is a degree in cyber security worth it

Last Updated on December 16, 2022

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. That’s what you get in a computer science or cybersecurity degree program, and that’s what makes a cyber security degree worth it. Some employers will even pay for you to complete your degree.

It’s no secret that information security is growing in importance. It seems you can’t go a week without seeing a new headline about the latest breach or cybersecurity mishap. Big-name companies like Marriott International®, Equifax® and Yahoo® have all fallen victim to hackers in recent years.

Is a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It? - National University

The constant barrage of cyber threats affects businesses and organizations that play important roles in nearly every aspect of our lives. Because of this, many Americans are growing increasingly concerned. Those concerns are well justified as cybercrime racked up approximately $3.5 billion in total losses in 2019, according to an FBI report—and that’s just what’s known.2

For Denise Darling of San Diego, getting her online cybersecurity degree was definitely worth it. Growing up in a small, western Pennsylvania town that didn’t offer a lot of options, Darling entered the Navy right after high school. Besides, she says, “I wanted to see things.”

Over the course of her 13 years in the Navy, Darling acquired a lot of experience in information technology, such as managing ship controls, encrypting messages to send out, systems administration, and helping people create accounts. She also performed plenty of help desk work, such as diagnosing problems with computers, which she discovered was not her main interest.

Since she didn’t want to get stuck in an IT career that would likely include a lot of help desk work, Darling says she started looking around for other options. Some of the people she was stationed with mentioned cybersecurity as a good field, so she decided to look into it. She liked what she found.

“I did this because I wanted to open more doors,” she says of going back to school. “I had done the same thing for three years straight, and I couldn’t go any higher.”

Specifically, she says, “Cybersecurity is where everything is. You hear about the data breaches, and that’s a lot of what you learn with a cybersecurity degree. This field is definitely going to blow up more, and I don’t think they actually have enough people to do cybersecurity.”

Before she got into IT, and during her time in the service, Darling had completed an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She initially wanted to be a profiler for the FBI. She even worked for the agency for a time, but she had to leave when she was called back by the Navy and relocated. When she started thinking about what to do after her IT career was feeling stale, she realized combining her IT experience and her criminal justice education made cybersecurity seem like a natural fit.

As our digital reliance grows, it’s no surprise that this growing problem also creates an increased awareness of the need for cybersecurity professionals.

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Is A Degree In Cyber Security Worth It

A master’s degree is a big investment in time, energy and finances. But if you’re committed to completing your master’s degree in cybersecurity, it can have an extremely positive impact on your career. 

here are the top reasons to invest in a cybersecurity master’s degree. 

  1. A master’s degree teaches you cutting-edge skills. Cybersecurity is a constantly changing field. If you’ve been in this profession for a while or don’t currently specialize in cybersecurity, a master’s program can refresh your technical skillset while improving your critical thinking, problem-solving and management skills.
  2. A master’s degree makes it easier to change careers. Take advantage of growth opportunities and job stability by transitioning to a career in cybersecurity. If you’re working in computer science or a related technology field but don’t specialize in cybersecurity, a master’s degree is a great way to prove your expertise and get a job in the field. 
  3. A master’s degree opens the door to advancement opportunities. Employers are looking for highly-qualified professionals to lead their cybersecurity efforts. Whether you want to work for a large corporation, an independent consultancy or in high-levels of government, a master’s degree can be key to setting yourself apart and advancing to management and executive positions.
  4. A master’s degree increases your salary expectations. While cybersecurity roles command high median salaries overall, with information security analysts earning $98,350 per year. With a master’s degree, you’re preparing yourself for leadership opportunities, where the top 10% of cybersecurity professionals earn $156,583 per year.
  5. A master’s degree is a lifelong credential. A master’s degree shows dedication to your career and to sharpening your skillset. It’s a tangible way to show your expertise to employers and an investment that continues to pay off throughout your careerer
  6. A cyber security degree salary. Per BLS records, in 2017 Security Analysts in the highest 10 percent bracket earned above $153,090
  7. The demand for cyber pros is higher than the supply. Cyber Seek reports the national average for cyber security jobs is 2.3 – it’s 5.8 for other jobs
  8. There’s a skills gap in the cyber workforce. Estimates by ISACA show a global shortage of 2 million professionals by 2019 both nationally and globally and employers prefer candidates with industry certifications
  9. Potential job security for the cyber security major. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021
  10. Upward mobility. Advancement into managerial positions could lead to an average annual salary of between $139,220 and $208,000.

