Key takeaways
- A Cybersecurity major has become a highly sought-after degree as organizations transition to cloud computing and the need for cybersecurity professionals grows.
- Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for safeguarding a company’s internal network systems from various online threats.
- In a cybersecurity degree students learn how to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats, and study technologies that protect digital devices from attacks.
- Cybersecurity experts are employed in various industries, including government agencies, banks, hospitals, IT firms, and manufacturing.
- Essential personality traits for cybersecurity professionals include curiosity, problem-solving, thirst for knowledge, perseverance, and excellent communication.
- According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for Information Systems Analysts is expected to grow by 33% in the next 10 years.
- Other job opportunities in the field of cybersecurity include computer systems administrator, security engineer, and cyber security consultant.
A cyber security major is becoming one of the most sought-after degree programs in the world. As the shift to the digital landscape continues, a larger number of organizations are transitioning to cloud computing. Where an offsite computing system has its benefits, it also has serious security threats. That’s where cybersecurity professionals help!
In this article, we discuss cybersecurity programs in detail and list signs students can use to identify if it is the right choice for them or not. Additionally, we list some colleges offering cybersecurity degrees for students interested in the field.
What is a cyber security major in college?
A cybersecurity degree involves the study of technologies that help protect digital devices from unwanted attacks. In today’s digital landscape, nearly all important communication and transactions take place online. Without cybersecurity professionals, this would not be possible.
Imagine a world where Internet banking didn’t exist, remote work wasn’t a possibility, and important documents could only be moved with a security entourage. The information stored on digital devices such as credit card information, and personal details such as social security numbers, and account details is very valuable. Several unethical hackers try to gain access to the information and then sell it for money or demand ransom in return.
By pursuing a cyber security major, students can become part of professionals who protect data, networks, and devices from criminals. They are responsible for ensuring that organizations in the government and private sector can carry out day-to-day operations smoothly.
Needless to say, the job of a cybersecurity professional is a tough and indispensable one. Thus, their demand is at an all-time high. In a cyber security major, students learn how to take pre-emptive measures against online threats, how to strengthen the security of IT systems, and how to identify malicious activity and the best ways to stop it.
Every industry across the globe employs the services of cyber security professionals. Some of the largest employers include:
- Government agencies and organizations
- Banks
- Hospitals
- IT firms
- Manufacturing
Cybersecurity professionals are essential in organizations. They identify flaws in an organization’s IT infrastructure and take steps to strengthen them. Malicious attempts to gain information come in many forms, including password attacks, malware, phishing, and more.
There are different types of cyber security measures that professionals can take to keep unauthorized people from gaining access to sensitive data. These include critical infrastructure, information systems, cloud, and application security measures.
Thus, several colleges across the US are offering a cybersecurity security major to keep up with the demand.
What are the 5 major signs that tell you should choose a cyber security major?
While a cybersecurity major may sound attractive, it might not be for everyone. Certain characteristics and personality traits make some students more ideal for a career in cyber security. Here are five of the tell-tale signs you are ideal for a career in cyber security.
You have a curious mind
Curiosity is essential for cyber security professionals. To succeed in the field, students must possess a thirst for knowledge. Ideally, they will have an interest in computer systems and IT infrastructure with a focus on building an understanding of how they work.
It is curiosity that will ensure they keep an eye on every aspect of the IT infrastructure. Additionally, it might aid them in early identification of hacking attempts. A curious mind will notice even the smallest of glitches and find out why it happened.
Curiosity is a fundamental trait for anyone in the cybersecurity field. It is the driving force that will fuel innovation and problem-solving. Moreover, it enables adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape, as it ensures early discovery of evolving trends.
If you are always thinking about ‘why’ such as ‘why this is happening’, or ‘why the system slowed down for even a millisecond’, a cyber security major is ideal for you.
You enjoy problem-solving
Cybersecurity threats are a lot more prevalent than you think. There are many unethical hackers out there constantly trying to find their way in to make a quick buck or two. You’d be surprised at how extensive such operations are.
A cyber security professional will be met with many challenges when on duty. On some days, there may not be any unwanted interruptions. However, on the days that there are, the problem can become really big, really quick.
Malware and cyber security threats are designed to inflict the maximum amount of damage as soon as possible. As the security manager, you will have to think quickly and have a knack for problem-solving.
Your first instinct should always be to fight as you cannot afford to freeze or step away. A moment’s delay can mean the loss of millions of dollars worth of information. If you are a natural-born problem solver who is quick on his feet and has an even quicker mind, a cyber security major may be the perfect choice for you.
You have a thirst for knowledge
Are you always on the lookout for the latest technologies, industry trends, software, and certifications? If yes, then cyber security is the right career choice for you.
The rate of technological innovation in the information systems and security field is mind-blowing. A natural interest in the field is a must-have to keep up with the ever-evolving digital landscape.
A cyber security major provides a strong base in the field. However, the learning is essentially ongoing, and students will have to follow blogs, industry leaders, and professional organizations to ensure they are up to date.
