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What Qualifications and Experience are Needed for a Career in Cybersecurity?

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Degrees, Certifications and Experience will help your Cybersecurity Career

Thanks to rapid advancements in technology and increased access to the ever-expanding and evolving Internet, jobs within the Information Technology (IT) field are booming. There are opportunities in computer programing, internet marketing, online commerce, information technology and cybersecurity, just to name a few. A variety of degree programs and certifications help individuals along this career path, but one of the most interesting avenues is a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity because it combines information technology with crime fighting. This degree program prepares students to help in many ways from protecting a business’s online assets from infiltration to working in the national security arena.

Qualifications and Experience to Land a Job in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a complex issue because the Internet and technology are constantly changing. Knowledge and skills in this field are not something that can be learned once and then used for the rest of a person’s career. Cybersecurity professionals need to stay on top of security threats and trends. The proper cybersecurity program teaches students to use current technology, but it also provides them with the right tools and methodologies to keep their knowledge evolving as technology does.

As with any job, experience is also necessary. Students with no experience in information technology are encouraged to look for internships and other such positions in IT to help brush up their skill set.

People who start out with a degree in cybersecurity and then continue on with advanced education have an advantage in the information technology field. While not all cybersecurity jobs require a degree, most require training and certifications. Earning a degree provides an edge over the competition.

Remember, a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity is highly sought after by companies and governmental bodies. “The nation increasingly needs professionals with highly technical cyber skills to help keep America safe today — and to help the country meet future challenges and adapt with greater agility,” stated NSA Technical Leader, Steven LaFountain. “When it comes to national security, there is no substitute for a dedicated, immensely talented workforce.”

What Courses are Studied in a Cybersecurity Degree Program?

Students study a broad range of coursework when working toward a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity, such as computer hardware, information security, system threats, vulnerability assessment, statistics and computer science. In addition to these topics, criminal investigation is discussed in how it relates to cybersecurity. This field isn’t just about firewalls and numbers, but is also about catching the bad guys and preventing cybercrimes from happening.

It’s important to choose a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program that teaches not only how to recognize security threats, but also how to prevent them. Unfortunately, there will always be hackers, but people who work in cybersecurity can take control of the fight and stay ahead of the threats.

Jobs that Require a Degree in Cybersecurity

Numerous career opportunities exist for those with a degree in cybersecurity. One of the most common places that graduates find work is with companies that need website security monitoring and social media monitoring. Companies need to have infiltration systems set up, as well as recovery systems in the event of a virus or other type of infiltration. Graduates can also parlay their work as cyber defenders in many different manners.

Those with degrees in cybersecurity can turn to telecommunications, private investigation, defense contracting, homeland security, law enforcement, financial sector security and fraud investigation. Cybersecurity professionals earn an average yearly salary of $116,000 according to Semper Secure, although this depends on the individual’s background and experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for information security analysts was $86,170 in May 2012.

Take the first steps to a career in cybersecurity by finding out more about the online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity degree program at Utica University. The coursework can be completed online at a comfortable pace, so students can balance work/family responsibilities while advancing their career.

Get started now by talking to an enrollment counselor at 315-732-2640 or toll free at 866-295-3106 or request more information.

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