Is a Master's in Cybersecurity Degree Worth It?
Due to the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, there is a need for nearly 2.7 million cybersecurity jobs globally.1 With such a high demand for cybersecurity experts, it is a great time to consider getting a master’s in cybersecurity.
Why Earning a Master's in Cybersecurity is Beneficial
One of the top benefits to earning a master's in cybersecurity is the opportunity for career advancement in this high-demand field. Other reasons you may want to consider pursuing an advanced degree in cybersecurity include:
- Investment in the future
- Stand out in today’s job market
- Pursue interests in great technical depth
- Serve the community in a unique way
- Contribute to the cybersecurity community
- Receive academic recognition
- Work with the best in every industry
A master’s in cybersecurity can allow learners to meet talented people within the industry. From professors, fellow students or industry professionals, there are better opportunities to network. Networking can help degree holders find future jobs and gain insightful advice.
Career Possibilities for Master's in Cybersecurity Degree Graduates
Earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity opens new doors to new opportunities. You will have a higher education that will allow you to move up the ladder faster. Here are a few additional jobs you may be qualified for:
- Computer and information systems manager
- Information security analyst
- Computer network support specialist
- Computer network architect
- Database administrator
- Database architect
- Network and computer systems administrator
Specialize Your Master's in Cybersecurity Degree With an Emphasis
When you earn your master’s in cybersecurity degree, you will be able to specialize in certain aspects of cybersecurity. Some of these include:
- Information Systems: This is the combination of hardware, software and telecommunications networks that people build and use to collect, create and distribute useful data, especially in organizational settings.
- Network Security: This specialization focuses on risk management, protecting the integrity, confidentiality and availability of computer networks and data using both software and hardware technologies.
- Forensic Cybersecurity: This specialization applies investigative analysis techniques to gather and preserve evidence from a particular computing device in a way that is suitable for presentation in a court of law. The goal of computer forensics is to perform a structured investigation while maintaining a documented chain of evidence to find out exactly what happened on a computing device.
No matter what field you choose, a cybersecurity program could ensure that you have the tools needed to continue learning in the field.
Opportunities for High-Level Career Advancement
In just about every field, earning a master's degree may qualify you for more advanced opportunities at many workplaces, and a higher pay as well. Cybersecurity is no different. When you earn a cybersecurity master's degree you are showing your employer that you have a strong education in cybersecurity and that you are dedicated to the field.
During a cybersecurity degree program, learners will likely have to complete a research project with practical applications to the field. This can be used as a portfolio piece to show off different skills when searching for a higher-level position with different employers.
Demand for Experts and Critical Thinkers
Technology continues to change throughout the years. The way hackers exploit those changes continues at a rapid pace as well. Because cybersecurity experts are stretched thin with the growing number of remote workers, there will be more opportunities for cybercrime and security attacks.
Earning an advanced cybersecurity degree will help prepare students to multitask and be proactive in getting ahead of savvy cyber criminals. Learners can be ready for whatever their new working circumstances have in store for digital and technological security.
Making an Impact on the Community
With so many companies needing cybersecurity professionals, students with extensive knowledge can help their communities. Smaller businesses can benefit from being consulted by a veteran in the industry. Since some hardware can be very expensive, having a professional to direct businesses to improve security and save money can help the community at large.
Also, many workers can benefit from having master’s degree holders in management positions. By preventing cyberattacks and keeping infrastructure secure, cybersecurity analysts can keep businesses running and help prevent major issues.
Strong Job Security for Cybersecurity Professionals
As more people are working from home, businesses will be looking for professionals with excellent cybersecurity skills to keep information safe and business functional. The greater level of training learners can gain after earning your master’s in cybersecurity degree can lead to additional professional growth in this field.
The 2021 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study found that companies have 4.19 million cybersecurity professionals to protect their valuable information, but they could use an additional 2.7 million.1 So, by earning an advanced cybersecurity degree, you may experience both career security and career growth.
If you are ready to build on your foundational knowledge of cybersecurity, then consider earning a master's in cybersecurity. Join us at Grand Canyon University where you can earn your Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree online.
1 Retrieved from (ISC)2, A Resilient Cybersecurity Profession Charts the Path Forward: (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 2021 in September 2022.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
