What jobs can you get with a bachelor’s in cybersecurity? 

Key takeaways

• Cybersecurity jobs such as Information Security Analysts are among the fastest growing jobs in the world.
• A bachelor’s degree is the ideal foundation for a career in cybersecurity.
• Other relevant degrees include computer science and information technology.
• Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for protecting networks and computer systems and they assess risks, mitigate threats, and create secure network systems.
• Cybersecurity job titles include incident and intrusion analyst, cybersecurity specialist, IT auditor, cybersecurity consultant, information security analyst, cybersecurity engineer, cybersecurity manager, and cybersecurity architect.
• Consider pursuing additional certifications like CISSP, CISA, and Certified Security Consultant.
• Some of the best colleges for cybersecurity degrees include the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Texas at San Antonio, Davenport University, and George Mason University.

The cybersecurity field features a diverse range of job opportunities, including some very well-paid ones. According to the occupational handbook by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity jobs like Information Security Analyst are among the fastest growing jobs in the nation.

There are several such opportunities in the field of cybersecurity and many of these are interdependent. Thus, the ideal job applicant will have comprehensive knowledge of networks and information technology infrastructures. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity builds the foundation needed to lead successful careers in varied cybersecurity jobs.

In this article, we answer all career-related questions to give you a better understanding of the career outlook for cybersecurity graduates. We also list jobs with relevant cybersecurity job descriptions.

Comprehensive list of cybersecurity jobs you can explore after graduation

A simple search on ‘cybersecurity jobs in NYC’ results in over 100 current job openings. There is no doubt that the demand for cybersecurity professionals is very high, but so are the required educational qualifications.

For those wondering ‘Can you get a job in cybersecurity without a degree’, the answer is no. Even entry-level jobs in the field require a bachelor’s degree and some relevant industry knowledge.

Below we have a list of entry, mid, and senior-level positions and their detailed job descriptions.

Incident and intrusion analyst

As an incident and intrusion analyst, you will be responsible for monitoring network and security systems in real-time to detect security breaches. The ideal job applicant will know various tools to help analyze the data gathered.

Moreover, they will have in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity systems and methods. These include ethical hacking, penetration testing, security audits, network forensics, computer surveillance, and more. If a breach is detected, incident and intrusion analysts sound an alarm so that the incident response team can take necessary risk mitigation measures.

Additionally, incident and intrusion analysts work within a team, so excellent communication skills are a must. Moreover, they should be able to draft detailed incident and intrusion reports. The average annual salary for intrusion analyst and incident response cybersecurity job titles is $91,233 as of September 2024.

Cybersecurity specialist

Cybersecurity specialist is another entry-level job. The ideal job applicant must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, network administration, cybersecurity, or IT administration. They will be responsible for a variety of roles and responsibilities, including:

• Conducting regular security system audits to determine security violations and system inefficiencies
• Upgrading and updating network systems to enhance security.
• Integrating system updates with all other applications for maximum data protection.
• Keep up to date with cybersecurity trends, predict potential threats, and take necessary protection measures.
• Ensure fulfillment of an organization’s security requirements.
• Draft detailed reports and protocols, policies, and systems performance reports, keeping the whole team updated with the current situation.

Additionally, in case an attempt at intrusion is detected, a cybersecurity specialist must collaborate with law enforcement agencies to take effective measures. The average salary for cybersecurity specialists is $100,132 as of September 2024 for those wondering “how much can I make with a degree in cybersecurity?”.

IT auditor

If you are looking for government cyber security jobs, an IT auditor is one of the best entry-level positions you can look for. An IT auditor’s job role is quite extensive. They are responsible for analyzing the complete IT infrastructure of an organization.

This includes assessing the company’s hardware, software, networks, security systems, processes, and protocols. They not only ensure that the security system is the best it can possibly be, but also ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Drafting risk assessment reports after a thorough examination of the cybersecurity systems and infrastructure.
• Translating complex IT jargon into simpler, easy-to-understand terminologies.
• Finding issues and providing recommendations to strengthen network and IT infrastructure.

Key IT auditor skills include technical skills such as data analysis and interpretation and risk assessment, analytical and problem-solving skills, and business acumen such as understanding of IT governance, and business frameworks. Additionally, verbal, and written communication skills can strengthen a job applicant’s resume.

As of September 2024, the average salary of an IT auditor in the US is $99,217.

