CYBER SECURITY BACHELOR'S DEGREE

A bachelor's degree in cyber security equips students with the knowledge and skills to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems, detect digital exploitation, and implement effective preventive measures. Graduates of a cyber security program are well-prepared to safeguard against cyber attacks and establish robust security protocols in various contexts involving computer systems and sensitive data.

There's never been a better time to consider earning a cyber security bachelors degree than in the fast-expanding 21st century. With the ever-increasing integration of technology into our lives—including mobile networks, Wi-Fi and cloud computing applications—there is more need to make sure that those technologies are secured from criminals.

As a result, the field of cyber security is growing at a rapid pace. If you are considering a career in computer science, take a look at programs that offer a bachelor's in cyber security. With the rise in cyber attacks and increasingly complex cyber threats, this degree provides a strong foundation to be prepared for one of the many jobs available in the field.

IS A CYBER SECURITY UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM FOR YOU?

Prior to beginning your cyber security curriculum, it will be good to make sure that this is the field for you. Information security is a very analytical field that is demanding for everyone. Those with a strong background in mathematics tend to do well, as do those who have strong logic skills.

If math is not for you, you might want to try formal logic instead. Make sure you take formal logic and that the course focuses exclusively on working logical proofs, which look a lot like mathematical derivations but without numbers.

Another great way to prepare for your cyber security bachelor's is to do a stint in the military and work in high technology. Your experience may pay off in the classroom and could enhance your professional life, particularly if you receive top-secret clearance. Your clearance will expire when you rejoin the civilian workforce but you can note them on your resume, particularly when you apply to defense contractors who will appreciate that the military has placed its trust in you in the past.

There are lots of ways to prepare for computer science online, as well. You can begin learning many coding languages for free with the help of instructional websites and YouTube videos. If you are intrigued by the problem-solving and creativity of coding and are having success with these resources, you will probably enjoy and thrive in a cyber security program.

POPULAR BACHELOR'S IN CYBER SECURITY PROGRAMS

Depending on what your area of interest is, some potential cyber security undergraduate degrees to research might include:

ONLINE CYBER SECURITY BACHELOR'S DEGREE OPTIONS

If you already have your associate's degree in computer security and are working in an IT department, or if you need an educational structure that works around your obligations, you can earn your bachelor's degree online. There are many universities that have full-scale cyber security degree programs online, and many more that offer both in-class instructions with the option of online courses.

BENEFITS OF TAKING COURSEWORK ONLINE

No matter what your needs are, try to take at least one online course during your undergraduate studies. When you enter the workforce, having online experience will prove very helpful in fulfilling the technology needs of your job.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Many students assume that any online course will work alongside their commitment to work and family. While online courses always have their benefits, some are easier to schedule than others. Some online schools are structured to be asynchronous and you will not need to log in for any scheduled events, such as structured chat room discussions or streamed lectures.

When you look into an all online course of study, make sure that the courses are structured to specifically meet your needs and that they are accredited.

In these classes, all course materials will be available to you at any time you need them. You will, however, be expected to meet deadlines for any assignments or projects. Make sure that you are able to effectively manage your time, and make your schooling a priority.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THIS DEGREE?

Many universities offer four-year cyber security degrees with several concentrations or specializations. It may help you find work more easily if you are trained in a niche area of the field while also having a broad understanding of cyber security across the board. Consider what your interests are beyond the technical aspect of the job.

HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH MODERN CRIMES

If you wish to work with law enforcement to thwart hackers who seek to exploit our banking or defense systems, you will need an aptitude for criminal investigation and law. As a forensics expert, you will need special knowledge of the following:

• The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution.
• The rules of evidence and discovery.
• The ability to perform well under cross-examination in a court of law. Here, your communication skills will be tested, as you will strive to convey highly difficult and technical jargon to laypeople on the jury.

WORK AS A SECURITY CONSULTANT

You may also use your knowledge and experience to work as a consultant who works with a defense team's law enforcement agencies. Your duty as a security consultant, in either case, will be to analyze the evidence, how it was collected, and how that evidence was handled. Before you work as a consultant in this capacity, you will likely need to work for several years in the field.

HACK, AUDIT, DEFEND, ENGINEER & MORE

Other popular routes that cyber security experts take are in IT departments such as security engineers, security auditors, systems analysts, network analysts or security administrators. From these entry-level positions you might rise through the corporate ranks, or you might strike out on your own at some point and become a consultant.

One interesting direction you might pursue is that of an ethical hacker—also called a penetration tester. For this direction, you will want a special certificate as well as plenty of experience. Penetration testers need to be able to

• Sharpen their management, writing and presentation skills so that their clients receive top-notch testing.
• Compile comprehensive reports that communicate the meaning of the test outcomes.
• Penetration testers sometimes are reformed criminals as it could be beneficial to be able to think like a crook to best serve your clients.

PAYING FOR YOUR UNDERGRAD: FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing an undergrad cyber program is to make sure that it's accredited regionally or nationally. This ensures that the curriculum is vetted by professionals, but it also means that you'll be eligible for federal financial aid, which requires your education to be accredited.

In order to determine your status for financial aid, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to federal aid, you may be available for scholarships through your university or another educational organization. Some potential scholarships include:

BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN CYBER SECURITY SALARY & OUTLOOK

One of the many benefits of studying cyber security is that there are many different jobs available for computer security specialists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that those in information security roles can look forward to a 31.5% job growth rate through 2032, which is much faster than the national average.

Some of the top recruiters for these cyber security positions include the federal government and healthcare organizations, which are utilizing electronic health records more and more.

Job Growth Rates through 2032 Compared

Median Annual Salary
Information Security Analysts

$120,360

The BLS states that the median annual pay for information security analysts is $120,360, with typical entry-level education being a bachelor's degree.

Keep in mind that if you pursue additional education and a higher degree, you can be eligible for managerial positions that account for making higher-level decisions about an organization's security system.

MORE WOMEN NEEDED IN CYBER SECURITY

While the need for people to fill the expansive cyber security roles available is on the rise, so is the need for women cyber security employees. With only 11% of the world's information security workforce being women, according to a 2018 Forbes article, there is an overwhelming opportunity for women to find jobs in the field. For those who are interested, they can find many resources for talking to other women who have broken the barrier and stepped into a traditionally male-dominated workspace:

• SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academy for Women
• The Women's Society of Cyberjutsu
• Women in Cyber Project
• Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS)

FIND THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU

When you seek out a bachelor's program in cyber security, be sure to do your homework. Many programs may flaunt their emphasis on security, but the very best programs are also the most interdisciplinary. That is, they emphasize computer engineering, computer science and management skills to help you develop into the strongest professional you can be.

You want to be able to diagnose the problem but also be able to propose solutions to fix it. Look for programs that include these areas plus courses in technical writing and legal issues surrounding technology and ethics. The best cyber security professionals are well-rounded individuals who can see their field through a wide-angle lens. Start your search and get matched with accredited universities offering four-year cyber security degrees by utilizing our Find Schools widget on this page.