What kind of Degree do You Need for Cyber Security Work Today?

$600 Billion, close to one percent of global GDP, is lost to Cybercrime yearly according to a 2018 report.

Cyber security was once a specialty only associated with government institutions and defense contractors. However, the recent surge in cybercrime has made it a near necessity across most industries. This surge is a result of the fact that data and information are now critical assets to most organization.

In response, industries such as retail, healthcare, manufacturing and finance all hire cybersecurity professionals to protect valuable information from cyber-attacks. As it stands, the field is open for people with skills and expertise in cybersecurity. There is a significant rise in the demand for Cyber Security professionals across most industries.

What Kind of Opportunities Are there in Cyber Security?

There is no one linear path to a successful career in cybersecurity. Whereas some people enter the field straight out of college, others transition from other IT related roles. Regardless of how you start your career, the foundation is that cybersecurity careers begin with general IT knowledge. After all, you need to understand the technology you are working with before you can secure it.

Numerous degree courses can usher you into the cyber security profession. The choice of which degree is right for you depends on your aspirations and ultimate career goals.

Popular Degree programs that those interested in a career in cybersecurity often consider are:

Masters of Science in Cybersecurity

With each passing day, the world’s information infrastructure becomes more vulnerable due to the evolving threat of cybercrime. This course prepares students to take up leadership roles in information technology security locally and globally. Students are equipped to apply the principles and concepts of the development and management of information systems.

Masters of Science in Information Systems

This program is designed to provide students with skills and knowledge to apply the concepts and principles in regards to the development and management of information systems and technology. Successful candidates could then move on to take leadership roles information technology departments locally and globally.

Degree in Cyber and Network Security

The age of data has brought with it unprecedented levels of interconnectedness and flexibility. However, it has also brought some undesired practices such as cybercrime. This has given life to new professions dedicated to securing the information asset belonging to organizations. This course should prepare students to take up roles that protect organizations from malicious attacks in this new age.

Degree in Cybersecurity

While data and networks mean interconnectedness and flexibility, they can also be detrimental if intercepted by malicious people. With this realization, there is an ever-increasing need to secure these organization assets. This program equips students to prevent, detect and battle cybercrime in all forms, locally and globally.

Do You Need a Specialized Degree?

Again, the choice of degree will depend on your aspirations and career goals. According to a study sponsored by globally acclaimed Herjavec Group, there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings by 2021. However, even though the field is wide open, specific roles will require you to have a specific set of skills.

The threats of cybercrime are evolving and employers are looking for unique skills that will not only address current threats but also anticipate future ones. For this reason, you will need to have a highly specialized degree with targeted skills and knowledge to target the various job titles in cybersecurity.

Is a Degree in Cyber Security Worth It?

In addition to having highly specialized skills and knowledge to deal with complex threats, prospective employers also need cybersecurity professionals who can understand their business, optimize networks, and help in meeting organizational goals.

They want wholesome employees who can offer valuable insight in charting the way forward for their organizations. This is what formal training in college offers. It prepares you to not only fill the cybersecurity role but also become a link to other roles in the organization. Skills such as collaboration, management, networking and delegation are usually passed on through the college setup.

The world will continue to incur losses due to cybercrime well into the future. It is estimated that cybercrime damages will average $6 Trillion yearly through 2021 – as cited on Forbes. This is a difficult figure to wrap your mind around. On the other hand, there has not been a better time to take up a degree program in Cyber Security.

Are You Ready to Earn Your Cyber Security Degree?

Are you looking to take up a career in Cybersecurity? If you want to earn a degree in cyber security, whether bachelor's or graduate level, consider ECPI University for your education. For more information on our accelerated programs, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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