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What Can You Do With a Cybersecurity Degree?
09/22/2023•12 minute read
If you're considering a degree in cybersecurity, you're on the path to an exciting and ever-evolving career. But what exactly can you do with a cybersecurity degree, and why is it a good major?
In this blog, we’ll explore everything there is to know about cybersecurity, including whether it’s a good major, and all the different career paths you can take as a cybersecurity graduate.
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What is Cybersecurity?
In simple terms, cybersecurity is the practice of safeguarding digital systems, networks, devices, and data from theft, damage, or unauthorized access. It's like a digital bodyguard, ensuring that your online world remains safe and secure.
Cybersecurity experts are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to keep cybercriminals at bay. Here's what their job usually entails:
- Risk Assessment: Cybersecurity experts begin by identifying potential vulnerabilities in your digital fortress. They analyze your system's weak points and evaluate the risks associated with them.
- Implementing Security Measures: Once vulnerabilities are identified, these experts create and enforce security measures. These measures can include firewalls, encryption, strong password policies, and software updates to patch any weaknesses.
- Monitoring and Detection: Cybersecurity experts use cutting-edge tools to keep a constant eye on your digital kingdom. They're on the lookout for any unusual activities or signs of an impending cyberattack.
- Incident Response: In the unfortunate event of a cyberattack, these experts leap into action. They contain the damage, investigate the breach, and work on strengthening your defenses to prevent future attacks.
- Education and Training: Cybersecurity is a team effort, and these experts ensure that everyone in your digital kingdom knows how to protect themselves. They conduct training sessions to teach safe online practices.
- Adapting to New Threats: Cyber threats are ever-evolving, like shape-shifting monsters. Cybersecurity experts stay ahead by constantly learning about new threats and adapting their strategies to counter them.
Is Cybersecurity a Good Major?
Here’s a few compelling reasons why pursuing a cybersecurity degree might be your ticket to a thrilling and rewarding career:
1. You’ll Learn Specialized and Technical Skillset Development
Imagine you're an adventurer gearing up for a quest. Cybersecurity is like your trusty toolkit, filled with gadgets and skills to protect the digital realms. Pursuing a cybersecurity major equips you with:
- Network Security: You'll become a maestro of safeguarding digital networks, preventing unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Encryption: You'll learn the art of encoding data to make it indecipherable to anyone without the key.
- Penetration Testing: You'll be probing systems for vulnerabilities, helping organizations strengthen their defenses.
- Coding and Programming: You'll gain programming skills to tackle cyber threats head-on.
2. You’ll Have a Wide Range of Career Opportunities
There's a plethora of wildly different career opportunities waiting for you, all of them fulfilling. Some of the roles you can take as a cybersecurity graduate include being a security analyst, ethical hacker, security consultant, incident responder, cryptographer, or security engineer.
3. You’ll Make a Good Salary
The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is soaring, which translates to excellent earning potential. Salaries can vary, but they tend to be above-average, providing you with financial stability and room for growth.
4. You’ll be in a Dynamic, Modern Field
If you're someone who craves excitement and change, cybersecurity is the place to be. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated. As a cybersecurity expert, you'll be at the forefront of this dynamic field, always learning, adapting, and innovating.
What Can You Do With a Cybersecurity Degree?
So, what exactly can you do with a cybersecurity degree? Let's explore some of the top career paths that await you in the world of cybersecurity.
What Can You Do With a Cybersecurity Degree?
| Role | Average Yearly Salary |
|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $97,197 |
| Ethical Hacker | $112,888 |
| Security Consultant | $171,577 |
| Cryptographer | $99,321 |
| Security Engineer | $143,008 |
| Security Manager/Director | $72,680 |
Salary estimates retrieved from Glassdoor (21 Sep 2023)
1. Security Analyst
Imagine being the digital detective of the cyberworld. As a security analyst, you'll be responsible for uncovering vulnerabilities, monitoring networks, and identifying potential threats.
Your mission is to protect sensitive data and ensure that your organization's digital assets remain secure.
Average yearly salary (Glassdoor): $97,197
2. Ethical Hacker (Penetration Tester)
Ever wanted to be a "good guy" hacker? Ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers, are the cyber heroes who use their hacking skills for good. You'll get to legally break into computer systems, discover weaknesses, and help organizations shore up their defenses. It's like being a cybersecurity superhero!
Average yearly salary (Glassdoor): $112,888
3. Security Consultant
Put your expertise to work by offering valuable advice to businesses and organizations. As a security consultant, you'll assess their cybersecurity strategies, provide recommendations, and help them build robust defenses against cyber threats. Your insights will be invaluable in safeguarding their digital realms.
Average yearly salary (Glassdoor): $171,577
4. Cryptographer
If you have a passion for puzzles and a love for mathematics, cryptography might be your calling. Cryptographers develop encryption algorithms to protect sensitive data from prying eyes. Your work will be crucial in ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of information in the digital age.
Average yearly salary (Glassdoor): $99,321
5. Security Engineer
As a security engineer, you'll be the architect of digital fortresses. Your job is to design and build secure systems, networks, and applications from the ground up. You'll work to preemptively eliminate vulnerabilities and ensure that security is baked into every layer of technology.
Average yearly salary (Glassdoor): $143,008
6. Security Manager/Director
If you have leadership aspirations, a cybersecurity degree can lead you to roles like security manager or director. You'll oversee an organization's entire cybersecurity strategy, manage teams of experts, and make critical decisions to protect your digital kingdom.
Average yearly salary (Glassdoor): $72,680
Choosing the Right Cybersecurity Program
Cybersecurity is a dynamic field that offers a range of exciting opportunities, but it does demand a keen eye for detail and a dedication to staying updated on ever-evolving threats.
If you're intrigued by the digital world, enjoy technical challenges, and want to play a pivotal role in safeguarding data and systems, then cybersecurity could be your calling. Keep in mind that it requires continuous learning and adaptability, but the rewards are substantial, with high demand for professionals in the field.
If you need help deciding on the right major for you, our expert strategists can help! Students working with Crimson are up to 7 times more likely to gain admission to their dream universities!
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