Cyber ​​Security Degrees: Types, Comparisons, and Best Practices for Selection

There are many degrees of cyber security out there. But what exactly do they offer in terms of career prospects, what are the different degree options available, and which ones should you choose?

What does a cyber security degree offer?

Anyone who completes a cyber security course at a college can look forward to a rewarding and well-paid career. The median base salary for cyber security personnel in the US is now more than $ 100,000 per year. It could rise more than $ 150,000 based on factors such as experience, master’s possession, or promotions to executive or managerial level.

Those who complete an undergraduate cyber security degree or more advanced training can also expect to attract strong interest from potential employers. With the IT talent market so cramped, there is little chance that someone will be on a job search for long.

Importance of cyber security levels in 2022

Cyber ​​security degrees have been sought after for many years. But with the number of ransomware attacks continuing to rise, their profile is rising even higher in the business. The NCC Group Annual Threat Monitor report noted that ransomware accounts for 65.38% of all incidents handled by its global cyber incident response team during 2021.

Ransomware attacks increased by 93% in 2021, from 1,389 in 2020 to 2,690. The US was targeted in more than half of these attacks, followed by Europe at 30%. Organizations in these places grab cybersecurity graduates as soon as they complete – and, in many cases, before any degrees are awarded. NCC Group added that most ransomware targeted the industrial and public sectors (both at 19.35% of attacks), followed by the consumer vertical (16.13%).

[Related: Top 20 cybersecurity interview questions to know in 2022]

Types of cyber security degrees

There are many different cyber security degree programs to choose from.

Training for beginners

For starters, there are many basic certification courses available at vendors and institutions. A good number of these are free. There are also several boot camps available at a cost that provide theoretical and practical knowledge. It provides a good foundation for those who intend to obtain full academic qualifications, whether associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees.

Associate degrees

An associate degree in cyber security can be done online or in person. They usually count for two years of a full bachelor program. The content differs greatly, but may include networking, the basics of security, how to secure database management systems, programming, devops, DevSecOps and more.

Bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree in cyber security can go in two directions – either a BA or a BS. The former has an art focus and the latter of a more technical nature. But if cybersecurity is included, one of the two will serve. The one chosen should match the specific interests of the individual. The most important thing is to study in cyber security. Various applications offer a variety of directions, including scripting, risk management, cloud systems, and more.

Master’s degrees

A master’s degree in cyber security requires a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. While the BS generally lasts four years, the MS is usually two years, although this can sometimes be done faster. The training at this level is of course more advanced. These include areas such as architectural design, security risk management, security management and the management of security teams. Many programs require a thesis or keystone.

doctorate

Finally, there is a Ph.D. in cyber security. Such courses can last up to five years and delve even deeper into the complexities of vulnerabilities, system security, overall system design, application security, and compliance. A doctoral research dissertation is required to complete.

Top 5 steps to choose the best suitable degree for your career

There are many options out there in terms of cyber security degrees. Those considering one should plan carefully. Here are some tips to help you with the selection process.

Online or in person?

It was not long ago that online degree programs were scarce. Today, there are hundreds of cyber security training programs available online. Even large institutions like MIT, Purdue and others offer cyber security degrees online. Those who do not want to commute daily to personal study or who have no desire to move to another area to pursue a degree should find the right online option. Furthermore, those with a full-time job should benefit from online programs that can be done over evenings or weekends.

That said, there are many to recommend the immersion in learning offered by attending a university program. Furthermore, it offers a large number of networking opportunities and friendships that can sometimes lead to business opportunities in later years. And increasingly, business partnerships are flourishing during degree and graduate programs. Facebook and Google are two of many examples.

Location?

Personal learning requires choosing a place. For those who want to attend an institution in their city, the selection process has been simplified. Otherwise, there are many possibilities across the country, and even overseas. Some base their choice of setting primarily on the city or the climate. These factors may be important to some, but they should not be predominant.

Cyber ​​Security Program Details

If you are eager to attend only the very best settings. In the UK it could be Oxford or Cambridge. In the US, MIT, Yale or Stanford, for example. But those who specialize in cybersecurity may be less likely to have such preferences. First, competition is greater at elite colleges and admission requirements can be high. In addition, they may not necessarily offer the best cyber security qualifications. Their strengths may lie in other disciplines.

Every program is different. Those looking for a specific specialty or career should carefully dig into the various candidate cyber security degree programs to find a match. Those with less defined plans still need to explore curricula to ensure they fit their needs. Such data is available online for free. It is also possible to find feedback online from current and former students about their experiences on the various programs.

qualifications

Each institution and each course has its own admission requirements. Not everyone can measure. Those without the very best in SATs, grade point averages and other criteria should therefore avoid applying to places with very strict qualifications. There are so many options in cyber security and access qualifications differ a lot. And some, especially online options, may have indulgent access qualifications.

Tuition costs

Tuition costs are another important factor. They are very different. In the US, state institutions typically have much lower tuition rates than other colleges. But it attracts many more applicants, and there may be accommodation requirements. Scholarships can help, but they are not always available.

The overall cost of the cyber security degree over its entire term must also be understood. Too many students start a university program without any concept of student debt that they can end up with. Pay attention to the final account for that education. How much do you want it for? The good news is that a cyber security degree or postgraduate qualification pays very well and offers the possibility to repay student loans faster than other disciplines.

Read the following: Top 10 Cyber ​​Security Colleges in the US in 2022