Are you looking for a cyber security degree to help start your career?
Here’s what you should know…
As reliance on technology grows, so does the demand for qualified information security professionals. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment in the computer administration industry is expected to grow much faster than average and job prospects for trained individuals should be excellent. Information security professionals create and implement plans to protect systems, maintain network security and respond to cyber attacks. These individuals may also be responsible for creating security policies for the business’ employees and training them in how to keep proprietary or confidential information secure. In some cases, information security professionals may investigate cyber crimes by gathering data and digital evidence. The sophistication of cyber crimes is increasing. Advanced training is required to be qualified to protect computer systems from fraud. Almost all positions in the systems security field require some sort of cyber security degree.
Earning a cyber security degree
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, employers are seeking individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree for positions in systems security. Employers generally look for people with expertise relevant to the job. For example, systems analysts who wish to work for a bank may need some expertise in finance, and systems analysts who wish to work for a hospital may need some knowledge of health management. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, systems security, information technology or computer forensics are common qualifications for positions in information security. While there is a preference for technical degrees, individuals with degrees in other areas and certifications in computer science may also be qualified.
Earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step in a cyber security career. As technology changes, people employed in the computer science field will have to take ongoing education courses. Years of experience and a master’s degree are recommended for advancement to other positions including chief information officer.
What kinds of classes will I take in a cyber security degree program?
Courses in a typical degree program will focus on building overall problem-solving, critical-thinking and logic skills. While some technicians will work alone, many of them work in teams with other company employees, so communication and teamwork skills are also emphasized. Core courses in cyber security degree programs include Internet security, network essentials, disk-based forensics, mobile device analysis, wireless technologies, managing malicious software and network intrusion detection.
Successful graduates of a well-rounded degree program should be qualified to secure industry-standard operating systems, design secure computer networks and devise, implement and execute counter-attack measures on security breaches.
Westwood College offers hands-on bachelor’s degree programs in information and network technologies: major in systems security and information and network technologies: major in computer forensics. Both of these career-focused programs sharpen technical skills while providing well-rounded general education courses administered by faculty members with experience in the field. Both degree programs prepare students for a rewarding career in the cyber security industry.
To learn more, visit /programs/school-of-technology