Is a Cybersecurity Degree a Good Choice For Me? CYBER SECURITY VS INFORMATION ASSURANCE: How Master’s Degrees Compare Your degree in network security can be applied to other security-related jobs. Cyber security (or cybersecurity). Some cyber security degree programs can get very technical and difficult. 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To make this possible, many of our featured programs are from our partners. This page shows a selection of the available Bachelors programmes in Australia. I will use Penn State’s Cyber Security Analytics and Operations Major as an example. It also shows that the degree-holder has vast amounts of knowledge on the subject, as gaining a degree in fields like cybersecurity, mathematics, or computer science is not an easy task. August 29, 2019 by Greg Belding. Information systems security. On October 23rd, Excelsior College presented a webinar explaining the differences between IT and cybersecurity degrees and the opportunities available to expand your career in each discipline. You’ve heard about all of the enriching benefits of higher education. Cybersecurity Certificate vs. Certification vs. The need for a combination of technical ability with analytical and problem-solving skills make them the perfect professions for the person who likes to evolve their skills at the speed of technology. Cyber Security vs. Software Engineering: Which […] Cybersecurity Technology Programs Bachelor's Degree Careers. There is high growth in the industry and reports predict it will continue. Share: Introduction. Three significant factors differentiate a cybersecurity degree from a computer science degree. Cybersecurity professionals often pursue a master’s degree to prepare them for higher-paying jobs, leadership roles, or a job in an adjacent field.Learning about some of the best Cyber Security schools will help you to choose which one is the best fit for you. They forecast 32% more Info Sec jobs to 2028. Due to the increasing demand of technology in homes and businesses, careers in the field of information technology are equally experiencing high demand. https://www.excelsior.edu/programs/technology/, https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/5914906766897405196, Bachelors of Science in Information Technology, Q & A with Ashley Picillo, Founder of Point Seven Group and Advisor for the Cannabis Control Certificate Program. Information Assurance keeps a theoretical approach. My final advice on cyber security degrees is to do your research and ensure you will be getting what you want from this 4-year investment. Cybersecurity is a subset of computer science, and in today’s computer-reliant world, it has its own field of study and degree programs. Cybersecurity certificate programs are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years to complete. The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Excelsior College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and our IT program has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Those in the late stage of their career make up only 3.8% of all cybersecurity analysts, and they can expect around a 36% increase in pay (equaling around $102,000). Information security. But there are so many IT and cyber security certifications out there. What is OneTranscript and how does it work? Degree Cybersecurity Certificates. Cybersecurity is experiencing a severe shortage of talent today. Computer science degrees are very technical and can be very valuable for cyber security jobs. Cybersecurity Certificate vs. Certification vs. That aside, info sec is a wider field. Formby explained in more detail the process of finding a position within the federal government using resources like USAJobs.com and the Pathways Program, proving that rewarding and well-paying job opportunities are available even for the most recent cybersecurity and IT graduates. To make this possible, many of our featured programs are from our partners. You are exchanging your and your money and want to ensure that you are making the best decision for your career development. The concept of a cyber security degree is a relatively new concept. They leave it up to the Cybersecurity Specialist to execute them. Cyber security jobs are on the rise “Generalize then specialize” is a very valid concept and a great approach to cyber security. If you are looking to get into cyber security by the more formal “degree route”, you will be confronted with the decision between choosing whether you should get a computer science degree or a cyber security degree. 1. Information technology, Sprissler explained, is a broad term for careers and degree programs that cover a wide range of skills, including network administration, web design and development, database administration, software development, and even cybersecurity operations. Degree: Cybersecurity Certificate – add to BS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. My experience in the industry as a consultant provides me with a wealth of information on Cyber Security and how it is applied across all sectors and their individual demands. If you are looking to get into cyber security by the more formal “degree route”, you will be confronted with the decision between choosing whether you should get a computer science degree or a cyber security degree. Computer security. The computer science degree is definitely much broader (a lot of systems, algos, dev) and the security courses in that program are good but not great. Visit our Events Page at https://www.excelsior.edu/events/to see a listing of upcoming webinars. Cybersecurity majors focuses on more technical aspects. In my experience in taking both cyber security and computer science courses, cyber security professors and staff are much more supportive in ensuring that all students can succeed. In addition to taking harder courses, if you choose to go the comp sci route you will have to learn security on your own time. The most important thing you can do to advance your career is to advance your education. On the other hand, some schools provide a “cyber security degree” that is nothing more than an information technology degree with a class or two that focuses on security. 