Cybersecurity is a field that involves protection. We need this protection to cover many different systems. From our personal computers to the devices we use everyday.
Inadequate security can be catastrophic to networks. Hackers can damage hardware and software. They can steal sensitive information. To prevent these security threats, businesses and organizations rely on the expertise of cybersecurity professionals.
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Cybersecurity professionals have many different job titles. These include:
- Certified information systems auditor
- Chief information security officer
- Security architect
- Other cyber security professionals
To land these cybersecurity jobs and more, you need a college degree. And with education comes a good job outlook and strong earnings potential.
Read on to find out what cybersecurity degree jobs are out there, and if a cyber security bachelor degree is right for you.
Cyber Security Degree Jobs
1. Information Assurance Engineer
What can I do with a cybersecurity degree? A popular choice for college students is to become an information assurance engineer.
This is one of the high-paying cybersecurity jobs that handles security breaches and cyber attacks. In this role, your focus is the security of an organization’s technology infrastructure. You work with data encryption and install firewalls. You might also install intrusion detection systems.
Education Requirements
To work in this cybersecurity career, you need a college degree. These entry level cybersecurity jobs want at least a bachelor’s degree. You can earn your degree in computer science, programming, or a related discipline.
Work experience is a bonus. But if you don’t have computer science experience, consider a master’s degree. Advanced study will improve your technical skills, giving you hands-on experience working with:
- Data breaches
- Network security
- Security protocols
- Security systems
- Sensitive data
Average Earnings
There are jobs for cybersecurity degree graduates that offer good wages. Information assurance engineers earn an average of $85,000/year.
2. Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts work behind the scenes to protect computer systems and networks. They watch for computer security breaches and investigate when one hits. They also research the latest IT trends to prepare for attempted cyber attacks.
If you’ve wondered what can you do with a cybersecurity degree, becoming an information security analyst is a good choice. Between the work you do and earnings you can make, cybersecurity professionals enjoy this career.
Education Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree in computer science for these cyber security positions. But a degree in information technology also qualifies you for a job. You can also get a degree in engineering or math. But you must have security infrastructure training to work as an information security analyst.
Some information security analysts have advanced degrees, such as a master’s in information technology. Others, though, have found these jobs in cybersecurity with only a high school diploma. This is rare, but something to consider if you have the right technical skills and training.
Average Earnings
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average pay for these cyber security careers is $102,600/year.
While the cybersecurity job market is strong, job opportunities are stronger for this career path. BLS reports a 33% job growth for advanced cybersecurity jobs in this role for the next 10 years.
3. Information Security Manager
What jobs can you get with a cyber security degree? With the right technical skills, training, and cybersecurity certifications you can work as an IS manager.
In this job, you oversee a team of IT and cybersecurity professionals. You help them plan programs that protect security systems against cyber threats. You also put security measures in place for an organization.
You find information systems managers jobs in many different industries. These include:
- Computer systems design
- Finance and insurance
- Information
- Risk management
Education Requirements
Want to become a certified information security manager? You need schooling and training.
Most companies hire those with a bachelor’s degree. You can get your degree in different fields. Popular programs include computer science, engineering, and information technology.
Average Earnings
Information security managers earn about $113,000/year on average, according to PayScale.com.
4. Information Security Specialist
In this job, you investigate and defend against computer security risks. You assist a team or manager in the detection of security issues. You check on servers and firewall logs. You also troubleshoot problems.
As you gain experience on the job, your role can change. You will make suggestions to your team or supervisor. Experienced information security specialists also look for ways to improve current systems.
This job is a good one for recent college graduates because you don’t need a lot of experience from the start.
Education Requirements
You need a college education to land a job in this role. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or IT helps. A degree in cyber security prepares you for challenges you will face on the job.
To advance, you will need certifications or even a master’s degree in cybersecurity. You can become a certified hacker. You can also get your global information assurance certification.
Average Earnings
One of the top-paying entry-level jobs with cyber security degree is an IS specialist. These cybersecurity job openings also pay well. You can earn $97,273/year on average (reported by Glassdoor).
5. IT Security Consultant
Often referred to as a cybersecurity consultant, this job offers above-average wages and strong job growth. It’s a good time to find work as an IT security consultant, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In this role, you offer security advice to organizations. You help them improve their computer security weaknesses. You work with a security administrator to find vulnerabilities in computer security. Then you help the company fix the problems.
Education Requirements
You need at least a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity to work in this job. Most consultants also have professional experience. They look for candidates with 3-5 years of work experience.
You can earn a master’s degree to give you more experience and training.
Average Earnings
IT security consultants earn an average of $118,553/year. But top earners make over $160,000/year.
How to Get Started in Cybersecurity
To work in cyber security, you need the right education and training. Read on to find out if a degree in cyber security will help you get a job. Also, discover how cyber security certifications help launch your cybersecurity careers.
Educational requirements
Most cyber security personnel have a four-year degree. But to work in cyber security, you can get your degree in many different studies. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in:
- Computer science
- Cyber security
- Engineering
- Information systems
- Information technology
- Math
Advanced cybersecurity careers want more training and experience. But you can show a potential employer that you have this by earning a master’s degree. Some employers see a master’s as two years of work experience.