Cybersecurity consultant

Cybersecurity consultants assess, design, and implement cybersecurity measures in an organization. They work closely with a team of experts such as IT auditors, and penetration and vulnerability testers to determine the strengths and weaknesses of an existing system.

It is their responsibility to fix any issues in the existing system. Even if the company has never actively worked on implementing cybersecurity measures, a consultant will assess the company’s IT infrastructure to determine areas that need to be safeguarded. They then devise strategies to safeguard them and oversee their implementation. 

Cybersecurity consultant is a mid-level position and is another one of the many government cybersecurity jobs. The average salary for the position is $120,194 as of September 2024. 

Information security analyst

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for information security analysts is 33% between 2023-2033, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations.  

The main tasks and responsibilities of an information security analyst include ensuring the protection of confidential data. They are responsible for overseeing data encryption, securing transmission pathways, identifying unauthorized entry points, and providing recommendations for securing them.

Information and security analyst is currently one of the highest-paying cybersecurity jobs in the US with an average median annual wage of $120, 360/yr.

Cybersecurity engineer

If you have the creative flair and want to be involved in the creation of security systems, cybersecurity engineer is the ideal role for you. As an engineer in the cybersecurity field, you will be responsible for the creation of software, hardware, regulations, and policies that protect an organization’s IT infrastructure.

Major roles and responsibilities include:

• Assess organizational needs to develop and implement customized security policies, standards, and best practices.
• Design, deploy, and maintain a robust security infrastructure to protect data, systems, and networks from threats.
• Effectively manage and respond to security breaches, minimizing damage and restoring operations.
• Conduct regular penetration testing and implement preventive measures to safeguard organizational assets.
• Handle day-to-day administrative tasks, generate reports, and maintain open communication with relevant departments.

There are many cybersecurity engineer jobs in public, private corporations, and government organizations. The right person for jobs in cybersecurity will have a cybersecurity engineering degree and additional certifications.

The average salary for cybersecurity engineering jobs is $99,492 as of September 2024.

Cybersecurity manager

As a cybersecurity manager, you will lead a team of cybersecurity experts to ensure the implementation and maintenance of a well-rounded security system. Their responsibilities include:

• Develop relevant security measures across the organization.
• Oversee the implementation of suggested security measures.
• Address security breaches and lead the incident response team to ensure risk mitigation and management.
• Devise and implement cyber security strategies and crisis management protocols.
• Train new IT staff and delegate tasks to build staff’s expertise.

Cybersecurity managers keep the entire security machinery well-oiled and functioning properly. Besides technical IT skills, interpersonal communication and team management skills are essential for cybersecurity managers.

The average salary for the position is $137,736 as of September, according to a report by PayScale.

Cybersecurity architect

Cybersecurity architects create the blueprint needed for the creation of cybersecurity infrastructure. They base the system designs on the strategies devised by cybersecurity consultants transforming suggestions into capabilities.

Key tasks of cybersecurity architects include:

• Designing solutions that align with industry best practices
• Designing security operations, and solutions for infrastructure
• Designing security solutions for applications security

An architect is among the highest-paying cybersecurity jobs, with an average annual salary of $128,636 as of September 2024.

What does a career in cybersecurity look like?

A career in cybersecurity can be very rewarding, provided you embark on the professional field with the right qualifications. For that, an on-campus or an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is the ideal option. Students can choose to pursue the four-year program through the traditional route or via an online cybersecurity college.

However, other degrees in computer science such as information technology can also prepare students for some cybersecurity jobs. To better understand what degree is suitable for jobs in cybersecurity, students need to first develop a comprehensive understanding of what skills are necessary for a successful career in the field.

Professionals in the cybersecurity field are tasked with the responsibility of keeping networks and computer systems secure. Tasks of cybersecurity professionals include risk assessment, risk mitigation, creation of network security systems and infrastructure, firewall installation, risk management, troubleshooting, and more.

To succeed in the cybersecurity and information system management field, professionals must keep up to date with the latest trends and technologies. Ideally, they must also possess a vested interest in IT, network security, and data protection. If you are unsure of whether it is ideal for you, explore some tell-tale signs showing who a cybersecurity degree is ideal for.

If you find that cybersecurity is not for you, explore alternate career options. Criminology is an interesting option for those passionate about solving crimes. The choices are endless, but a career in cybersecurity is ideal for those passionate about IT systems and data protection.

