Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity

Introduction

If you have started out in an entry-level cybersecurity role, or are already working in the field, you can boost your career by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. This degree enables students to establish a strong foundation in the theoretical concepts, principles, and practical applications of information technology and information security.
In this article, we provide an overview of the benefits and the various components of a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program and highlight the course content as well as the employment prospects for the program graduates.

Why should I consider getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity?

A bachelor of science in cybersecurity can help you enjoy a lucrative career in IT and computers. These programs offer training that can enable you to develop the requisite technical skills to prevent cyber-attacks. You may be able to learn various programming languages and learn how to identify potential security threats and implement effective risk management strategies.
All of these skills are very much in demand in the industry and can help you pursue a promising career in a high-paying role. The annual salary of information security analysts ($112,000 per year) is significantly higher than the annual median salary of all workers in the US.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve and more businesses transition to online operations, the concerns over security threats and risk of cyberattacks persist leading to an increase in demand for cybersecurity specialists and IT professionals. All businesses concerned about safeguarding their valuable data rely on professionals to take care of this aspect of the business, making your job as a cybersecurity specialist very important.

Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree – A Brief Overview

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is an excellent starting point for individuals interested in entering the field. This degree program usually comprises around 120 credits, equivalent to four years of full-time study, though accelerated options are also available at some institutions.
Students in this program learn the fundamentals of computing, information security, and IT, enhancing their IT skills and expertise in areas such as data analytics and risk management.
The curriculum includes general education, core, and concentration courses, with some programs also incorporating capstone projects, practicums, or internships. Common course topics cover areas like cloud-based security, computer forensics, cyber defense, data networking, ethics, law, programming, and security systems.

Cybersecurity Degree Courses

Most of the prominent institutions offering cybersecurity majors focus on aspects like programming, information system security, risk management, etc. Usually, the program comprises core subjects, electives, and courses for general education, while a few also mandate an internship or practical/hands-on experience in the field.
Here are a few courses that are usually included in a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program:

Digital Forensics

This course covers topics including cyber threat legal aspects, security laws, incident categorization, incident management, and evidence handling protocols. Students learn to find digital evidence for solving cyber crimes and using tools to find and curb malicious activities.

Information Security Basics

This course pertains to the basics of information security, including theoretical and practical aspects. The topics covered in this course include physical media security, network susceptibilities, and the best practices for information security policies and procedures.

Information Security Legal Aspects

As the name suggests, this course covers the ethical and legal aspects relevant to data security. Students are taught the laws, regulations, and authorities that they must understand to respond to and eliminate internal and external data security threats.

Information Security Management

This course is based on the relationship between information security and the broader business objectives of an organization. The course normally caters to topics like best practices for information security, and information security program management among others.

Ethical Hacking

Yes, you read this right! To become adept at cybersecurity, you must learn how to think like a hacker. This will prove to be useful as you will gain the requisite skills to respond to cyberattacks. You will be learning various aspects related to this area and will learn how encryption, firewalls, and security programs can fail, and how you can identify and evaluate the risks and threats and prepare a response strategy.

Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity and Concentration Options

As a student enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, you may have multiple concentration options to choose from. Here are a few variants of cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees.

BS in Cybersecurity

A BS in cybersecurity provides a fundamental understanding of information security. This program equips students with the skills to assess network vulnerabilities, safeguard data from cyber threats, and understand the legal aspects of information security. Graduates of this program can pursue various career opportunities, such as information security analyst, security administrator, and chief information security officer.

BS in Information Technology

A BS in IT program with a concentration on cybersecurity is primarily based on networking and security. Upon completion of this program, graduates can become eligible for positions such as IT manager or web developer.

BS in Computer Science

A BS in Computer Science with a cybersecurity specialization can enable the development of programming skills and also hone skills in data sciences, and software engineering. As a graduate of this degree, you can get a promising job as an information security analyst, computer and information systems manager, and chief information security officer.

BA in Computer Science

This degree primarily includes an applied computing curriculum covering a liberal arts core of roughly 48-49 hours, combined with a cybersecurity concentration, totaling around 66 hours. In addition to developing skills in critical thinking and technology ethics, students can also gain knowledge in areas such as cyber defense, computer forensics, and the fundamentals of cybersecurity.

BS in Information Assurance

This degree is primarily similar to a BS in cybersecurity and graduates of this program can pursue similar careers such as information security analyst, security administrator, chief information security officer, etc.

