What Major is Best for a Career in Cybersecurity?

What Major is Best for a Career in Cybersecurity?

If you have a high aptitude in technology and are interested in entering a high-demand field, pursuing a cybersecurity career may be right for you.

The increasing complexity of modern technology, creativity of hackers, and shift of private data to online cloud-based infrastructures has led to incredible demand for cybersecurity skills.

Cybersecurity professionals work across a wide range of industries, both in the private and public sector, to protect companies’ digital assets and intelligence by developing and maintaining an infrastructure that can withstand hackers and security threats. Cybersecurity is a versatile and expanding field with job opportunities in a range of industries. To excel in this technology-driven career path, you will need extensive knowledge and proper technical training that is most commonly obtained from a college degree.

Do you need a degree for a career in cybersecurity?

Since many cybersecurity positions require advanced computer science knowledge and multiple programming languages, it’s common for most entry-level cybersecurity jobs (as many as 90%) to require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-computer science area, or you want to advance your existing programming and coding skills, another way to gain the knowledge and skills you need is through specialized certification programs.

Some employers - or senior-level or highly specialized positions - may require candidates to have an IT or cybersecurity-related master’s degree. Pursuing an advanced degree could also help you move up within your company more quickly or qualify you for a higher salary. Whether you are pursuing a bachelor's degree for the first time or are returning to school to advance your education, investing in a cybersecurity degree is well worth it, as the median annual salary of a cybersecurity professional is $92,000.

What are the best majors to study for a career in cybersecurity?

If you’re interested in cybersecurity, you may be wondering what the best major or degree option is. Companies tend to look for candidates with a background in computer science, programming skills, and a working knowledge of today’s best practices for keeping digital information and networks secure. Additionally, hiring managers are also looking for professionals with a broad range of soft skills. Therefore, degrees that directly relate to developing these abilities, such as computer science, information technology, and computer forensics, are the most appropriate to prepare yourself for a career in cybersecurity.

Champlain College Online (CCO) offers a wide range of online programs that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to stand out in an increasingly competitive field. The following cybersecurity degree and certificate programs are some of the best options:

Bachelor’s Degrees for Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity: CCO’s cybersecurity degree is a nationally ranked program that emphasizes the real-world application of fundamental technical skills necessary to succeed in the cybersecurity field.
• Computer and Information Systems (CIS): A degree in computer and information systems focuses on current and emerging challenges and helps build impressive technical and communication skills necessary for CIS professionals.
• Computer Forensics and Digital Investigations: The computer forensics and digital investigations bachelor's degree prepares you to adapt to any real-world cybercrime scenario, with a foundation in various applications, software, and programming languages.
• Software Development: A bachelor’s degree in software development builds critical technical skills and applies them to real-world scenarios.

Certificate Programs for Cybersecurity

Depending on your career goal, a certificate program might be an ideal educational alternative. The following certificates from CCO help students demonstrate their technical proficiency and build up the in-demand credentials that employers are looking for.

• Web Programming: Programming is one of the most in-demand and necessary skills for cybersecurity professionals. Build up this skillset, expand your career options, and prove your proficiency to potential employers.
• C++ Programming: Advance your knowledge of different programming languages, platforms, and applications, and demonstrate your proficiency in C++, one of the most widely used programming languages.
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including networking, programming, and protecting sensitive information and digital assets.
• Information Technology Fundamentals: Build fundamental IT skills necessary to succeed in an evolving and in-demand industry.
• Advanced Cybersecurity: Expand your skills with a certificate focusing on the more advanced components and techniques of cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity is a booming industry with plentiful job opportunities. As hacking methods become more complex, the skills necessary for qualified professionals will continue to diversify and become more advanced. Sharpening your skills and knowledge of cybersecurity best practices with an academic program at Champlain is a great way to build up your technical aptitude and capabilities.

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