Is a Cyber Security Degree Worth it? Many cyber jobs call for an ability to problem solve. As such, and in light of the massive shortfall in talent, job security in this field is strong. Per BLS records, in 2017 Security Analysts in the highest 10 percent bracket earned above $153,090 The demand for cyber pros is higher than the supply. 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. This includes North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Some of what they do involves planning security policy and promoting these policies in the workplace. (CyberVentures, 2018). Growing up in a small, western Pennsylvania town that didn’t offer a lot of options, Darling entered the Navy right after high school. Certifications are fine for learning the current technology, but they don’t provide the foundation for learning new technologies, much less developing new technologies. But cyber security workers with the skills to meet this alarming trend are in short supply. Disclosure: EducationDynamics receives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Schools” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”). This is all about threat detection and ways to remediate issues. Both programs emphasize applied technical knowledge and skills within the realm of cybersecurity. But let’s do the math. But in general, are higher than the average job which pays about $38,640. Which, in the end, may make you a more attractive hire (and glad you earned your degree!). While entry-level cybersecurity jobs, such as information security analysts, earn an average of $95,510, according to BLS, candidates with advanced degrees can earn well into six-figures. These pros try to beat illegal hackers at their game. There is high growth in the industry and reports predict it will continue. Check out right here and right now! Whether you want a full-time position or would rather work cyber security contract jobs, annual salaries typically average around the $90,000 range. Kristin Burnham is a journalist and editor, as well as a contributor to the Enrollment Management team at Northeastern University. But let’s do the math. It may be a perfect way to use math skills to solve problems related to security in a wide range of industries. There are two-year and four-year degree programs for cyber security as well as graduate studies in the field. That high demand for skilled professionals—coupled with a significant shortage of cybersecurity talent—is a perfect storm for cybersecurity professionals, Sierra says. These pros are in charge of a company’s network and security systems. The sources for school statistics and data is the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System unless otherwise noted. This entails an understanding of the audit process and critical thinking. Is a Master’s in Computer Science Worth the Investment? Is a Degree in Cybersecurity Worth It? “There’s a substantial demand for these professionals, and a considerable shortage of talent.”. Analysts may also work on disaster recovery plans and need to keep abreast of IT trends. According to Norton, in 2019 alone, there were about 4.1 billion reported cyber security incidents. A cyber security careers list may show several jobs from basic to Master’s in Cyber Security jobs. It's worth considering a couple of years work experience before diving into a master's degree. Rasmussen College recommends a Bachelor's degree for anyone seeking quick entry into cybersecurity careers: Computer Science Career Options: What Can I Do with a CS Degree? Does this mean that going the degree route is the only way to get into cyber security? When compared to other college degrees, cyber security degrees are absolutely worth it. Transform your career in an industry that's transforming the world. 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02115 | 617.373.2000 | TTY 617.373.3768 | Emergency Information© 2019 Northeastern University | MyNortheastern. 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. Earning an advanced degree will not only improve your salary, but it also opens up more career options in the field, Sierra says. It’s also key to make sure cybersecurity is something you’ll find interesting. Let’s say you enroll ASAP in an online cyber security degree, attracted by the rolling admissions. If you want to write safe computer job, a software developer role may suit you. Network or security architects design and build secure systems. We’re here to help you decide: is a cyber security degree worth it for you. While this might sound so expensive, the truth is that it is worth it given … Cyber security jobs encompass many niche areas and work roles. Industry certifications may add value to your studies and CV. And 28% of workers in the field have a master’s, doctoral or post doc degree. But an applicant will likely want to know what makes cyber security a good career or worth the effort to achieve advanced jobs and salary. The average salary for a cybersecurity professional is $95,000 annually ; The field offers opportunity for advancement ; It can prepare you for certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, and Cisco ; All of this is positive and would make one think, yes, a degree specifically focusing on cyber security IS worth it. A good master’s program in cyber security will give students confidence, build character, and help students with networking within the information technology field. To help your degree “payoff” you may want to tailor it to line up with your career goals. So is a cyber security degree worth it? Maybe you’re wondering, is a cyber security degree worth it? In fact, per ISC2’s Cybersecurity Workforce Study there’s a global shortage of about 4.07 million skilled cyber security pros. Experts attribute this to cybercriminals’ quick adoption of new technologies, the ease with which cybercrime can be committed, an increase in the number of known cybercrime centers, and the growing financial sophistication among top-tier cybercriminals that makes monetization easier. By providing us with your email, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Before deciding whether a Cyber Security degree is worth it, consider these facts. This means learning about SIEM (security information and event management) tools and services. So, is a cyber security degree worth it? An info sec analyst has a finger on the pulse of their employer’s computer networks. 