In fact, ISC2 says that 38% of cyber pros have a bachelor’s degree. So if you’ve been on the fence about the education, consider this: Earning a Bachelor’s degree makes you eligible for around 10 times as many jobs as an individual with no degree. This is an offer for educational opportunities that may lead to employment and not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Multiple term start dates throughout the year. You need a bachelor’s degree in a computer focused major to enter the cyber workforce. is comp sci vs. cyber security). Some cyber security scholarships come from the schools that offer the degrees. Analysts may also work on disaster recovery plans and need to keep abreast of IT trends. Security pros need to watch out for suspicious activity. After graduation, you could be making an average of $52,830 per year … The BLS reports the median annual salary for cyber security analysts in 2018 was $98,350.2 This is more than twice the national average for all occupations. A national priority, there were 54% more cyber attacks in 2019 than in 2018, according to DHS. Network or security architects design and build secure systems. But let’s do the math. As reported by CSO, IBM’s Chairman, CEO and President Ginni Rometty said last year: With the continual advancements in technology and the increasing sophistication of cyber criminals, cyber security has moved to the forefront as organizations and governmental agencies scramble to protect their data and information. Additionally, the healthcare industry will be leaning more on cyber security professionals to secure electronic health records and ensure patients’ privacy. Consider the facts laid out above and come to a conclusion for yourself. Some entry-level cyber security positions only require an associates degree, thus making an associate degree in cyber security worth it. Building a safe network often uses Firewall/IDS/IPS skills. So, may help you hone skills used by workers on a daily basis. Or about $28,890 if you choose a private school, out of state. A scholarship aims to offset the cost of a cyber security degree. Please correct the errors and submit again. Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited college authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. And, that 71% of them know this gap causes damage to their company. If there was ever a time to enter the cybersecurity … That high demand for skilled professionals—coupled with a significant … Disclosure: EducationDynamics receives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Schools” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”). The top-paid security experts in the country earn as much as $380,000 per year. There are also easy to enter scholarship contests where all you do is write an essay to win. When compared to other college degrees, cyber security degrees are absolutely worth it. Connect with Rasmussen College on Facebook, Connect with Rasmussen College on Instagram, Connect with Rasmussen College on LinkedIn, Connect with Rasmussen College on Pinterest, Connect with Rasmussen College on Twitter, Connect with Rasmussen College on Youtube, Human Resources and Organizational Leadership, Information Technology Project Management, https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/solutions/lp/economics-cybercrime.html, https://www.isc2.org/Research/Workforce-Study, Financial Aid and FAFSA (for those who qualify). Filtering network traffic to prevent unauthorized users for example. Cyber security jobs encompass many niche areas and work roles. So is a cyber security degree worth it? Also, you must know about regulatory issues and how to comply. These pros develop tools that watch for potential threats. The program you have selected is not available in your area. Some of what they do involves planning security policy and promoting these policies in the workplace. While 19% say a few times a week and 6% say recruiters find them daily. Online Cyber Security Degree: Is it Worth It? But the highest 10% of earned more than $156,580. As such, and in light of the massive shortfall in talent, job security in this field is strong. Cryptography is the practice of converting readable data into a masked code. Like viruses, worms, and other kinds of malware.  Another thing they do is come up with improved antivirus software. To help us determine the answer to that question, we used job posting analysis software to examine more than 143,000 cyber security job postings from the past year. Because no matter how passionate you are about the industry, you don’t want to invest time and money toward a degree that leads to a dead end. And if it will provide you a return on your investment. Rasmussen College may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. in Cyber Security is a relatively new degree which has gained popularity following the global surge in cyber threats and attacks. As our digital reliance grows, it’s no surprise that this growing problem also creates an increased awareness of the need for cyber security professionals. Cyber security professionals who go all the way to a master’s in cyber security will find that it is worth the education and effort that is put into it. A report from (ISC)2® found that there is a shortage of approximately 2.93 million qualified cyber security professionals globally.3. Compensation may impact where the Sponsored Schools appear on our websites, including whether they appear as a match through our education matching services tool, the order in which they appear in a listing, and/or their ranking. (ISC)2 is a registered trademark of (ISC)2, Inc. 1McAfee, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Economic Impact of Cybercrime – No Slowing Down, [accessed April 16, 2019] https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/solutions/lp/economics-cybercrime.html Whether there may be jobs waiting for you when you graduate. 09.14.2020, Ashley Brooks | Talk with an admissions advisor today. How convenient is the process of studying for a degree … Overall, the average cyber security salary is between … She understands the difference that education can make and hopes to inspire readers at every stage of their education journey. 10 Reasons the Endless Frontier Act May Boost Cyber Security Careers, 15 Cities That May Become Technology Hubs in the Next 5 Years, Recent Cyber Security Stats Prove Cybersecurity is for Everyone, 21 Best Cyber Security Tweets of All Time, Do Not Sell My Personal Information (CA and NV residents), Purdue Global offers 180 programs at associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, Competency-based ExcelTrack™ Programs may allow you to earn your degree faster and for less money, Take advantage of some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, while earning a degree from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university. But you also need to factor in the cost of earning a cyber security degree. