mention work! However, you can obtain your master’s degree online and better manage your time and commitments. 

Advancing Your Cybersecurity Skills

A master's degree could help you advance your cybersecurity skills, as well as some other "soft skills" not emphasized in a bachelor's degree program. These include leadership strategies and more: 

Position yourself as a leader: If you want to move to a leadership position in this field, then it’s critical that you keep abreast with the current trends and share them with your team. Brush up on your public speaking skills to become a more confident presenter. 

Know the 4 key areas: Today, most human resource managers look for candidates with strong risk management, communication, program management and technical understanding skills.

Acquire the needed education and certifications: If you have been in the cybersecurity industry for some time you may be rusty in some areas. It’s important that you get up to speed as soon quickly. You can do this by advancing your education through a master’s degree, gaining certifications, and taking continuing education classes. Some colleges even offer industry certifications in tandem with cybersecurity degree programs. 

Build your network: Similar to most entry-level job seekers, networking is key for mid and senior cybersecurity professionals. Many people go back to graduate school for the networking and connection opportunities that higher education offers. Besides the students, you could rub elbows with instructors who are experienced in the field, guest speakers who are industry leaders, and more. 

Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity: What Opportunities are there?

Penetration Tester

As a penetration tester, you could be in charge of identifying weaknesses in the networks of organizations. You’ll do this by constantly examining and testing networks using a variety of sophisticated equipment and software.

Information Systems Security Engineer

As an information systems security engineer, you could lead a team of security experts in analyzing and assessing risks, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing secure information systems. Businesses large and small, as well as nonprofits, could benefit from your expertise.

Are you interested in going further with your cyber security career? If you want to earn a Master of Science Degree in Cybersecurity consider ECPI University for your education. For more information on this exciting degree program, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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