{"id":113521,"date":"2022-06-20T10:31:24","date_gmt":"2022-06-20T17:31:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=113521"},"modified":"2022-08-05T13:07:50","modified_gmt":"2022-08-05T20:07:50","slug":"best-major-for-cybersecurity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/best-major-for-cybersecurity\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose a Major for Cyber Security: Degree Research Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There is an inevitable pressure that comes with searching for a major that aligns with your future career goals<\/a>. This can be especially true if you\u2019re planning to study cyber security. You would definitely want to choose the best major for cyber security that doesn\u2019t only serve as a foundation for your skills but also looks good on your resume when you join the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With several options open to students, it could be pretty challenging to narrow down your top choices for the best major for cyber security. Differetn majors might be a good fit for different reasons, as each offers unique advantages and values. In this article, we show you how to choose a major for cyber security and what degree for cyber security suits best to your preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Choose a Career in Cyber Security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing a career in cyber security can introduce you to high-paying job opportunities in the market. Cyber security professionals earn an average annual salary of $100,473<\/a>, according to ZipRecruiter. This is more than double than the average annual wage of professionals in the US at $48,094. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the demand for cyber security professionals increases<\/a> every day as cyber crimes become rampant. In 2020-2021 alone, the open positions for cyber security climbed to almost 600,000<\/a>. This only indicates that the rising demand for cyber security can lead to employment stability and job security should you choose this career path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyber Security Job Outlook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecast a job growth of 33 percent for information security analysts<\/a> from 2020 to 2030. There will also be an estimated 188,300 open positions for information security analysts by 2030. Since the US BLS doesn\u2019t have specific data for cyber security professionals in general, we\u2019ve used information security analysts\u2019 data as the closest match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyber Security Job Satisfaction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Exabeam\u2019s survey reported a positive trend in the job satisfaction levels of cyber security professionals<\/a> for three consecutive years. From those surveyed, 96 percent stated that they\u2019re happy with their jobs and roles, while 87 percent stated that they\u2019re happy with their salaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyber Security Salary Potential<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
Career<\/th>\n Minimum Level of Education<\/th>\n Average Salary<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Chief Information Security Officer<\/td>\n Bachelor’s Degree<\/td>\n $203,887<\/a><\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Cyber Threat Analyst<\/td>\n Bachelor’s Degree<\/td>\n $101,287<\/a><\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Cyber Security Analyst<\/td>\n Bachelor’s Degree<\/td>\n $98,805<\/a><\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Data Security Analyst<\/td>\n Bachelor’s Degree<\/td>\n $97,894<\/a><\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Cyber Incident Responder<\/td>\n Associate Degree<\/td>\n $56,834<\/a><\/td>\n <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Choose a Major for Cyber Security: Tips for Selecting the Right Cyber Security Degree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tip 1: Conduct Extensive Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, do your research to be acquainted with the popular majors in cyber security. Read extensively on each of those majors to know what they entail and see the academic programs available. Which is better, taking them on-campus or through an online degree program<\/a>? Are you going to study in a public university or a private institution? These are a few questions you need to answer during your research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 2: Check the Cost and Financing Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A cyber security degree is both a significant financial commitment and an unmistakable career game-changer. Some online cyber security degrees can cost as low as $6,386<\/a>, so you might want to go with that option if your budget permits. However, if you want to enroll on-campus, which is much pricier than online, make sure to look into all of the scholarships and grants offered by the institutions you’re considering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 3: Know the School Reputation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you want to ensure that you receive your degree from a university that\u2019s popular for quality, a school’s reputation in your field of study still has more weight. Focus on being in colleges with a solid cyber security reputation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you’re searching for jobs or asking for a promotion, a cyber security program in a school with a good reputation can help you stand out. Some schools known for offering the best majors for cyber security<\/a> include Carnegie Mellon University, and Purdue University, among many others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 4: Find Out About the Faculty\u2019s Reputation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When choosing a degree in cyber security, a prospective student needs to wisely consider the faculty and its reputation, alongside the educational institution. You want to learn from a faculty who have great technical skills and are leaders in the cyber security field. They must also be aware of new trends and advances in their field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 5: Assess the Curriculum and Consider Practical Applications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The cyber security field is ever-changing, so it’s critical to find a program that not only teaches skills but also equips you with the tools you’ll need to be a lifelong learner. Schools that  maintain their curricula current and relevant to the industry demands should be on top of your shortlist. This shows that they best prepare their students for instant job placement following graduation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Degree for Cyber Security: Best Majors for a Cyber Security Career<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A
Cyber security requires technical skills, especially the mastery of using computers to encrypt and decrypt codes to prevent security risks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Computer Science<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When looking into cyber security degree programs, the first option you’ll come across is computer science. This major teaches the fundamental aspects of handling computers. Under this program, you can also choose to specialize in cyber security or take more cyber security-related courses, which you can use for your future job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n