Also Read: cyber security degree courses, masters in cyber security, why study cyber security personal statement, cyber security degree online.

Is a Master's Degree in Cyber Security Worth It? | SUU

cyber security degree

The cybersecurity field is growing like crazy, which means that there are plenty of great career opportunities for professionals with the right skills, training, and experience. This guide covers all the key considerations when choosing to major in cybersecurity or when trying to evaluate a cybersecurity degree program.

Investing years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars in a college or university education is a big decision. Before diving in, it makes sense to make sure that pursuing a cybersecurity degree is a good fit for you. 

Here are a few of the top reasons to consider pursuing a cybersecurity degree:

  • Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. This means that finding a good job is easier than most other professions, and that cybersecurity professionals are paid well (see our complete profile of cybersecurity careers for more information).
  • Cybersecurity professionals make a difference. It’s not like cybersecurity professionals sit in some widget factory stamping out the same widget over and over again. Instead, cybersecurity professionals use their training and skills to protect critical digital infrastructure and services. 
  • Cybersecurity is considered a top job in tech. Recently, US News and World Report named information security analyst as one of the top five jobs to have in tech. The ranking is based on earning potential and job demand. Other cybersecurity jobs follow similar trends.
  • Cybersecurity job demand will continue to grow well into the future. The average annual growth in cybersecurity job demand, according to a number of employment sites, is about seven percent a year. That growth is expected to continue well into the future as the world only becomes more digitally interconnected.
  • Cybersecurity is a dynamic job that is seldom boring. Between emerging threats and new technological innovation, cybersecurity is constantly changing, which means no boring days at the office.

In order to explore degree options in a little bit more depth, we compiled a few of the most frequently asked questions by students interested in pursuing a cybersecurity degree.

 Cybersecurity majors come in all different types, but they are generally focused on a core technical curriculum that contains aspects of computer science, networking, cryptography, and hacking. As we mentioned earlier, there are many different pathways to a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. Some students are interested in the networking or information technology and information assurance aspects of cybersecurity. Others are more interested in cyber defense and topics like ethical hacking. Still other students are more interested in digital forensics and criminal justice. With the right cybersecurity degree programs, prospective cybersecurity students will be able to pursue a professional path that interests them.

cyber security associate degree

A cybersecurity associate degree is a two-year undergraduate degree focused on collecting, analyzing, maintaining and protecting digital data and technology infrastructure — the education needed to provide the cyber defense that global business and government entities rely on in their operations.

Davenport is one of a handful of U.S. schools to achieve national recognition for excellence in computer security degree programs. Our cybersecurity associate degree offers stringent training to prepare you for cyber defense jobs in a field with projected high demand throughout the next decade.

Is a Masters in Cyber Security Worth It?

Train to be part of a skilled cybersecurity threat detection and removal team by pursuing your cybersecurity associate degree online or in-seat at Davenport University. This two-year cybersecurity associate degree will prepare you to make a seamless transition into high-paying, in-demand cyber defense jobs such as a cyber defense analyst.

Davenport’s nationally recognized College of Technology will provide you with career-centered cyber defense training that fully aligns with industry credentials. Choose course formats designed for high engagement and convenience. Earn your cybersecurity associate degree online through our Global Campus, via our Real-Time Virtual learning, in-seat at our Grand Rapids campus or through a blend of formats.

Multi-credentialed faculty will support your education with expertise from professional backgrounds in cyber defense. Through hands-on projects, you’ll grow critical skills in areas like cybersecurity event analysis and system vulnerabilities detection — skills you’ll need for top cyber defense jobs

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