Careers in Cybersecurity for Bachelor’s Degree GraduatesCareers in Cybersecurity for Bachelor’s Degree GraduatesCareers in Cybersecurity for Bachelor’s Degree Graduates

If you’re interested in a fast-paced field full of analysis, problem-solving, creativity, and, of course, computers, the world of cybersecurity may be the right path for you. Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly rampant across a variety of industries, and both businesses and governments are beginning to realize the necessity of robust security measures to protect sensitive information and data.

The need for cybersecurity isn’t unique to one type of business or industry. Breaches, hacks, and other cyber attacks can impact any type of organization or company, from retailers to financial service providers to healthcare facilities. Some of the industries hiring cybersecurity experts include:

There are a wide variety of careers in cybersecurity available for bachelor’s degree graduates. Here are some of the fields you may be able to enter after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Please note that some of these careers may require further education and/or certifications.

Information technology auditors, or IT auditors, evaluate the strength of an organization’s IT systems, practices, and operations. They examine the physical, business, and financial controls of an organization and help ensure that organization is compliant with legislation related to keeping data and records secure.

IT auditors aren’t the ones who will actually fix any problems they identify; rather, they will advise the company or organization they audited of their findings. While a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can help students get on the path toward becoming an IT auditor, some professional certifications are required. Professionals in this field make an average of $71,648 per year.

Skills and qualifications recommended to succeed:

The number of cyber attacks continues to increase across a variety of industries. This means that the demand for information security analysts is growing fast. People working in this field are responsible for monitoring their organizations’ networks, investigating security breaches, and protecting sensitive information through the installation and use of security software. Information security analysts also assist in developing disaster recovery plans for their organizations.

Having such a plan means that an IT department can continue to operate in the event of an emergency. Information security analysts made a median salary of $92,600 in 2016. The field is projected to grow 28% between 2016 and 2026.

Skills recommended to succeed:

Information assurance engineers are responsible for overseeing the secure processing and storing of an organization’s data. As either a consultant or an employee, these engineers conduct risk assessments, examine data practices and data logs, and implement any systems necessary to keep a company’s information safe. According to PayScale.com, information assurance engineers make a median salary of $85,433 per year.

Skills recommended to succeed:

Network architects design and review their organizations’ network requirements and capabilities. They work with network administrators and a variety of other IT professionals to ensure a network is implemented correctly, without any compatibility issues or other problems.

Network architects also provide technical support to their organizations’ wireless and local area networks, offering help with technical problems, such as connectivity issues.

According to PayScale.com, network architects make a median salary of $115,204 per year.

Skills recommended to succeed:

Similar to information security analysts, information security managers are responsible for protecting the networks, computers, and data of their organizations against any possible breaches or attacks.

An information security manager works to ensure that no such breaches occur, as the consequences of such incidents can include revenue loss and fines from regulatory agencies, not to mention a decrease in consumer trust. Managers also develop security and access policies and conduct regular monitoring of the networks and computers for which they’re responsible.

Skills recommended to succeed:

Many professionals who have careers in cybersecurity work as consultants. These consultants work with large organizations, such as hospitals and educational institutions, to evaluate and improve their information security capabilities.

Consultants assess vulnerabilities, perform penetration tests, prepare emergency plans, and provide incident response and investigation. Ultimately, these professionals protect organizations and institutions against any theft of data, both internal and external.

PayScale.com reports that security consultants make a median salary of $84,097 per year.

Skills recommended to succeed:

Do you like codes and puzzles? If so, a job as a cryptographer may appeal to you. Those working in the field of cryptography work with the various codes that keep certain information secret and safe. Cryptographers develop the algorithms and other security systems used to encode and encrypt data. Effective cryptographers are able to keep hackers and other cyber threats at bay. They often work for governments, financial institutions, and large companies where the security of data, particularly data that is transmitted, is of vital importance.

Cryptographers can earn a median salary of $112,560. The demand for these professionals and other mathematicians is growing rapidly, with a 33% projected increase in jobs available between 2016 and 2026.

Skills recommended to succeed:

Security software developers analyze software with the goal of identifying and fixing any potential security flaws within a particular piece of software. They are active in all phases of the software development process. These developers provide security analysis, develop countermeasures for any potential attacks, and continuously work to ensure that software is reliable and free of vulnerabilities. According to PayScale.com, security software developers make a median salary of $68,561 per year.

Skills recommended to succeed:

Computer forensics investigators work with law enforcement agencies to retrieve information from computers to assist in the solving of crimes. These investigators will have a strong working knowledge of computers, as often the equipment they’re working with will be damaged in some way.

In addition to working with law enforcement, computer forensics investigators can also work privately, testing the security of a company’s information technology systems. Computer forensics investigators make an average salary of $68,730 per year.

Skills recommended to succeed:

If you’re thinking about entering the world of cybersecurity, consider pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Maryville University. This exciting, hands-on program can help to build the foundation on which you can build a rewarding career in this ever-changing field.

Now that you understand some of the potential careers in cybersecurity, learn more about a cybersecurity degree vs. computer science degree.

Recommended Reading

Cybersecurity vs Computer Science Degrees: Choosing the Right Path

Know Your Advanced Tech Degrees: Cybersecurity vs. Software Engineering

Sources

Glassdoor, “IT Auditor Salaries”

PayScale.com, “Average Network Architect Salary”

PayScale.com, “Average Information Assurance Engineer Salary”

PayScale.com, “Average Security Consultant, Computing, Networking, Information Technology Salary”

PayScale.com, “Average Security Software Developer Salary”

PayScale.com, “Average Forensic Computer Analyst Salary”

Tech Republic, “IT Auditor One of the Fastest Growing Careers”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Mathematicians and Statisticians”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Information Security Analysts”