Unless a person volunteers information about their degree and the college of their choosing, employers usually won't know whether a student earned a degree online or in a classroom. But let’s cut out the fluff and get straight to the statistics. This profession combines mathematics, statistics, and computer science to create algorithms and various security systems to encrypt and encode data. There may be some courses that touch on security, but for the most part, it is on you to learn security and get involved with the community. Comp sci is more technical but is less specific to the field of cyber security while cyber security degrees are more specific but may lack important computer science theory and fundamentals. Cybersecurity Jobs are on the Rise. Information security. Cybersecurity certificate programs are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years to complete. There are ample job opportunities for both information technology and cybersecurity degree holders as the number of qualified workers has not grown enough to keep pace with the demand. Over the past three years, I have worked to provide quality content to enable aspiring cyber security professionals to start their careers. Information technology security. But, they do share a goal. If you are new to the cyber security field, you have probably heard many people and job postings mention certifications. The generalize then specialize approach is very applicable with the comp sci degree route into cyber security. This presents prospective students with a serious dilemma. As you can see, cyber security degrees cover a very wide range of topics. This does not influence our evaluations. Share: Introduction. Information systems security. Is a Cybersecurity Degree a Good Choice For Me? This does not influence our evaluations. “Generalize then specialize” is a very valid concept and a great approach to cyber security. Before deciding whether a Cyber Security degree is worth it, consider these facts. Second, due to rapidly evolving threats and the skills needed to identify them, the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Sec… If you are very technical and are willing to learn security on your own time and get involved with the cyber security community, comp sci may be the best route for you. This is not something we have to deal with in cyber security degree programs. The market for cybersecurity jobs, for example, is expected to increase more than 200% by 2020. Fill the Global Gap. Although the total cost for a cybersecurity degree or masters varies from school to school, the average cost of a cybersecurity degree will be anything between $20,000 and $70,000. An IA degree holder learns what measures and approaches to take. This decision depends on a lot of personal factors, but in this article, we will be breaking down the pros and cons of each route and help you decide for yourself. Both computer science and cyber security degrees will get you a job in cyber security. Choosing a certification is a decision that must not be taken lightly. For Cotner, earning a bachelors degree made the likelihood of promotion within the U.S. Border Patrol that much more of a reality. Cryptographers often ply their craft in workplaces where the protection and transmission of data is extremely sensitive, such as in government agencies. Cybersecurity majors focuses on more technical aspects. These connections go a long way and will really help you build hands-on experience that you can demonstrate to employers. And cyber security, a subset of it. The most important thing you can do to advance your career is to advance your education. You’ve heard about all of the enriching benefits of higher education. This is by design; the cyber security industry is very broad and these degree programs are designed to introduce you to many of the areas within the field. Many other degree programs like engineering and comp sci have “weed-out courses” that are geared towards thinning out the heard because those job markets are more competitive. Cybersecurity Certificate vs. Certification vs. Information technology specialists have myriad career paths to consider, many of which are seeing strong job growth today. A degree in cybersecurity is equally beneficial in the job market. Those interested in cybersecurity usually earn a bachelor’s in computer science. You are exchanging your and your money and want to ensure that you are making the best decision for your career development. This approach ensures that you have a very good understanding of the systems your securing. Studies show that 46% of those who transition from IT to cybersecurity say their IT career helped them gain experience with different types of technologies. It might be said that cyber security students are detectives or investigators and that the virtual world is their jurisdiction. Cyber security degree programs also allow you to network with other security students and form clubs and organizations around specific interests. Regardless of your degree, experience is a large factor in salary determination, so make sure you stay current with changes in technology and best practices and consider earning skills certificates through companies like ISC2, CompTIA, and CISCO that offer industry standard certifications that can boost your earning potential. There is high growth in the industry and reports predict it will continue. A computer science degree has a broader focus than a degree in cybersecurity, which provides