Cybersecurity Degree

Cybersecurity degrees are specific computer network security courses of study that prepare students for careers as forensic network analysts, computer analysts for law enforcement agencies and other network security jobs. They are a relatively recent development, providing specific skills related to the investigation of intrusions and maintenance of security protocols on computer networks of various sizes. Like other computer networking degrees, salaries are higher than average and job growth is higher than the national mean.

Cybersecurity Degree Requirements And Coursework

An aptitude for mathematics and electronics is key to doing well in a cybersecurity degree program. Most schools offering these programs require strong standardized test scores and above average grades in math and science classes. Cybersecurity degree students learn how to design and administer computer networks. Unlike other degrees, advanced coursework focuses on cybercrime and cyberterrorism, as well as online forensics work to identify intruders of corporate and government computer systems. Other high level courses focus on threat assessment and planning for active network defense by degree graduates who generally attend bachelor’s degree programs or obtain post-baccalaureate cybersecurity certificates or master’s degrees.

Did you know? In the first six months of 2009, there were over 40,000 cyber attacks against the Department of Defense costing the government more than $100 million.

Source: Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus

Cybersecurity Job Description

Network security analysts and cybersecurity investigators work with federal and state agencies to investigate allegations of computer crime and identify possible suspects. In addition, they use internet tools to gather online evidence of wrongdoing. Cybersecurity degree holders who decide to work for businesses may be tasked with providing security for large-scale private databases or e-commerce systems, creating active defenses against hackers and responding to intrusions.

Cybersecurity Salary And Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an annual median wage of $77,990 for information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects as of May 2011 and the top 10% earn a median wage of $124,860 per year.¹ Compensation is also increasing for government employees who are tasked with protecting the nation’s infrastructure using cybersecurity skills. Advancement is possible by handling the protection of larger networks, or managing other network security analysts. The federal government is placing significant resources into reducing the threat of cyber attacks and President Obama has declared that the “cyber threat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation”.²

CJDS Fact: In 2011, Sony was the target of one of the largest corporate hacks in history as the personal details of over 100 million online gamers were exposed. Names, emails, and phone numbers of 25 million customers were stolen.

Source: The Gaurdian

Additional Cybersecurity Resources

United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team – CERT-US is managed by the National Cyber Security Division at the Department of Homeland Security and works to improve the nation’s cybersecurity.

Online Cybersecurity Degree Info, Courses & Criminal Justice Programs

American InterContinental University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

Master's (MIT) - Information Assurance and Security
Bachelor's (BIT) - Internet Security
Bachelor's (BIT) - Digital Investigation

Virginia College
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

MS - Cybersecurity

University of Phoenix
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

B.S. in Information Technology - Information System Security

Kaplan University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

MS in Information Technology - Information Security and Assurance
BS in Business Administration - Information Assurance

Walden University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

B.S. in Criminal Justice - Computer Information Systems and Security
Masters of Information Systems Management - Enterprise Information Security

Western Governors University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

B.S. Information Technology - Security
M.S. Information Security and Assurance

Jones International University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

MBA in Information Security Management-Cyber Security
BBA Information Security Management (Accelerated)

References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151179.htm
2. Whitehouse.gov: http://www.whitehouse.gov/cybersecurity

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.

Cybersecurity Degree