What skills do you need for jobs in cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity professionals must possess a combination of soft and hard skills which will enable them to successfully fulfill their responsibilities. Instead of pursuing a generic career track in the cybersecurity field, find the ideal job role, determine the skills needed to succeed in that position, and focus on building those.

The Western Governors University’s cybersecurity degree can help you build the ideal skill set for a successful career. 

Soft skills 

Communication, logical thinking, and problem-solving are essential soft skills that enhance a cybersecurity professional’s expertise. The technical skills vary as per the job role and each organization’s security network systems and requirements.

Cybersecurity and network systems are multifaceted and interdependent. Thus, a wide range of professionals work together to ensure all aspects of a security system are working properly. Even one weak link puts all others at risk of threat and invasion. 

Thus, the ability to work well in a team, time management, project coordination are all skills the ideal cybersecurity job applicant must possess. 

Hard or technical skills 

Programming, encryption, risk assessment, threat analysis, cloud security, and data-backed decision-making are all job-specific technical skills. These are what define an applicant’s competency in different cybersecurity jobs.

Through technical skills, professionals protect the data by encrypting it in a language not everyone can decode. They also conduct regular security checks through ethical hacking, and penetration testing to ensure the system is secure. 

Industry knowledge

Additionally, knowledge of common and latest cyber security threats is essential. These include malware, ransomware, password attacks, phishing attacks, and more. Even if a threat is unable to penetrate a company’s cybersecurity system, it could have successfully invaded a partner company’s system. 

If left undetected, the malware, or bug, can make its way into a company through one of the many communication channels used to share data. Data breaches prove very costly for companies, which are then forced to negotiate with cybercriminals to prevent leaked data from being used for malicious purposes.

According to Forbes, the average ransomware demand nearly doubled in 2023 rising to $1.5 million from $812,000. Thus, professionals must always be aware of the kind of persistent threats at the time, so they can take preventive measures against them.

Industry relevant experience

To enter the cybersecurity field, you need technical knowledge and experience. Only companies willing to train fresh graduates from scratch may hire applicants with no prior experience. If you want to pursue a career in cybersecurity, one way to build experience is through immersive boot camps. 

Some boot camps, such as the INFOSEC online live cybersecurity bootcamp, offer over 500 training hours. During this time, participants learn from industry experts and work with them to gain relevant skills and experience. 

Additionally, students enrolled in bachelor’s programs must look for apprenticeship programs to build a portfolio, such as:

Apprenticeship USA

Here, students can register for the United States Military Apprenticeship program. The goal of the program is to help students build industry-relevant skills and stay on top of industry trends. 

Homeland Security

Here, students have the chance to build professional skills by working alongside cybersecurity experts. They can enjoy the opportunity to pursue part-time employment at the Department of Homeland Security. The goal of the program is to give students the opportunity to apply learned concepts in the practical field, use tools and techniques, and learn cybersecurity protocols.

National Institute of Science and Technology

The National Institute of Science and Technology offers an apprenticeship finder program. Students can utilize the resource to find available apprenticeship programs. Currently, there are over 30 listed cybersecurity apprenticeship programs. 

How to get a job in cybersecurity?

The first step to getting a job in cybersecurity is getting a formal education in the field. If you are just kick-starting your journey, a bachelor’s degree is the ideal starting point. 

Throughout the bachelor’s programs, students are encouraged to participate in apprenticeships, and boot camps to build a professional portfolio. Through part-time employment and training options, students can also develop professional expertise. 

After graduation, here are a few resources students can use to apply for jobs.

Job fairs

Fresh graduates and seniors should keep an eye out for cyber job fairs. While colleges often host career fairs, not every student lands a job right away. Thus, they should look out for fairs such as the Cyber Job Fair hosted by the National Cyber Summit. 

Portals for cybersecurity jobs

Some platforms where jobseekers can find jobs in cyber security include Indeed, Zippia, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and so on. These platforms can also answer queries such as ‘How much can I make in a job in cybersecurity?”

Sites for government jobs in cybersecurity

However, for government jobs in cybersecurity, peruse the following sites:

• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
• USA Jobs
• US Office of Personnel Management
• National Security Agency 

National Security Agency jobs are ideal for job applicants who want to build expertise through on-the-job training. Whether you are looking for government cybersecurity jobs or jobs in the private sector, the higher your qualifications, the better your career trajectory will be. The exact educational requirements vary depending on the job. 