Popular master’s degrees in cyber security
- Computer programming or science
- Cyber security
- Information technology
- Math
- Software engineering
Certifications in Cybersecurity
What can you do with a cyber security degree? As you read above, you can land many different jobs with a cybersecurity degree. But you can stand out above your competition by getting certified.
Certain jobs want particular training. Companies want to hire experts in the field. To help show off your skills, you can get certified.
Some certifications to help you stand out include:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP)
Get a Cyber Security Degree Online
You can get a degree in cyber security online. Since cyber security training is hands-on, earning an online degree makes sense. But you will need to meet the program’s software and hardware requirements.
Some cyber security professionals work remotely. Because of this, online learning can benefit students and their potential cybersecurity career.
Because cyber security is an in-demand major, students may get more online options than in traditional programs. This is something to consider as you get started in your search for a cyber security program.
Where Can You Work with a Cybersecurity Degree
You find cybersecurity positions in many different fields. But there are some sectors where there is a greater need to protect sensitive information. Read on to find out where to find jobs as security professionals.
Education
Schools and colleges store personal information. They collect addresses, health records, and social security numbers. Their computer systems must be protected.
With cyber attacks rising, schools need experts to help combat problems. You find cybersecurity professionals in the education industry. They work for school systems and colleges. They consult with higher education departments. In education, you can work anywhere that has computer systems.
Finance
Finance services is one of the most-breached sectors. Because of this, financial institutions hire cyber security professionals.
Cyber security experts in finance develop policies and procedures. They train employees and clients to be aware of security threats. They also address cyber attacks and data breaches.
There are many jobs for cyber security degree graduates in financial services. They hire analysts and managers. They also hire forensic computer analysts and information security analysts.
Government Agencies
Government agencies hire cybersecurity professionals to work on computer systems and networks. Cybersecurity jobs you can find with government agencies include:
- Chief information security officer
- Forensic computer analysts
- Information systems managers
- Risk management specialists
Healthcare
Cyber criminals target health institutions. They are easy targets because they store tons of patient data. Their systems are tied to networks and in the cloud, making sensitive information vulnerable without security in place.
But cyber security professionals can help put a stop to security breaches. They address encryption errors and train staff to identify issues.
You find cyber security healthcare experts in hospitals, medical centers, and other health facilities.
Law Enforcement
All law enforcement agencies face cyber threats. Some of these agencies lack the know-how to handle them. This is where a specialist comes in to help.
Agencies hire cyber security professionals to make their security systems safe from attackers. They work for local and national agencies. Cyber security analysts work for the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.
Transportation and Infrastructure
This sector includes the security for all types of transportation, such as airports, postal and shipping, and public transportation. It also includes maritime transport such as ships and sea vessels. These areas all rely on security measures.
Cyber security professionals help address security issues with travel and transport. They help protect consumer data. They also help prevent communication system attacks.
With the right training and experience, you can get a job as a security architect or information security analyst. You can also work as an information security manager or chief information security officer.
Top Cyber Security Programs
If you’re interested in working in cyber security, earning a degree is a good place to start. There are many different degrees that qualify you for a job.
Computer Science
You learn the basics and essentials of computers in a computer science program. It teaches you about computer systems and networks. It also teaches you coding and software development.
Some programs let you to earn a specialization. This can include cyber security.
Cybersecurity
Wondering what jobs can you get with a cybersecurity degree? In short, any of them. Most cyber security jobs want experience and knowledge specific to the field. You get this by earning a degree in cyber security.
While earning a degree in cyber security, you take courses that cover topics like:
- Cyber defense
- Data communications and networking
- Digital forensics
Data Science
Data science majors take math and computer classes. How does this help you in cyber security?
You study computer programming and take related courses. You also get hours of hands-on experience coding, programming, and working with computer systems.
Engineering
If you want a deeper knowledge of computer systems and networks, a degree in engineering can help. You can even pick up a specialization in cyber security that gives you more knowledge.
In an engineering program, you can learn about secure information systems and network security systems.
Information Management
In an information management program, you study network administration and software design. You can also pick up a specialization in cyber security.
Some programs offer specialty tracks in business or healthcare. This means you can learn about security systems specific to an industry. If you want to work with cybersecurity professionals, this is a good degree to get.
Information Technology
Want to work as an information security analyst? A cyber security degree in IT can be a good choice.
IT programs prepare you for careers in cyber security, such as an information security manager or an information security analyst. You learn about the threats computer systems face and the challenges IT professionals handle. You also learn how security breaches can impact organizations. You take classes in:
- Coding
- Data management
- Security protocols
Software Engineering
Software engineering is another type of engineering program where you work with computer systems. You learn coding and how to prevent security breaches. You learn many technical skills that help you in your cyber security career.
Related Resources:
30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security
30 Best Online Engineering Bachelor Degree Programs
30 Great Degree Programs for Working Adults
Ultimate Guide to Computer Science Degrees and Careers