Like the wide-ranging nature of the profession itself, cybersecurity degrees are offered in a number of formats. From cybersecurity associate’s degrees to advanced cybersecurity Ph.D. programs, colleges and universities have created a number of options to suit the needs of different kinds of students.
Some popular degree types and programs include:
Cybersecurity associate’s degree
An associate’s degree in cybersecurity is the first step towards a rewarding career in a growing and important industry. Associate degree programs can last anywhere from one year to two years and are designed to help students get baseline exposure to the cybersecurity industry and prepare to take industry certification exams.
Associate’s degrees are offered in both online and campus-based formats and are a solid option for students who are looking to explore the career before fully committing to a four-year degree program. The good news is that many undergraduate programs accept transfer credit, so there is a potential that the credits earned during an associate’s program can later be applied to a bachelor’s degree.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is often considered a necessity for entry into the cybersecurity profession. Because of the technical nature of the cybersecurity, companies, and organizations hiring for cybersecurity positions often (but not always) look for applicants holding a cybersecurity degree, or a degree in a closely related field.
One interesting trend in cybersecurity undergraduate programs is that they are increasingly becoming multidisciplinary and incorporating a number of fields, such as law, policy, and communications, as well as the traditional information security curriculum.
Another trend in undergraduate cybersecurity studies is that programs are becoming increasingly flexible in terms of when and where students can complete degree requirements. Campus, online, and hybrid cybersecurity programs exist across the country.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAMS
Cybersecurity master’s degree
A master’s degree in cybersecurity is a great option for students with a related undergraduate degree (such as computer science, engineering, or mathematics) who are looking to develop specific expertise and connections to take advantage of the massive opportunities unfolding in cybersecurity space.
Master’s degrees also allow students to explore and decide on a specialty within the field. In terms of cybersecurity, these options range from developing specific experience on data, networking, and information architecture and infrastructure to developing expertise as a testing or forensic analyst.
Given the growing number of opportunities in the cybersecurity field, a master’s degree is a great way to prepare for a future of leadership and advancement in the industry.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MASTER DEGREE PROGRAMS
Cybersecurity certification programs
Certification is an important facet of the cybersecurity industry. The kinds of certifications that exist can be broken down into two general categories. There are academic certification programs, which are designed to help professionals that already have degrees or work experience to sharpen cybersecurity skills. These programs exist at both the post-baccalaureate level and for professionals looking for more senior or executive-level training.
Professional certification programs are also part of the cybersecurity field. Most jobs require some level of professional certification, and many of the certifications require updating or challenging to stay current.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Cybersecurity Ph.D. programs
Like other cybersecurity degree programs, there has also been an evolution in cybersecurity Ph.D. programs. With increased flexibility and more options to study across disciplines, cybersecurity Ph.D. programs have never been more attractive to students looking to really refine their expertise.
Often Ph.D. programs within technical disciplines like computer science and engineering are best geared towards professionals looking for roles in research, or something closely related.
However, a lot of industry leadership roles also require some level of advanced education, including a Ph.D. One thing is for sure, the cybersecurity industry is growing so fast, and is projected to be in the growth phase for several years, that professionals with relevant doctoral degrees certainly will have ample career opportunities.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PH.D. PROGRAMS
MBA in cybersecurity
Even though cybersecurity is considered a technical field, the industry requires a wide array of well-trained professionals. Recently, to meet the growing demand for management and consulting roles, universities have begun offering Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees with a specific focus in cybersecurity.
These new MBA programs combine both technical background and expertise with the organizational, finance, and management side of a traditional business degree. This opens up a lot of possibilities and potential for career options.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CYBERSECURITY MBA PROGRAMS
Master’s information security
A master’s in information security or a master’s in information assurance prepares students to take leadership roles within the cybersecurity industry.
LEARN MORE ABOUT A MASTER’S IN INFORMATION SECURITY
Looking for more? Be sure to also check out our career section, which contains more information about how different degree tracks map to cybersecurity career opportunities.
Our resource section contains information about scholarships and other useful information when considering pursuing a cybersecurity degree.