a much more comprehensive examination of that field.An education in cybersecurity can also provide excellent job opportunities. They have a passion for technology and are intrigued by the problems posed by cyber criminals, cryptography, and the laws and ethics surrounding privacy and intellectual property. While IT degree programs and job descriptions include a level of information security literacy, “cybersecurity” refers to a narrowly focused set of skills that includes cyber operations, information assurance, risk analysis, incident analysis, and digital forensics. The computer science degree is definitely much broader (a lot of systems, algos, dev) and the security courses in that program are good but not great. Those in the late stage of their career make up only 3.8% of all cybersecurity analysts, and they can expect around a 36% increase in pay (equaling around $102,000). Computer Science vs Cybersecurity Master’s Degree 2 months ago David Byrd . The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Excelsior College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and our IT program has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. In my experience in taking both cyber security and computer science courses, cyber security professors and staff are much more supportive in ensuring that all students can succeed. You'll need to have a deeper understanding of everything that happens in … Is my employer an Excelsior College Partner? To secure data and make sure it is safe. According to CyberSeek, a master’s degree is not required for the majority of cybersecurity jobs. 7 Facts to consider about the value of a Cyber Security degree. Learn More. Many colleges are still developing them as you read this article, because of this the concepts and topics that the degrees cover are not very uniform. Cybersecurity Certificates . Degree: Cybersecurity Certificate – add to BS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Or do you want to be the person in the room that can answer why it works? Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree will deepen your cybersecurity-specific skills or, if working in IT, expand your general knowledge base. Whatever you call it, this is one of the most attractive, lucrative, rewarding (and dare we say, sexy?) Many … Computer science degree vs cyber security degree? This is not to discourage you from a cyber degree at all, it just means that you need to do your research to ensure the college your selecting is covering the areas of cyber security you want to learn. Andrew: When it comes to cyber security, ask yourself – do you want to be the person in the room that can answer how it works? If you’re looking to take the next step in yours, here are five reasons why earning a cybersecurity degree is worth it. According to estimates, the global cybersecurity workforce will have more than 3.5 million unfilled positions by 2021. Most comp sci degree programs have many “weed out” courses where they try to cut out the students who cannot pass. Information technology, Sprissler explained, is a broad term for careers and degree programs that cover a wide range of skills, including network administration, web design and development, database administration, software development, and even cybersecurity operations. This degree program is at the cutting edge of cyber security and it very technical and difficult. This page shows a selection of the available Bachelors programmes in Australia. If you chose this route, make sure you are not neglecting the computing theory even if you have to learn this information on your own time. A cybersecurity certificate is generally tied to an educational program and represents the completion of coursework. My Excelsior Support Resources Areas of Study Tuition and Aid Admissions About, Excelsior College 7 Columbia Circle Albany, NY 12203-5159, We use cookies to ensure the best web experience possible. Computer science feels more like an everyone for themselves type of mentality. Let’s take a look at the best cyber security certifications for beginners.... Not all cyber security professionals need to know how to code. You can learn more about how we use cookies in our, Corporate, Association, and Government Partners, Community College and Other Academic Partners, AAS in Administrative and Management Studies, Career and Professional Skills Training Courses, RN to MS in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems, MS in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems, BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Estimate Your Tuition and Time to Completion, Online Transcript Request for Students and Alumni, OneTranscript® Service for Non-Excelsior Students, Center for Military and Veteran Education, Credit for IT Certifications, Training, and Exams, Credit for Nursing Certifications and Licenses, Credit for FEMA Training and PMP Certification, No Application Fee until February 28 - Apply Today. Students who opt for Misericordia University benefit from a cyber security undergraduate degree, in particular, a BS in Information Technology Security. Cybersecurity certificate programs are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years to complete. … A cybersecurity certificate is generally tied to an educational program and represents the completion of coursework. Cybersecurity Technology Programs Bachelor's Degree Careers. Lead by Ethan Sprissler, faculty program director for cybersecurity at Excelsior College; Lisa