Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. More companies are investing in cybersecurity, which means there’s a growing demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals. With so many programs to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we put together this list of the best online cybersecurity degree programs. If you’re looking to break into this field and you have a passion for computers, then these programs are perfect for you.
Why become a cybersecurity professional? There are plenty of opportunities in the field and your future looks bright as well. Cybersecurity offers excellent long-term career prospects, which is why so many people pursue an education in this field.
They also offer very good short-term financial rewards as well as long-term benefits such as increased job security and regular pay raises over time. Here is everything that you need to know about becoming a cyber security specialist.
How to Become a Cybersecurity Professional
Imagine your company gets hacked. Your financial information is compromised, your data is stolen, and your clients are irreparably damaged. This could happen to any business, and it’s happening more and more frequently.
With the constant onslaught of sophisticated attacks on networks, cybersecurity is a growing field that’s in high demand, with good reason — the job market is booming. If you’re determined to become a cybersecurity professional, a degree in cybersecurity can help get you there faster.
Cybersecurity degree programs teach students what cybersecurity is and how it relates to the business world. These programs can also teach students about the security threats they will likely encounter in the workplace.
If you’re interested in working in cybersecurity, you’ll likely have to undergo a series of security audits, tests, and background checks. Thus, earning a cybersecurity degree can help you get into the field sooner by building your resume and showing employers that you have the skills needed to succeed.
Why You’d Want to Become a cybersecurity Professional
Cybersecurity has become a critical part of our everyday lives, with threats like malware and hacking targeting everything from individual users to businesses to critical infrastructure such as power grids.
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow by 30 percent between now and 2025, much faster than the average for all occupations. And this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Moreover, the field has a lot of potential for professionals, as well as financial opportunity, with the average salary for a cybersecurity professional expected to grow faster than average. This demand for cybersecurity professionals has led to a thriving job market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cybersecurity employment is expected to grow 27 percent from 2016 to 2026, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. For this reason, cybersecurity has become a popular option for those looking to break into a high-growth field with a high salary and even greater opportunity.
What do you need to become a cybersecurity professional?
In addition to the typical requirements for a new job, you’ll need some specific skills to function well in the cybersecurity field. One of these skills is security analysis. Understanding how to analyze your own and other organizations’ systems is critical in cybersecurity.
You’ll need to understand how various systems operate, what parts are most vulnerable, and how to prevent these vulnerabilities from being exploited. You’ll also need the ability to solve problems and troubleshoot issues.
Understanding the different types of issues that could occur in a network and how to resolve them is vital. Finally, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively. Understanding the unique requirements of stakeholders such as your management team or clients will help you ensure your work is as effective as possible.
Find an online cybersecurity degree program
In addition to earning a degree, it’s also important to look for an online cybersecurity degree program. These programs allow you to earn your degree while still working full-time. While it’s possible to complete a full-time degree program in cybersecurity, it’s often difficult to balance the demands of a full-time job with the rigor of a full-time degree program.
An online program allows you to continue working full-time while earning your degree. This can help you get a degree faster and also make sure you’re able to keep a full-time job while doing so. There are many online cybersecurity degree programs to choose from.
You can choose an online program based on the specific degree you want to earn, the areas you want to focus on, the cost, and the reputation of the program. You can also join a dedicated online cybersecurity degree program, which may offer more flexibility.
Find Courses for an on-site program
While an online program will likely allow you to earn your degree faster, you’ll still need to spend some time studying. Thus, you might also want to consider an on-site cybersecurity degree program. These programs offer a hybrid approach, combining both on-site and online learning.
You’ll spend some time on-site, but the majority of your coursework will be completed online. There are many on-site cybersecurity degree programs to choose from.
You can choose an on-site program based on the type of program you prefer, the specific degree you want, the location of the program, and the reputation of the program. You can also find an open enrollment on-site cybersecurity degree program.
College is not for everyone – find a community college program
If you still aren’t sure a degree program is right for you, you might also consider earning a certificate. According to the BLS, just over half of all jobs will require some kind of certificate by 2026.
Earning a certificate can help you gain the basic skills you need to land a job, saving you time and money while also allowing you flexibility in your career path.
Whether you’re looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity or simply get a certificate as a refresher, many community colleges are now offering cybersecurity certificate programs.
These programs are designed to give you a basic understanding of cybersecurity, helping you get a certificate that can help you get a job or advance in your current position.
Find an accredited engineering school program
Finally, you might also consider earning your degree from an accredited engineering school. These schools are generally regarded as being at the highest academic level, and many schools offer engineering degrees, computer science degrees, and cybersecurity degrees.
Many of these engineering schools have departments that are specifically devoted to cybersecurity and computer science. These schools typically offer yearlong programs and usually have a core curriculum that covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of cybersecurity.
Moreover, these schools are often more likely to offer a full range of cybersecurity programs, including online and on-site degree programs, as well as certificate programs.
These engineering schools are often a good choice if you plan to pursue a career in cybersecurity. They typically offer strong technical programs, extensive research and faculty involvement in cybersecurity, and strong job placement and employment opportunities.
Bottom line
Cybersecurity is an emerging field that needs professionals with a specific set of skills. In order to become a cybersecurity professional, you’ll likely have to undergo a series of security audits, tests, and background checks.
Thus, earning a degree in cybersecurity can help get you there faster by building your resume and showing employers that you have the skills needed to succeed.
There are many online cybersecurity degree programs to choose from, and you can choose an online program based on the specific degree you want to earn, the areas you want to focus on, the cost, and the reputation of the program. There are also community colleges that offer cybersecurity certificate programs that can help you gain the skills you need to succeed.