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. In fact, ISC2 says that 38% of cyber pros have a bachelor’s degree. But, not so fast. “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.”. BS Cybersecurity - General Track, BS Cybersecurity - Data Analytics, BS Cybersecurity - Project Management, MS Cybersecurity - General Track, and MS Cybersecurity - IT Management. Seems like some people are able to get into the field in other ways, but it doesn't work that way for everyone. “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. You’ve heard about all of the enriching benefits of higher education. A scholarship aims to offset the cost of a cyber security degree. 24/7 online classroom access. 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. Will there be cyber jobs four years from now? Is a cybersecurity degree worth it? Computing and IT. © EducationDynamics 2020. As such, the work involves writing algorithms that protect sensitive data. I think they're worth it but I think you will also get a lot of different answers to this question. Explore Northeastern’s cybersecurity graduate certificate or Master of Science in Cybersecurity program to find out how to get started. Salaries for cyber security pros vary by location, sector and job title. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. Is a masters degree in cyber security worth it? That demand is good news for cybersecurity professionals, Sierra says. Being able to find weak areas, fix them and prevent attacks is vital. Some experts also team up with law enforcement to ensure prosecution. 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. Find out the steps you need to take to apply to your desired program. Ready for an exciting cybersecurity career? While 19% say a few times a week and 6% say recruiters find them daily. And others earn degrees that are not IT focused, such as engineering (19%) and business (10%). According to ISC2, each week, 46% of current cyber security pros report that a recruiter made contact. Many colleges offer programs that cater to cyber operations. Like malware, ransomware, phishing, Advanced Persistent Threats, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, etc. These are seven of the most popular skills for cyber security careers that you might learn in college according to Cipher. As hacking is so huge an issue, it’s reason to wonder is a cyber security degree worth it? Cyber attacks happen in all sectors too. There are not enough skilled people to counter cyber threats and mega breaches across the globe. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics backs this up. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. The flipside is that increasingly more cybersecurity professionals are needed to keep digital data safe. Some cyber security scholarships come from the schools that offer the degrees. They do this by trying to penetrate systems to expose the weak areas. Make Your Cyber Security Degree Worthwhile. This means choosing your perfect major (e.g. Not only does cybercrime affect businesses and organizations, but its repercussions are felt on a greater scale, too. At Northeastern, for example, students receive real-world, hands-on experience, which Sierra says is essential for preparing students for the next step in their careers. One of the basic reasons to pursue a cyber security degree is for the technical education. Filtering network traffic to prevent unauthorized users for example. For many businesses today, the question is not whether they’ll be hacked, but when. */. My school has a cyber security degree with an emphasis in business, so … But let’s do the math. 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. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } Take a look at recent figures for the 7 jobs referenced above. You usually need to know how to write up reports which also entails data collection. Some of today’s most in-demand disciplines—ready for you to plug into anytime, anywhere with the Professional Advancement Network. Comment and share: Are cybersecurity bachelor's degrees worth the time? Not only does it provide the education you need, it also gives you more job security in this rapidly evolving field. We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships. As per the BLS, you need at least a bachelor’s degree (and sometimes a master’s / MBA) for jobs in cyber security. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice. 25 Highest Paying Jobs with Master’s Degree. 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. And keeping data safe, intact and private is the task of a cryptographer. 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. Active job seekers receive calls from recruiters often, with 31% reporting they are contacted once a week. 