Romano-Arnold, regional director of government and workforce partnerships at Excelsior; and Tom Formby, senior human resources specialist for outreach, diversity, and inclusion recruitment policy, and outreach at U.S. Office of Personnel Management, in Washington, DC, the program explained career paths and degree programs in-depth for recent graduates and those considering their next technology degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth rate for computer science jobs and a 28% growth rate for information security jobs through 2026. Computer science degree vs cyber security degree? In large metropolitan areas, salaries for those with cybersecurity degrees have been outpacing salaries for most general information technology positions. Cybersecurity is experiencing a severe shortage of talent today. But if you do know how to code you will boost your productivity and make you an extremely valuable member of your cyber security team. Professionals considering an advanced cybersecurity or computer science degree often weigh other common questions: What career options are available for computer science and cybersecurity? Information Assurance keeps a theoretical approach. At Cyber Career School, we aim to empower you as a cyber security professional and make decisions with confidence. “it” careers. Computer science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their implementation and application in computer systems. Cyber security jobs are on the rise Learning the fundamentals of computing before learning any security is my preferred approach and I wish that cyber security degree programs would adopt this mentality. If you go this route you will have to make an extra effort to get involved with cyber security clubs and organizations, but if you do it right it will pay dividends! Degree. While IT degree programs and job descriptions include a level of information security literacy, “cybersecurity” refers to a narrowly focused set of skills that includes cyber operations, information assurance, risk analysis, incident analysis, and digital forensics. Both from malicious users. Written by Jackie Buchy on June 30, 2016.Posted in Cyber Security Degree.What’s the difference between cyber security and IT security?There are many overlapping areas between these two terms, but what’s the technical difference? Visit our Events Page at https://www.excelsior.edu/events/to see a listing of upcoming webinars. Cyber Security vs Computer Science Degree – Which is Right for You? However, individuals interested in pursuing a career in IT may be at a loss of the benefits of a degree in cybersecurity vs. software engineering. Simply put it, a computer science degree is a computer science degree, whereas cybersecurity undergraduate programs vary in type, length, and general concepts being covered. Being a late-career cybersecurity analyst puts you in an elite category of this job role. Compounding the problem is cybersecurity’s … While the IT and cybersecurity fields run parallel, there are some nuances to each that perspective students should be aware of when considering a degree program. A degree demonstrates a candidate’s dedication, discipline, and hard work. The why is going to be cyber security engineering. Penn State’s Cyber Security Analytics and Operations Major, 7 Best Cyber Security Certifications For Beginners, 6 Best Programming Languages to Learn for Cyber Security, Everything You Need To Know About The CySA+ – Tips, Alternatives, and Study Materials, Is the CEH Worth It? Formby explained in more detail the process of finding a position within the federal government using resources like USAJobs.com and the Pathways Program, proving that rewarding and well-paying job opportunities are available even for the most recent cybersecurity and IT graduates. On the other hand, some schools provide a “cyber security degree” that is nothing more than an information technology degree with a class or two that focuses on security. Comp sci is more technical but is less specific to the field of cyber security while cyber security degrees are more specific but may lack important computer science theory and fundamentals. They leave it up to the Cybersecurity Specialist to execute them. If you're interested in studying a IT Security degree in Australia you can view all 9 Bachelors programmes.You can also read more about IT Security degrees in general, or about studying in Australia.Many universities and colleges in Australia offer English-taught Bachelor's degrees. Cybersecurity is no longer just an information technology problem — it’s a business risk for all nonprofit organizations. Computer science degrees are very technical and can be very valuable for cyber security jobs. First, the math- and science-heavy core course load is dwarfed drastically. That aside, info sec is a wider field. Nowadays, employers respect an online cybersecurity degree just as they would a traditional degree earned in a brick-and-mortar program. Cybersecurity vs. Computer Science Degrees | Maryville Online Free online.maryville.edu A computer science degree has a broader focus than a degree in cybersecurity , which provides a much more comprehensive examination of that field. Fill out the form to request a call from an admissions counselor and receive more information about our programs. Many colleges have recognized the difference between computer science and cyber security and offer separate programs. It used to be that universities offered security-focused