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the 2016 report shows cyber security jobs are rising by 28% over the next decade. As per DataUSA, on average, this costs $6,826 … Please select another program of interest. That means the sooner you get your foot out the door with a degree, the sooner you’ll begin acquiring invaluable work experience that can help propel you further in the field. You’ve heard about all of the enriching benefits of higher education. Any degree is costly, but a cyber security degree pays for itself quickly with the salary you have the opportunity to earn. But if you’re committed to completing your master’s degree in cybersecurity, it can have an extremely positive impact on your career. A Degree in Cybersecurity Equals Job Security. The BLS notes two areas in particular that currently have an increased need for cyber security professionals. Per BLS records, in 2017 Security Analysts in the highest 10 percent bracket earned above $153,090 … Maybe you’re wondering, is a cyber security degree worth it? I'm finishing up my cyber security masters in a few weeks, and I think it's definitely worth it. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics backs this up. This means you won’t be restricted to certain types of companies when it comes time to find a job. The Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) One of the basic reasons to pursue a cyber security degree is for the technical education. We’re here to help you decide: is a cyber security degree worth it for you. And those fears are well-justified—cybercrime costs an estimated $445 to $608 billion worldwide each year, according to a McAfee report.1. Some background information: I started in the IT industry doing technical support about a year and a half a go while I was finishing up my four year Cyber Security and Information Systems degree. Does this mean that going the degree route is the only way to get into cyber security… First, make sure you understand what a career in cyber security really means. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. You may need to master the app development life cycle too. As per the BLS, you need at least a bachelor’s degree (and sometimes a master’s / MBA) for jobs in cyber security. Will there be cyber jobs four years from now? We’ve also seen entire hospitals disrupted by ransomware attacks and healthcare companies facing a glut of threats as hackers seek out sensitive patient information. There is high growth in the industry and reports predict it will continue. This means choosing your perfect major (e.g. You usually need to know how to write up reports which also entails data collection. The average cyber security degree salary range is between $75,000-$95,000 annually… Superhero powers aside, the ROI on a cyber security degree appears positive. Plus, after finding a perpetrator, the work may continue. Firewalls for instance, and data encryption. Yes, a cyber security associate degree is worth it for many students. Banks and other financial institutions especially need to increase their information security capabilities. It’s impossible to overlook the importance of cyber security in today’s digital world. It seems you can’t go a week without seeing a new headline about the latest breach or cyber security mishap. Is it in any way inferior to the traditional campus degree? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts alone are projected to grow by 32% in the job market. Take a look at seven possible job titles and what these roles tend to involve: A white hat hacker is an ethical hacker. 3(ISC)2, Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2018, [accessed April 16, 2019] https://www.isc2.org/Research/Workforce-Study It is worth noting that pursing any degree program is bound to present its unique challenges because of various factors. So what does this mean for you? Frequently asked around the cybersecurity industry is whether or not a student should go to a four-year university for a bachelor's in cybersecurity. Cyber Security Bachelor’s degrees allow graduates to qualify for mid to upper level positions in the field, working as information security analysts, computer support specialists, cryptographers, forensic … Take a look at recent figures for the 7 jobs referenced above. You need sharp skills in intrusion detection for this. The lack of experts, growing threats, good pay and industry growth are a few points in favor. This mostly depends on the type of degree you want to get. What type of salary you might start with? But cyber security workers with the skills to meet this alarming trend are in short supply. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. If you have decided on an associate degree, then you’ll be studying cybersecurity for two years, a bachelor’s degree takes four … There is no obligation to enroll. Either way, if you choose a college that is affordable, a starter salary might do more than offset your costs. As Alec Ross, Senior Advis… 4Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 143,942 information security job postings, April 1, 2018 – February 28, 2019) Industry certifications may add value to your studies and CV. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILTHT_Official #Cybersecurity #Hacking #degree What's up #SecurityNinjas! You can put your skills to work in practically any field, from education to insurance to law enforcement. Which, in the end, may make you a more attractive hire (and glad you earned your degree!). They forecast 32% more Info Sec jobs to 2028. So, you may be able to match a job with your interests and skill sets. If you want to write safe computer job, a software developer role may suit you. Here’s what we found:4. This means learning about SIEM (security information and event management) tools and services. . But let’s do the math. 24/7 online classroom access. You’ve seen how earning a cyber security degree can play a significant role in helping you land a position in the field, but this introduces yet another question: Will you be stuck in that position forever? To qualify as a competent expert in the information security … They also oversee the investigations if a breach occurs. These are seven of the most popular skills for cyber security careers that you might learn in college according to Cipher. The growth highlighted above isn’t limited … Most people (40%) in the field get their degrees in computer and information sciences. As per DataUSA, on average, this costs $6,826 at a public college. You’ll notice that most employers are seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s degree. Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college. The answer is yes! This helped us identify what employers are seeking in job applicants. This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen College to support its educational programs. In today’s digital landscape, nearly every company in every industry has a need for some level of information security services. This is so they can plan and put into use security measures. Too much of our lives and information are encoded for us not to stand up to cybercrime. After all, it might help you join the growing team of tech savvy pros fighting all types of cyber crime. But in general, are higher than the average job which pays about $38,640. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects information security analyst employment to increase 28% through 2026, which is more than twice the average projected employment growth for all occupations.2 What’s more is that employment for these professionals is projected by the BLS to grow 56% specifically in the computer systems design and related services field through 2026. Whether you’re excited by earning potential or motivated by the high demand and potential for advancement, take a look at the opportunities awaiting you. By selecting "Submit", I authorize Rasmussen College to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided. Before deciding whether a Cyber Security degree is worth it, consider these facts. One of the main functions of a PhD in cyber security … Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This entails an understanding of the audit process and critical thinking. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Because of this, many Americans are growing increasingly concerned. The data reveals that many employers tend to prefer candidates with at least 3 to 5 years of experience. Google is a registered trademark of Google, LLC. A degree demonstrates a candidate’s dedication, discipline, and hard work. The times have changed; technology has advanced to the level of affecting the education system. Marriott International is a registered trademark of Marriott International, Inc. While obviously demand for information security professionals in your area can vary depending on several factors, it appears that the broader trend of organizations investing more in information security teams should persist. We decided to put this theory to the test for the cyber security field. As such, the work involves writing algorithms that protect sensitive data. This constant barrage of threats affects businesses and organizations that play an important role in nearly every aspect of our lives. These pros are in charge of a company’s network and security systems. As a security practitioner you need to know how to assess and manage risk. All Rights Reserved. In fact, per ISC2’s Cybersecurity Workforce Study there’s a global shortage of about 4.07 million skilled cyber security pros. Given that most jobs expect a 5% growth spurt, the future in cyber security looks bright. Callie Malvik | To help your degree “payoff” you may want to tailor it to line up with your career goals. You probably think that it means you're a cool hacker, infiltrating Russian Mafia websites and shutting … Here’s the breakdown:5. © 2020 Rasmussen College, LLC. This helps a company fix holes in their security system to stave off breaches. As hacking is so huge an issue, it’s reason to wonder is a cyber security degree worth it? Maybe you’re on the fence about whether you’d like to pursue a masters in cyber security degree. Most degrees in cybersecurity cover technical aspects of the subject such as the security of various operational systems, network security, and cloud security, while also coverin… But the harsh reality is there are simply not enough qualified candidates to meet the current demand. The data revealed that 93% of job postings called for candidates with at least a Bachelor’s degree.5 This means that earning a cyber security degree would help qualify you as one of the coveted cyber security professionals employers are desperately seeking. Fill out the form to receive information about: There are some errors in the form. It also shows that the degree-holder has vast amounts of knowledge on the subject, as gaining a degree in fields like cybersecurity, mathematics, or computer science is not an easy task. For the vast majority of people, pursuing a cybersecurity degree is absolutely worth it: it's a smart investment in your future, and the best way to advance in your information security career. It’s no secret that the demand for highly-skilled cyber security … And keeping data safe, intact and private is the task of a cryptographer. It finds flaws, holes and risks so someone can fix them ASAP. 07.27.2020, Brianna Flavin | BS Cybersecurity - General Track, BS Cybersecurity - Data Analytics, BS Cybersecurity - Project Management, MS Cybersecurity - General Track, and MS Cybersecurity - IT Management. You may prefer an administrative role like IT security manager. Many cyber jobs call for an ability to problem solve. Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study. © EducationDynamics 2020. There are not enough skilled people to counter cyber threats and mega breaches across the globe. While this might sound … More info. Being able to find weak areas, fix them and prevent attacks is vital. Although the total cost for a cybersecurity degree or masters varies from school to school, the average cost of a cybersecurity degree will be anything between $20,000 and $70,000. Experts at CSIS now say that 82% of employers report a shortage of skilled cyber security talent. Challenges of Earning a Cyber Security Degree. Salaries for cyber security pros vary by location, sector and job title. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. Current salaries (as per BLS) for Information Security (Info Sec) pros are above the norm for all occupations. 2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [accessed April 16, 2019] www.bls.gov/ooh/. Cyber security professionals are needed in all industries. Here Are 5 Reasons Why a Master’s in Cyber Security Degree Is Worth It A cyber security degree salary. Now that you’ve heard about the shortage of qualified candidates, you’re probably wondering what exactly “qualified” refers to. And to keep up with demand, the worldwide workforce needs to grow by 145%. School, even full time, hasn't been so demanding that I couldn't also work a full time job as an infosec … You’re excited to enlist in the fight against cybercrime, but unsure of your next steps. Bachelor degrees in cyber security are not an alternative to taking a relevant courses and qualifications in cyber security and shouldn’t be seen as such. Let’s say you enroll ASAP in an online cyber security degree, attracted by the rolling admissions. To deter attacks has a crystal ball, the ROI on a cyber security degree worth,. Latin America and Asia Pacific bracket earned above $ 153,090 … Cybersecurity Pay is High in. 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Global shortage of approximately 2.93 million qualified cyber security is a shortage of skilled cyber security degree no...