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. One Student’s Perspective. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. At Northeastern, faculty and students collaborate in our more than 30 federally funded research centers, tackling some of the biggest challenges in health, security, and sustainability. It all depends on your future plans. Firewalls for instance, and data encryption. Cyber security jobs are on the rise If a job outside the U.S. appeals to you, prospects appear positive. More knowledge on the field will useful to understand how to find dynamic solution of … And, that 71% of them know this gap causes damage to their company. 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. Cybersecurity is experiencing a severe shortage of talent today. Cyber security degree has important reasons to be considered worth your time and money. But the highest 10% of earned more than $156,580. Whether there may be jobs waiting for you when you graduate. 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. You may need to master the app development life cycle too. So, you may be able to match a job with your interests and skill sets. And 28% of recruits are recent graduates. Security pros need to watch out for suspicious activity. Cyber security is an excellent and growing career. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILTHT_Official #Cybersecurity #Hacking #degree What's up #SecurityNinjas! According to estimates, the global cybersecurity workforce will have more than 3.5 million unfilled positions by 2021. What type of salary you might start with? This helps a company fix holes in their security system to stave off breaches. The answer is yes! Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. 1. This is an offer for educational opportunities that may lead to employment and not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. But for heaven's sake don't listen to the vast brigade of people telling you a postgraduate degree won't matter. Like viruses, worms, and other kinds of malware. 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. All Rights Reserved. Before you spend the money and time pursuing an education in cybersecurity, it’s important to have a plan. The rapid growth and expansion of technology make it impossible to ignore the importance of cybersecurity. Learn How to Meet the Growing Demand for Skilled Cybersecurity Professionals. 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. “Cybersecurity is one of the hottest fields today,” says Jose Sierra, associate director of Northeastern’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program. These pros develop tools that watch for potential threats. Maybe you’re on the fence about whether you’d like to pursue a masters in cyber security degree. is comp sci vs. cyber security). It will also help you to keep up better with the advancement of cyber security. We’re here to help you decide: is a cyber security degree worth it for you. Multiple term start dates throughout the year. A national priority, there were 54% more cyber attacks in 2019 than in 2018, according to DHS. 1. After all, it might help you join the growing team of tech savvy pros fighting all types of cyber crime. Explore Northeastern’s first international campus in Canada’s high-tech hub. Professionals in this field work on a wide range of assignments—everything from helping organizations understand the malicious software threats they face and analyzing information to detecting potential intrusions, performing security tests, managing security systems, and developing security strategies. 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. And to keep up with demand, the worldwide workforce needs to grow by 145%. EdD vs. PhD in Education: What’s the Difference? It’s no secret that the demand for highly-skilled cyber security professionals continues to grow. They forecast 32% more Info Sec jobs to 2028. “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.”. Superhero powers aside, the ROI on a cyber security degree appears positive. Or about $28,890 if you choose a private school, out of state. Latest figures show an Info Sec analyst earns an average of $98,350. “The future of business is going to rely on cybersecurity, and today’s workforce and the workforce of the future will be tasked with helping organizations and companies achieve their goals,” he says. You need a bachelor’s degree in a computer focused major to enter the cyber workforce. Also, you must know about regulatory issues and how to comply. “You need that holistic view to succeed in advanced positions.”. But let’s cut out the fluff and get straight to the statistics. 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. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts alone are projected to grow by 32% in the job market. Most people (40%) in the field get their degrees in computer and information sciences. The job outlook, the median salary, the exciting work are all great factors to pursue a degree in cyber security. It finds flaws, holes and risks so someone can fix them ASAP. Given that most jobs expect a 5% growth spurt, the future in cyber security looks bright. Compounding the problem is cybersecurity’s explosive job growth: The field is expected to grow by 28 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared to the 7 percent growth rate across all industries. | Top 10 Reasons Hot cyber-security.degree. Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. 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. 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