courses within their computer science programs. Information Security Analyst vs Cyber Security Analyst. Three significant factors differentiate a cybersecurity degree from a computer science degree. (Costs & Alternatives Explained), Specific security topics that directly apply to jobs in cyber security, Tells companies you have foundational cyber security knowledge, Can be very advanced if you find a mature cyber security college program, Cyber security degrees are not the same from school to school, Cyber security degrees are new and will have “growing pains”, Strong emphasis on concepts and theory (not every college), Very strong foundation in math and computer theory, Provides a great foundation for pen testers or very technical security engineers, Requires additional “extracurricular” cyber security research and practice. I will use Penn State’s Cyber Security Analytics and Operations Major as an example. To make this possible, many of our featured programs are from our partners. Your degree in network security can be applied to other security-related jobs. The need for a combination of technical ability with analytical and problem-solving skills make them the perfect professions for the person who likes to evolve their skills at the speed of technology. It also shows that the degree-holder has vast amounts of knowledge on the subject, as gaining a degree in fields like cybersecurity, mathematics, or computer science is not an easy task. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a popular... At Cyber Career School, we aim to empower you as a cyber security professional and make decisions with confidence. Due to the increasing demand of technology in homes and businesses, careers in the field of information technology are equally experiencing high demand. Cyber Security vs IT Security: Is There a Difference? Cybersecurity degree-holders may also embark on careers as cryptographers. This is due to the massive shortage of professionals cyber security is experiencing. If you are looking to get into cyber security by the more formal “degree route”, you will be confronted with the decision between choosing whether you should get a computer science degree or a cyber security degree. Ashley Picillo, founder of Point Seven Group, serves as an industrial advisory committee member to Excelsior College’s Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control. Cybersecurity Analytics vs. Cybersecurity Engineering. While a degree is no guarantee, and no one has a crystal ball, the answer is a likely YES. Degree vs. certification in the late career: Cybersecurity analyst. When you’re ready to job-search, there are many employment options for both IT and cybersecurity grads across industries as varied as health care, finance, and manufacturing, but one of the leading employers is the federal government. The concept of a cyber security degree is a relatively new concept. If you are willing to put in the extra work, a computer science degree will make you a very important member of a cyber security team. With hundreds of schools offering programs, dozens of degree focuses and even more professional certs to study for, it pays to be prepared. If you are fortunate enough to have access to a mature accredited cyber security program then you should consider it. One of the hot topics that will always come up when evaluating computer science vs. cybersecurity is the cost of the degree. Reach out to me at colin@cybercareerschool.com, About the Author | Contact: colin@cybercareerschool.com | YouTube Channel, Privacy Policy     Cyber Career School Disclosure     Terms of Use. 1. Cyber security (or cybersecurity). My experience in the industry as a consultant provides me with a wealth of information on Cyber Security and how it is applied across all sectors and their individual demands. In my personal experience, cyber security university staff will do whatever it takes to ensure that every student that is willing to do the work will be successful! An Information Security Analyst or Info Sec Analyst is not the same as a Cyber Security Analyst. Misericordia University. Some cyber security degree programs can get very technical and difficult. But there are so many IT and cyber security certifications out there. With the serious skills gap that the cyber security industry is experiencing colleges have identified the demand for cyber security-specific programs. My final advice on cyber security degrees is to do your research and ensure you will be getting what you want from this 4-year investment. When it comes to a cybersecurity bootcamp, it’s important to remember that, even though one may be gung-ho about learning a lot at an advanced rate, it is still called a “bootcamp.” Attending a bootcamp doesn’t mean that one obtains a college degree and facing the question of bootcamp vs … Going the comp sci degree route can really set you up well for a technical role in cyber security as long as you are willing to put in the work and learn cyber security on your own time. To make this possible, many of our featured programs are from our partners. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics backs this up. To learn more about computer science degrees, read this article . Both computer science and cyber security degrees will get you a job in cyber security. Cyber Security education requires a unique, structured approach and I have designed CyberCareerSchool.com and my YouTube Channel Cyber Career School to provide just that.