Information Systems Security Degree

An information systems security degree can help individuals develop skills that are extremely valuable in an increasingly digital world. The growing reliance on the internet and information systems by corporations and government agencies has led to continuous attacks from a growing number of hackers and cybercriminals and a strong need for individuals who can protect these systems.

Information Systems Security Training and Courses

The degree is often offered as a four-year bachelor’s degree or multi-year master’s program, and combines aspects of information systems design, network security and even criminal investigation courses. Oftentimes, the degree programs are combined with certification options from Cisco, Comp TIA A+ or similar organizations to improve future employment prospects.

Source: Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus

Job Opportunities for Information Systems Security Degree Program Graduates

Graduates will have completed coursework in how to properly set up computer networks of varying sizes, how to work with users to improve security as well as how to monitor for and prevent intrusions. Those who hold the degree can find work throughout the corporate sector with companies who deal with confidential data that they don’t want to fall into the wrong hands. In addition to technical understanding, information systems security degrees afford students classes in the theory and concepts of information security and how it is affected by the internet.

On the other hand, there are many law enforcement applications for degree holders. For example, the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies regularly recruit for those with network and information systems security degrees because of the recent growth in the use of computers for espionage or fraud. There are also positions in county and state agencies, especially those who deal with forensic accounting and other data-intensive investigative work.

Source: Wired.com

Career Outlook for the Information Security Field

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for businesses to store and transmit sensitive information will lead to strong growth in jobs for information security specialists. Salary information for these jobs varies according to the company or agency, but network administrators as a whole was on average more than $65,000.

Online Information Security Degrees and Criminal Justice Programs

University of Phoenix
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• B.S. in Information Technology - Information System Security
• B.S. in Information Technology - Business System Analysis
• A.A. in Information Technology

DeVry University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Bachelor's - Computer Information Systems - Information Systems Security
• Bachelor's - Computer Information Systems - Computer Forensics
• Associate - Electronics & Computer Technology

Kaplan University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• BS in Criminal Justice - Computer Crime
• MS in Information Technology
• AAS in Information Technology

Colorado Technical University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Doctorate of Computer Science - Digital Systems Security
• Master of Science in Computer Science - Computer Systems Security
• Bachelor's (BSIT) - Security

American InterContinental University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Bachelor's (BIT) - Computer Forensics
• Master's (MIT) - Information Assurance and Security
• Bachelor's (BIT) - Internet Security

Walden University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Masters of Information Systems Management - Enterprise Information Security
• M.S. in Information Technology - Information Security
• B.S. in Information Technology - Application Development, Testing, and Quality Assurance

Northcentral University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Computer and Information Security - D.B.A.