Everything You Should Know About Cybersecurity Careers – Forbes Advisor

As need rises for secure and reliable computer infrastructure, software and networks, so does demand for professionals to fill cybersecurity positions. Cybersecurity professionals play an integral role in protecting the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive data and personal information from cyberattacks and other prominent threats.

This article overviews how to get into cybersecurity, including cybersecurity degree options and careers in cybersecurity.

Types of Cybersecurity Degrees

If you’re interested in earning a cybersecurity degree, there are various degree options available ranging from associate degrees to doctoral degrees. At every level, students can choose a program format that best suits their schedule and learning style, including in-person, online and hybrid programs.

Associate Degree in Cybersecurity

An associate degree in cybersecurity typically requires 60 credit hours, which are split between general education courses and major-specific courses offering specialized cybersecurity training.

Some schools may categorize cybersecurity as a specialization within a broader information technology or computer science program. Other schools offer standalone cybersecurity programs.

Generally, it takes two years to complete an associate degree in cybersecurity. The curriculum typically covers the following topics:

• Safe software development
• IT administration and support services
• Network and computer systems security
• Information security
• Cloud technology

Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity entails around 120 credit hours, which takes most learners four years of full-time study to complete. Some schools offer accelerated options, which take less time.

Bachelor’s in cybersecurity curricula allow students to learn fundamental theories and strategies regarding information technology and computing and information security. Learners develop fundamental IT skills and knowledge in risk mitigation, data analytics and information security. Coursework typically includes topics such as:

• Security systems
• Information systems
• Cyber defense
• Information technology
• Ethics, law and policy
• Data communications and networking
• Digital forensics
• Information tech

Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity

Master’s programs in cybersecurity involve around 30 to 36 credit hours and generally take two years of full-time study to complete. Many master’s in cybersecurity programs include capstone projects, oriented toward field experience or research. Curricula typically include courses on the following topics:

• Cybersecurity theory
• Cybersecurity management
• Digital forensics
• Cyberlaw and policy
• Risk analysis
• Cryptography
• Network security

Doctorate in Cybersecurity

A doctorate in cybersecurity typically requires 60 credit hours and can take three to seven years to complete. Curricula for programs at this level cover cybersecurity research theory and practice, research design, dissertation research and writing.

Common course topics include professional research theory, advanced computer security and managing cybersecurity risk.

Cybersecurity degree programs at the doctoral level prepare students for advanced careers in the information security field. Do​ctoral programs focus on high-level areas of research methodology, professional ethics, information assurance and leadership.

Cybersecurity Bootcamps

Cybersecurity bootcamps are comprehensive education programs that provide students with the foundational knowledge, practical training and fundamental skills needed to fill professional roles in cybersecurity. Bootcamps are accelerated, intensive options compared to traditional two-year or four-year degree programs.

Bootcamps’ rigorous curricula equip students to launch their cybersecurity careers. Cybersecurity bootcamps typically cover topics like computer forensics, network security and defense, risk management and cryptography. Many bootcamps prepare students to take cybersecurity certification exams.

Pros and Cons of Cybersecurity Bootcamps

Cybersecurity bootcamps equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on skills needed to fulfill the requirements and responsibilities of entry-level cybersecurity jobs and more advanced roles in the field. Bootcamps take significantly less time to complete than traditional degree programs. They typically cost less as well.

On the other hand, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have traditional college degrees. Likewise, bootcamps are often too time-intensive to allow for students to continue working during their program. University programs, on the other hand, are often available on a part-time, asynchronous basis, providing enough flexibility to maintain a job while studying.

Career Paths in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Engineer

Average Annual Salary: Over $99,000
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, systems engineering or a closely related field
Career Overview: Cybersecurity engineers assess an organization’s security needs, assisting with establishing standards and best practices. These professionals design, implement and maintain secure network solutions to protect an organization’s data, networks and systems against cyberattacks, hackers and other threats. They conduct tests to identify vulnerabilities in networks and systems, respond to security breaches and ensure all defenses are up to date.

Information Security Analyst

Average Annual Salary: Over $74,000
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information security, computer science, programming or a closely related field
Career Overview: Information security analysts protect an organization’s computer networks, systems and databases from cyberattacks, data breaches and other threats. These professionals monitor information networks and computer infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities in digital security systems and secure sensitive information and data.

Information Security Manager

Average Annual Salary: Around $120,000
Education Needed: A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a closely related field
Career Overview: Cybersecurity managers are responsible for securing an organization’s computer networks and systems and protecting organizations from cyberattacks, hackers, viruses, malware and other threats.

These professionals carry out security measures, update current security systems and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Information security managers train and supervise staff and collaborate with operations managers on their organization’s security strategy.

Information Technology Support Technician

Average Annual Salary: Around $48,000
Education Needed: Associate degree or postsecondary training; bachelor’s degree preferred for some positions
Career Overview: Information technology support technicians provide in-person and remote technical support to clients who need help with setting up, maintaining and troubleshooting computer software and hardware problems. These professionals serve as the primary point of contact when a problem arises.

Network Engineer

Average Annual Salary: Around $77,000
Education Needed: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
Career Overview: A network engineer sets up and maintains networks within an organization or between organizations. These professionals maintain and improve the efficiency of current computer networks, which typically include wide area networks (WAN), local area networks (LAN), intranet and extranet. They may also design and implement new network solutions.

Network engineers troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve hardware, software and other issues that arise in networks and systems.

Systems Administrator

Average Annual Salary: Around $64,000
Education Needed: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, IT systems management or a related field
Career Overview: System administrators offer technical support services focused on servers and computer systems. These professionals are often the first point of contact within IT departments when technical-related issues arise. They ensure an organization’s computer systems are functioning smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Comments are closed.