Career Opportunities for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity job outlook is quite promising as the degree prepares you for a lucrative career in the field of computer and information technology. The majority of jobs available to those with a bachelor’s in cybersecurity offer salaries that are significantly above the median income for all jobs in the US. Many graduates opt for roles as information security analysts, with a median annual salary of $112,000. Positions at the higher end of the spectrum like chief information security officers, command an even higher average annual salary.
That said, here are a few cybersecurity-related positions you can consider when you graduate with a cybersecurity major. The education requirements in the cybersecurity job market are mainly a bachelor’s with or without a requirement for experience depending on the nature of the job and the position level you are vying for.

Chief Information Security Officer

Chief information security officers are responsible for supervising an organization’s IT security. They formulate contingency plans, establish standards, and develop procedures to safeguard the integrity of the system infrastructure, as well as address security breaches. Their responsibilities also include assembling and managing a team of cybersecurity professionals.

Cybersecurity Consultants

Security consultants collaborate with organizations to ensure they adhere to the necessary cybersecurity measures. They must be adaptable to the specific requirements of each industry they serve and are well-versed in cybersecurity threats, networking, computing, and systems analysis.

Information Security Analysts

Information security analysts are responsible for designing and implementing security measures that protect IT systems and networks. This includes the development of security best practices and the continuous monitoring of an organization’s network for signs of breaches and vulnerabilities.

Security Auditor

Security auditors must have an understanding of networks, databases, and relevant government regulations. They create and conduct audits to assess an organization’s readiness in terms of cybersecurity safety and efficiency.

Security Architect

Security architects are responsible for maintaining an organization’s network and computer security. They leverage their understanding of hardware and software to plan and design cybersecurity features. Often, they conduct penetration tests to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of an IT environment.

FAQ’s

  • How to decide which is the best cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program?

    Selecting the right cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program is a decision that requires careful consideration. It is important to understand that the best program for one person may not be the best for another. Please keep in mind that while a degree from a prestigious institution may lead to greater interest from employers and potentially higher compensation, such a program also has a more competitive admission process and the tuition fee would also be considerably higher. Here are a few pertinent factors you must take into account when making this decision.

    • 1- Choose an institution with proper accreditation to increase your prospects of getting great opportunities, financial assistance, and also credit transfer options.
    • 2- You must consider whether you prefer a larger university with a wide range of opportunities or a smaller college with a more personal and intimate learning environment.
    • 3- Budget considerations have a significant impact on your decision. If you have cost concerns, you can consider public universities.
    • 4- If you are more inclined towards getting good job opportunities quickly, consider universities that offer various career development services such as resume assistance, mock interviews, and networking events, which can be instrumental in finding internships and job opportunities.

    • How much does a cybersecurity bachelor’s program cost?

      The cost of a cybersecurity bachelor’s program can vary depending on multiple factors. For instance, the reputation and status of the university play a significant role, with prestigious Ivy League institutions usually charging higher tuition fees. Public universities offer more affordable options compared to private colleges.
      The costs may also vary depending on your circumstances, for instance, the cost of living, medium of education, etc. Students getting an online degree would incur significantly lower expenses. Considering so many variables in the equation, it is somewhat challenging to determine a precise cost estimate for getting a degree in cybersecurity.

    • What are the admission criteria for Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity programs?

      The specific admission requirements for cybersecurity degree programs can vary from one program to another. However, the admission criteria are somewhat similar to what would be required in other degrees like a degree in criminal justice or any other discipline. In general, applicants usually need to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate, maintain a GPA ranging from 2.5 to 3.0, and provide satisfactory SAT/ACT scores.
      The application process normally includes potential students completing an online application, paying a nominal application fee, and providing their high school transcripts and standardized test scores. If you have an associate degree in cybersecurity or attained a certificate in cybersecurity you may have an advantage in terms of your admission prospects.

    • Can I get a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online?

      With the growing trend of online education and a diverse range of people inclining towards it, you may also be considering if it would be feasible for you to get a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online, particularly if you have a full-time job, some personal commitments, or any other issues.
      Most online bachelor’s programs in cybersecurity offer you the flexibility to access virtual classrooms, engage in effective discussions, attend lectures, and submit assignments as per your schedule.
      In some instances, online learning can be more cost-effective than in-person programs as online programs often offer tuition discounts or fee waivers, and provide free course materials. If you have an existing debt, you can continue doing your work to pay off your loans while pursuing your degree.
      However, when deciding whether to go the conventional route or get a degree online, it is also important that you consider your preferred learning style and the importance of aspects like extracurricular activities and student services etc.