Explore some cybersecurity colleges for a bachelor’s in cybersecurity!

For those wondering ‘How to get a job in cybersecurity?’, the answer goes through a bachelor’s degree. Several colleges in the US offer undergraduate degrees in cybersecurity and their relevant specializations. Here is a list of some of the best colleges for cybersecurity degrees.

College	Program name	Tuition
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater	Bachelor in Cybersecurity or Cybersecurity Operations	$7,864 (in-state) $17,039 (out-of-state)
Rochester Institute of Technology	BS in Computing/ Cybersecurity	$54,518
University of Texas at San Antonio	Bachelors in Cybersecurity	$8,945 (in-state) $21,253 (out-of-state)
Davenport University	Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense	$22,244
George Mason University	BS in Cybersecurity Engineering	$13,401 (in-state) $38,983 (out-of-state)

If you are looking for ‘cybersecurity jobs NYC’, then consider Rochester Institute of Technology for your bachelor’s education in the field. Enroll today to get access to a wide range of cybersecurity management, cybersecurity operations, and cybersecurity engineering jobs. 

Can you get a job in cybersecurity without a degree?

The answer to ‘Can you get a job in cybersecurity without a degree’ is a definitive no. Even for cybersecurity engineering jobs, job applicants must possess an engineering degree with a focus on cybersecurity. A general engineering or computer science degree is not enough to give applicants a competitive edge when applying for jobs in cybersecurity.

How to strengthen applications for cybersecurity jobs?

Typically, for entry-level roles, a bachelor’s degree and a year’s worth of experience are required. Cybersecurity job titles for entry-level roles include IT auditor, penetration tester, cybercrime analyst, cybercrime specialist, and so on. The job descriptions for each are strikingly similar, and responsibilities include day-to-day maintenance and monitoring tasks.

A master’s degree can help students land more senior roles such as cybersecurity manager, cybersecurity consultant, and so on. Additionally, those looking to strengthen their resumes can pursue additional certifications such as the following:

Certified Information Security Manager

The CISM certification proves your expertise in several domains. These include information security governance, information security risk management, information security programs, and incident management. With a CISM certification, cybersecurity professionals can land managerial-level positions. 

GIAC Certifications

GIAC offers several certifications in two broad categories, namely practitioner certifications and applied knowledge certifications. Students, fresh graduates, and cybersecurity professionals can take these certifications for career advancements. The GIAC security expert is the highest certification level offered by GIAC.

CISSP

The CISSP certification by ISC2 offers several skill-builder courses that help cybersecurity professionals stay on top of cyber threats and industry trends. Through the certification, professionals learn the best ways to design, implement, and manage security systems.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The CEH provides in-depth training in the field of ethical hacking. Pursuers of the certification will learn various ethical hacking aspects, and attack vectors, and learn countermeasures to prevent cyberattacks.

Certified Information Systems Auditor – CISA

If you aspire to land an auditory role in the cybersecurity profession, a CISA certification by ISACA can help advance your career. Through the certification, you will prove your expertise in information systems auditing processes, protection of information assets, information systems operations business reliance, and more.

Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional certification

Through the CISCO certification, applicants demonstrate their expertise in security fundamentals, security processes, security automation, and security techniques. The certification can help fresh graduates strengthen their resumes for entry-level positions.

For more information on cybersecurity degrees, refer to our comprehensive guide on cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees. 

How much can I make with a cybersecurity degree?

Cybersecurity is one of the most well-paid professions in the United States. As per the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, cybersecurity professionals earn a median wage of $147,138. Here is a breakdown of the average annual salary by seniority in cybersecurity jobs.

Salaries by seniority	Pay scale
Entry and junior-level professionals	$86,000/yr
Non-managerial mid-level employees	$137,000/yr
Managers	$149,000/yr
Directors and mid-level managers	$175,000/yr
Executive level managers	$215,000/yr

Enroll in cybersecurity colleges today for a chance to excel in the professional field!

Cybersecurity colleges prepare students for a successful career through a combination of conceptual and experiential classes. Students develop a wide array of expertise which enable them to successfully take on the challenges incurred in cybersecurity jobs. Choose a cybersecurity college wisely so you get the best possible academic experience. 

Wishing you the best of luck in your college search!