16. Cybersecurity degree-holders may also embark on careers as cryptographers. Going the comp sci degree route can really set you up well for a technical role in cyber security as long as you are willing to put in the work and learn cyber security on your own time. Many other degree programs like engineering and comp sci have “weed-out courses” that are geared towards thinning out the heard because those job markets are more competitive. It might be said that cyber security students are detectives or investigators and that the virtual world is their jurisdiction. Comp sci is more technical but is less specific to the field of cyber security while cyber security degrees are more specific but may lack important computer science theory and fundamentals. Information technology security. They have a passion for technology and are intrigued by the problems posed by cyber criminals, cryptography, and the laws and ethics surrounding privacy and intellectual property. Those interested in cybersecurity usually earn a bachelor’s in computer science. Choosing a certification is a decision that must not be taken lightly. A computer science degree has a broader focus than a degree in cybersecurity, which provides a much more comprehensive examination of that field.An education in cybersecurity can also provide excellent job opportunities. Most degrees in cybersecurity cover technical aspects of the subject such as the security of various operational systems, network security, and cloud security, while also coverin… With hundreds of schools offering programs, dozens of degree focuses and even more professional certs to study for, it pays to be prepared. Information technology vs cybersecurity — what’s the difference? Let’s take a look at the best cyber security certifications for beginners.... Not all cyber security professionals need to know how to code. Students who opt for Misericordia University benefit from a cyber security undergraduate degree, in particular, a BS in Information Technology Security. Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree will deepen your cybersecurity-specific skills or, if working in IT, expand your general knowledge base. Cyber Security education requires a unique, structured approach and I have designed CyberCareerSchool.com and my YouTube Channel Cyber Career School to provide just that. My Excelsior Support Resources Areas of Study Tuition and Aid Admissions About, Excelsior College 7 Columbia Circle Albany, NY 12203-5159, We use cookies to ensure the best web experience possible. Lead by Ethan Sprissler, faculty program director for cybersecurity at Excelsior College; Lisa Romano-Arnold, regional director of government and workforce partnerships at Excelsior; and Tom Formby, senior human resources specialist for outreach, diversity, and inclusion recruitment policy, and outreach at U.S. Office of Personnel Management, in Washington, DC, the program explained career paths and degree programs in-depth for recent graduates and those considering their next technology degree. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a popular... At Cyber Career School, we aim to empower you as a cyber security professional and make decisions with confidence. Cybersecurity Analytics vs. Cybersecurity Engineering. Comp sci is more technical but is less specific to the field of cyber security while cyber security degrees are more specific but may lack important computer science theory and fundamentals. Computer Science vs Cybersecurity Master’s Degree 2 months ago David Byrd . As you can see, cyber security degrees cover a very wide range of topics. How Do You Choose Which Degree Is Right for You? While IT degree programs and job descriptions include a level of information security literacy, “cybersecurity” refers to a narrowly focused set of skills that includes cyber operations, information assurance, risk analysis, incident analysis, and digital forensics. In general, cyber security programs are focused on graduating as many qualified students as possible. Although the total cost for a cybersecurity degree or masters varies from school to school, the average cost of a cybersecurity degree will be anything between $20,000 and $70,000. If you are willing to put in the extra work, a computer science degree will make you a very important member of a cyber security team. Being a late-career cybersecurity analyst puts you in an elite category of this job role. A cybersecurity certificate is generally tied to an educational program and represents the completion of coursework. This profession combines mathematics, statistics, and computer science to create algorithms and various security systems to encrypt and encode data. This presents prospective students with a serious dilemma. According to CyberSeek, a master’s degree is not required for the majority of cybersecurity jobs. Many colleges have recognized the difference between computer science and cyber security and offer separate programs. Studies show that 46% of those who transition from IT to cybersecurity say their IT career helped them gain experience with different types of technologies. The generalize then specialize approach is very applicable with the comp sci degree route into cyber security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth rate for computer science jobs and a 28% growth rate for information security jobs through 2026. 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