Is a masters degree in cyber security worth it? These pros are in charge of a company’s network and security systems. This means choosing your perfect major (e.g. Study findings from Burning Glass Technologies show that about 88% of cybersecurity job postings specify a bachelor’s degree or higher as a requirement. Earning an advanced degree will not only improve your salary, but it also opens up more career options in the field, Sierra says. There are not enough skilled people to counter cyber threats and mega breaches across the globe. I think they're worth it but I think you will also get a lot of different answers to this question. So, may help you hone skills used by workers on a daily basis. These are seven of the most popular skills for cyber security careers that you might learn in college according to Cipher. Yes, for one simple reason – a certification only takes you so far. Certifications are fine for learning the current technology, but they don’t provide the foundation for learning new technologies, much less developing new technologies. Cybersecurity professionals are needed in nearly every organization in every industry, making it a versatile career path that’s easily paired with your prior experience and your interests, Sierra says. Is a Master’s in Computer Science Worth the Investment? Growing up in a small, western Pennsylvania town that didn’t offer a lot of options, Darling entered the Navy right after high school. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics backs this up. What type of salary you might start with? Analysts may also work on disaster recovery plans and need to keep abreast of IT trends. So, you may be able to match a job with your interests and skill sets. Before deciding whether a Cyber Security degree is worth it, consider these facts. Unlike a loan, you do not repay the money if you keep to the terms. You need a bachelor’s degree in a computer focused major to enter the cyber workforce. It's worth considering a (good) MBA instead of a security degree, especially if you want to become a CISO some day. Many colleges offer programs that cater to cyber operations. Ready for an exciting cybersecurity career? It's worth considering a couple of years work experience before diving into a master's degree. The lack of experts, growing threats, good pay and industry growth are a few points in favor. Is a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It? Cyber criminals may leave a trail. For many businesses today, the question is not whether they’ll be hacked, but when. The data proves it—most employers are looking for cybersecurity professionals who have completed higher education and earned a degree. | Top 10 Reasons Hot cyber-security.degree. A vital skill in cyber security is knowing how to conduct a security audit. He’s had students enter into the graduate program with backgrounds in pharmaceuticals, insurance, and finance, for example, who have completed the program and used their prior expertise to land cybersecurity jobs in those industries. And others earn degrees that are not IT focused, such as engineering (19%) and business (10%). In fact, ISC2 says that 38% of cyber pros have a bachelor’s degree. According to ISC2, each week, 46% of current cyber security pros report that a recruiter made contact. So, is a cyber security degree worth it? That demand is good news for cybersecurity professionals, Sierra says. Earning an advanced degree will not only improve your salary, but it also opens up more career options in the field, Sierra says. 1. For Denise Darling of San Diego, getting her online cybersecurity degree was definitely worth it. Is a Degree in Cybersecurity Worth It? It illustrates the important benefits of enrolling in a cyber security degree. Industry Advice This entails an understanding of the audit process and critical thinking. It finds flaws, holes and risks so someone can fix them ASAP. Find out the steps you need to take to apply to your desired program. Learn more about Northeastern University graduate programs. 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. Which, in the end, may make you a more attractive hire (and glad you earned your degree!). Network or security architects design and build secure systems. They also oversee the investigations if a breach occurs. That high demand for skilled professionals—coupled with a significant shortage of cybersecurity talent—is a perfect storm for cybersecurity professionals, Sierra says. “There’s a substantial demand for these professionals, and a considerable shortage of talent.”. Data security analysts, for example, earn between $105,000 and $178,250 depending on experience, while network security engineers earn between $98,000 and $167,500, and information systems security managers may earn up to $199,750. But in general, are higher than the average job which pays about $38,640. The answer is yes! Those jobs requiring a master’s degree often have management and leadership responsibilities—skills that are honed in Northeastern’s MS in Cybersecurity program, Sierra says. As hacking is so huge an issue, it’s reason to wonder is a cyber security degree worth it? We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships. (CyberVentures, 2018). Cyber Security is more than a buzz phrase, it’s an exploding field that tackles a wide variety of existential threats to digital information and systems. If you’re trying to break into the cyber security field, earning a degree in cyber security can be a good first step to doing that. Another thing they do is come up with improved antivirus software. This helps a company fix holes in their security system to stave off breaches. Here Are 5 Reasons Why a Master’s in Cyber Security Degree Is Worth It A cyber security degree salary. In-Demand Biotechnology Careers Shaping Our Future, The Benefits of Online Learning: 7 Advantages of Online Degrees, How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School, Online Learning Tips, Strategies & Advice, How to Create a Requirements Management Plan, How to Become a Human Resources Manager: Key Tips for Success, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02115. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice. And excited at the prospect of earning a salary (buying a condo etc.) One Student’s Perspective. With the educational prerequisites and sheer number of positions to be filled, there was a pool of only 2.3 employed cybersecurity workers for employers to recruit for each open cybersecurity positions. Tuition for a master’s degree varies from school to school but the total cost of a degree in cybersecurity will typically run anywhere from $20,000-$70,000. Cyber security is a technical degree program with multiple degree options available depending on your long-term goals and willingness to spend time in school. Is A Cyber Security Degree Worth It? And 28% of recruits are recent graduates. Active job seekers receive calls from recruiters often, with 31% reporting they are contacted once a week. Let’s not forget about credit card hacks and identity theft either. A cyber security careers list may show several jobs from basic to Master’s in Cyber Security jobs. You need a bachelor’s degree in a computer focused major to enter the cyber workforce. Kristin Burnham is a journalist and editor, as well as a contributor to the Enrollment Management team at Northeastern University. 24/7 online classroom access. And, that 71% of them know this gap causes damage to their company. There are two-year and four-year degree programs for cyber security as well as graduate studies in the field. But let’s do the math. It is the job of digital forensics experts to track this evidence down. After graduation, you could be making an average of $52,830 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics). “There’s a lot for graduates to choose from, which is great because they’re able to find something that fits with their personal interests.”. Then also do some homework about cyber certifications. Rasmussen College recommends a Bachelor's degree for anyone seeking quick entry into cybersecurity careers: By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school. Explore Northeastern’s first international campus in Canada’s high-tech hub. If you want to write safe computer job, a software developer role may suit you. Or about $28,890 if you choose a private school, out of state. Take a look at seven possible job titles and what these roles tend to involve: A white hat hacker is an ethical hacker. Cyber security jobs are on the rise By providing us with your email, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Before you spend the money and time pursuing an education in cybersecurity, it’s important to have a plan. With cybercrime on the rise, businesses and organizations are investing more in protecting their assets than ever before. Cyber attacks happen in all sectors too. 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. Some entry-level cyber security positions only require an associates degree, thus making an associate degree in cyber security worth it . As such, the work involves writing algorithms that protect sensitive data. Whether there may be jobs waiting for you when you graduate. Burning Glass Technologies also found that 88% of cybersecurity postings specify a bachelor’s degree or higher. According to a report by Burning Glass Technologies, 84 percent of cybersecurity job postings require at least a bachelor’s degree, while nearly a … 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. Plus, after finding a perpetrator, the work may continue. “You need that holistic view to succeed in advanced positions.”. That unsettling reality is one contributing factor to the rise of the cybersecurity field, which focuses on protecting an organization’s systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information. One of the basic reasons to pursue a cyber security degree is for the technical education. Not only does it provide the education you need, it also gives you more job security in this rapidly evolving field. Comment and share: Are cybersecurity bachelor's degrees worth the time? And keeping data safe, intact and private is the task of a cryptographer. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. All Rights Reserved. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILTHT_Official #Cybersecurity #Hacking #degree What's up #SecurityNinjas! It all depends on your future plans. Is a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It? And to keep up with demand, the worldwide workforce needs to grow by 145%. Most of us are heavily invested and dedicated to technology not to condemn the cybercrimes that happen almost every day in … But let’s do the math. 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. Like viruses, worms, and other kinds of malware. Given that most jobs expect a 5% growth spurt, the future in cyber security looks bright. Not only does cybercrime affect businesses and organizations, but its repercussions are felt on a greater scale, too. Computer Science Career Options: What Can I Do with a CS Degree? To apply, you may need to have good grades and show financial need. 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02115 | 617.373.2000 | TTY 617.373.3768 | Emergency Information© 2019  Northeastern University | MyNortheastern. But let’s cut out the fluff and get straight to the statistics. A good master’s program in cyber security will give students confidence, build character, and help students with networking within the information technology field. Is a Cyber Security Degree more Important than Certification? An info sec analyst has a finger on the pulse of their employer’s computer networks. Read this article and find out everything about cyber security degree! So is a cyber security degree worth it? Public Health Careers: What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree? Many cyber jobs call for an ability to problem solve. According to The Center for Strategic and International Studies, nearly $600 billion is lost to cybercrime each year—that’s nearly one percent of global GDP. Firewalls for instance, and data encryption. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts alone are projected to grow by 32% in the job market. Advanced Degrees in Cybersecurity Mean More Career Options, Cybersecurity Pros Are Needed in All Industries, The Future for Cybersecurity Professionals Is Bright, $600 billion is lost to cybercrime each year, Northeastern’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, investing more in protecting their assets than ever before, The 9 Highest-Paying Computer Science Jobs. While that is a significant investment, the payoff proves it is worth it. Qualified professionals in the field will be courted by an ever-growing menagerie of employers willing to pay competitive salaries to a slowly growing, under supplied roster of applicants. Security pros need to watch out for suspicious activity. Learn How to Meet the Growing Demand for Skilled Cybersecurity Professionals. As a security practitioner you need to know how to assess and manage risk. Is a Cyber Security Degree Worth it? We’re here to help you decide: is a cyber security degree worth it for you. If you are invested in the idea of pursuing a cyber security degree and want to know if it is worth the investment of time and money, this blog can be an informative read. Cyber security is an excellent and growing career. Make Your Cyber Security Degree Worthwhile. “When you have background expertise in an industry and add to it a master’s degree in cybersecurity, you become very desirable in those sectors as a cybersecurity professional,” he says. Will there be cyber jobs four years from now? This is so they can plan and put into use security measures. Any degree is costly, but a cyber security degree pays for itself quickly with the salary you have the opportunity to earn. According to Norton, in 2019 alone, there were about 4.1 billion reported cyber security incidents. So, Is a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It? Multiple term start dates throughout the year. Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. A national priority, there were 54% more cyber attacks in 2019 than in 2018, according to DHS. The University of San Diego, for example, offers a full on campus MS in Cyber Security Engineering program and a fully online Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership degree. Maybe you’re on the fence about whether you’d like to pursue a masters in cyber security degree. 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. It will also help you to keep up better with the advancement of cyber security. As per the BLS, you need at least a bachelor’s degree (and sometimes a master’s / MBA) for jobs in cyber security. Being able to find weak areas, fix them and prevent attacks is vital. This is an offer for educational opportunities that may lead to employment and not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Superhero powers aside, the ROI on a cyber security degree appears positive. Absolutely not! This includes North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. More knowledge on the field will useful to understand how to find dynamic solution of … Cyber security jobs encompass many niche areas and work roles. If a job outside the U.S. appeals to you, prospects appear positive. These pros develop tools that watch for potential threats. So what does this mean for you? “If you’re a proactive person, like variety in your job, and enjoy the challenge of learning something new every day, a career in cybersecurity might be the right choice for you.”. As Alec Ross, Senior Advise… And 28% of workers in the field have a master’s, doctoral or post doc degree. While 19% say a few times a week and 6% say recruiters find them daily. Take a look at recent figures for the 7 jobs referenced above. While this might sound so expensive, the truth is that it is worth it given … Building a safe network often uses Firewall/IDS/IPS skills. EdD vs. PhD in Education: What’s the Difference? In fact, per ISC2’s Cybersecurity Workforce Study there’s a global shortage of about 4.07 million skilled cyber security pros. Experts at CSIS now say that 82% of employers report a shortage of skilled cyber security talent. in Cyber Security is a relatively new degree which has gained popularity following the global surge in cyber threats and attacks. Either way, if you choose a college that is affordable, a starter salary might do more than offset your costs. And may create tools that prevent, detect, lessen and rebuild systems. They do this by trying to penetrate systems to expose the weak areas. Return on Investment (ROI) Superhero powers aside, the ROI on a cyber security degree appears positive. To help your degree “payoff” you may want to tailor it to line up with your career goals. It may be a perfect way to use math skills to solve problems related to security in a wide range of industries. But let’s do the math. There is high growth in the industry and reports predict it will continue. Latest figures show an Info Sec analyst earns an average of $98,350. As per DataUSA, on average, this costs $6,826 at a public college. Is a Cyber Security Associate Degree Worth It? Yes, a cyber security associate degree is worth it for many students. While it’s possible to find jobs in cybersecurity without a degree, 84% of postings specify a bachelor’s degree. Superhero powers aside, the ROI on a cyber security degree appears positive. The information on this page is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid. As per DataUSA, on average, this costs $6,826 at a public college. As such, and in light of the massive shortfall in talent, job security in this field is strong. But cyber security workers with the skills to meet this alarming trend are in short supply. Finance, gov’t, entertainment, health care, education, business. Whether you want a full-time position or would rather work cyber security contract jobs, annual salaries typically average around the $90,000 range. According to a report by Burning Glass Technologies, 84 percent of cybersecurity job postings require at least a bachelor’s degree, while nearly a quarter require at least a master’s degree. And if it will provide you a return on your investment. */. It’s also key to make sure cybersecurity is something you’ll find interesting. BS Cybersecurity - General Track, BS Cybersecurity - Data Analytics, BS Cybersecurity - Project Management, MS Cybersecurity - General Track, and MS Cybersecurity - IT Management. Disclosure: EducationDynamics receives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Schools” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”). Cryptography is the practice of converting readable data into a masked code. They also oversee these systems and know how to analyze threats and risks. After all, it might help you join the growing team of tech savvy pros fighting all types of cyber crime. 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