Additional certifications are a great source of knowledge, and they also help enhance the credibility of those with a cybersecurity degree. However, they are not enough. You will have to interact with peers on social forums and independently seek out knowledge and trends in the industry.
Without an ongoing learning system, cyber security professionals might find themselves trying to protect digital infrastructure against what they don’t understand. Thus, a natural interest in learning about cybersecurity is definitely an asset.
You don’t give up easily
Perseverance and resilience are essential qualities in a cybersecurity professional. Those trying to hack into your system have literally nothing better to do and are willing to go all in, just to get access to the data you are trying to protect. Thus, you have to be even more determined to keep them out.
That could mean long working hours, and in case of a break-in attempt, even days of constant surveillance. A true dedication to the craft is a must-have as cyber security is not an easy profession.
On good days, your job will feel like a breeze. On bad days, like a nightmare. Make sure you have the heart and mind to be able to navigate such a tumultuous job role before you enroll in a cybersecurity major.
You are an excellent communicator
Cybersecurity is a vast operation and is never a one-man job. There will usually be a team of professionals, each of whom will have a set of responsibilities. Together, the team will protect the complete IT infrastructure, network, company data, and so on.
The teammates all must work together and be on the same page at all times. Internal communication issues can create irregularities in system maintenance and security checks, leading to bigger problems.
Thus, if you are thinking of pursuing a cybersecurity major, you should also focus on enhancing your communication skills. Even though cyber security degrees have the option to take communication courses, they may not be enough for everyone.
If you struggle with communication, delegation, or coordination, take additional steps to overcome these issues. We suggest you step out of your comfort zone during your college education and interact with your peers. Join clubs, and take part in seminars, discussion platforms, and other extracurricular activities to improve communication skills.
What is the career outlook for a cyber security major?
According to an article by Forbes, the career outlook for cybersecurity professionals is incredibly bright. Currently, there is a severe deficit between demand and supply. There are several unethical hackers trying to steal sensitive information from big and small businesses.
In fact, small businesses alone are expected to lose more than $9.5 million worth of data due to security breaches. The numbers for large organizations are a lot higher. Thus, the demand for cybersecurity experts is rapidly growing.
Due to the high demand, and the sensitivity of the nature of the job, cyber security professionals earn higher than average salary. Compared to the career outlook for entrepreneurs, another sought-after degree, cyber security is a lot more financially rewarding.
Here are a few of the potential job opportunities for cybersecurity professionals and their median pay.
| Job role | Median pay |
| Information systems analyst | $120,360/yr |
| Computer systems administrator | $95,360/yr |
| Cybersecurity consultant | $99,400/yr |
| Security engineer | $135,381/yr |
By pursuing a cybersecurity major, students have the opportunity to work in one of the most financially rewarding fields in the world. The high demand for cyber security professionals is fueling the growth.
Those looking for high-paying degrees to enroll in should consider cybersecurity. The career outlook for the field is bright and the average pay scale is higher than most professions. These include traditionally high-paying job roles in various fields such as human resources, finance, business entrepreneurship, and so on.
How to choose colleges for a cyber security major?
Several colleges across the US offer IT security degrees. The sheer number of available options is bound to confuse even the most sort of individuals. However, with the right degree advice, the decision becomes a whole lot easier.
Before you select a college, use the following metrics to judge the worth of each available option.
- Degree curriculum
- Admission requirements
- Acceptance rate
- Graduation requirements
- Tuition cost
- Available financial assistance
By carefully perusing the degree curriculum, students can acquaint themselves with the available cybersecurity classes. Which in turn gives them an idea of the skills and knowledge they will gain from the four-year program.
Then they must consider the admission requirements, and the acceptance rate to get an idea of the probability of their application being accepted. Additionally, they should look at tuition costs, available financial assistance, and graduation requirements.
A careful examination of the degree curriculum, and available cybersecurity courses will help students pick the ideal college. If cost is an important consideration, they can explore an online cybersecurity degree.
List of colleges offering a cyber security major
Here are a few colleges with excellent cybersecurity programs online and on campus. Make sure you review each degree program to determine which one is best for you.
| College | Min. GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Western Michigan University | 3.0 | 84.6% | $14,623 |
| DePaul University | 2.0 | 70.2% | $42,840 |
| Webster University | 3.65 | 55.1% | $29,840 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 2.75 | 92% | $15,380 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | 3.0 | 61.4% | $50,640 |
Southern New Hampshire University also has an excellent online entrepreneurship program. Online programs offer flexibility and ease of learning. So, if that is what you are looking for, an online cyber security degree.
Enroll in a cyber security major today!
A cyber security major can equip students with the skills needed to excel in a highly competitive job market. Graduates can benefit from employment opportunities in IT and network security jobs in various industries.
The scope of an IT security degree is vast, and the chances of employability are high. If you want to study for a degree that will get you high-paying roles, a cybersecurity degree is the right choice for you. We wish you the best of luck with college planning!