Cybersecurity may be a good career choice for you if you’re passionate about working with technology and interested in focusing specifically on cyber threats, such as malware and data breaches. Is cybersecurity a good career in the future? It’s likely that organizations and individuals will continue to come under attack by black hat hackers, and so cybersecurity will remain a central priority.
Why Should I Study Cybersecurity?
You may wish to study cybersecurity if you’re interested in exploring how technological assets can be better protected from unauthorized entry and criminal exploitation. There is a diverse range of careers and areas of specialization within this field, and the field is constantly evolving.Cybersecurity can be both responsive (responding to attacks after they have occurred) and proactive (preventing attacks by addressing vulnerabilities).
Companies both small and large are at risk of cyberattacks, proving the need for cybersecurity professionals . Whether it is a multi-billion-dollar company or a small family business, it is important to incorporate security measures to avoid cyberattacks. This may include having cybersecurity professionals on staff to ensure the company’s networks and online presence are safe and secure.
Is Cybersecurity a Good Career Choice?
Cybersecurity can be an exciting field to work in. Of course, only you can decide which career path is best suited to your interests and preferences. Start by asking yourself the following questions:
If your answer to all or most of these questions is “Yes,” then cybersecurity may be the right career path for you.
Are Cybersecurity Careers on the Rise?
Career Opportunities for Cybersecurity Professionals
A career in cybersecurity may be a good fit if you value a field with room for advancement. With the right education and experience, you have the potential to pursue a range of career options in this field. Job postings in cybersecurity can range from internships and entry-level positions to mid-level and executive positions.
Some of the possible careers in cybersecurity include:2
- Systems integration engineer
- Systems administrator
- IT systems engineer
- Security consultant
- Information security analyst
- IT security specialist
- Systems test engineer
- Penetration tester
- Chief information officer
The need for cybersecurity professionals is an important factor to consider when entering a cybersecurity degree program. The good news is that cybersecurity and information technology careers are on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for information security analysts to increase by about 29% from 2024 to 2034,much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 52,100 new jobs in the field. (See disclaimer 1 )
Career Opportunities for Cybersecurity Professionals
A career in cybersecurity may be a good fit if you value a field with room for advancement. With the right education and experience, you have the potential to pursue a range of career options in this field. Job postings in cybersecurity can range from internships and entry-level positions to mid-level and executive positions.
Some of the possible careers in cybersecurity include: (See disclaimer 2 )
"There's something for everyone. Do you like to analyze things? There's a job for it. Do you like to fix things? Do you like to break things? There's a lot of different job opportunities within cybersecurity that can include a lot of different types of people."">" There's something for everyone. Do you like to analyze things? There's a job for it. Do you like to fix things? Do you like to break things? There's a lot of different job opportunities within cybersecurity that can include a lot of different types of people. "
The opportunity to make a difference in the world and improve the lives of others may be meaningful to some. If your passion lies in IT, you may be able to use your skills to protect people’s sensitive information and potentially save them from the consequences of data breaches. Another option is to work for a government agency , which can bring personal and professional satisfaction while helping to defend your country. (See disclaimer 3 )
AI in Cybersecurity
With growing concerns about how AI is affecting careers across all industries, tech programs stand out. With questions such as: Will AI take over cybersecurity? What role does AI play in the everyday tasks of these professionals? Despite rapid AI growth, cybersecurity remains heavily dependent on human decision-making, making AI a tool instead of a replacement. (See disclaimer 4 )
Human expertise (like judgment and adaptability) continues to play a crucial part in their everyday tasks. AI is used within this expertise to identify and neutralize threats faster than humans. It has the ability to complete threat detection and automation in milliseconds, while humans can take hours. (See disclaimer 5 )
Data analytics , for example, is a field that has utilized AI’s ability to detect complex patterns and create more accurate predictions, giving humans deeper insights. (See disclaimer 6 ) In the profession of cybersecurity, AI enhances tasks and speeds them up, but the application of human expertise is the most important tool.
Which Industries Need Cybersecurity Experts?
Any organization that has a digital presence needs some type of information security. Cybersecurity professionals work to protect businesses, supply chains and government agencies. (See disclaimer 3 )
Some industries that rely heavily on cybersecurity professionals include: (See disclaimer 3 )
Is Cybersecurity Hard?
Cybersecurity can certainly be challenging, as black hat hackers are continuously looking for new ways to thwart security systems to steal sensitive information or disrupt the functioning of computer systems. However, people who enjoy solving problems and embracing innovative thinking may thrive in this line of work.It’s also ideal for those who are passionate about technology and enjoy continually refining their technical skills.
What Skills Do Cybersecurity Professionals Need?
- Problem-solving
- Analytical reasoning
- Strong communication
- Attention to detail
- Creativity
These soft skills may be beneficial in a business setting to fix issues as they arise. Cybersecurity professionals also need strong technical skills that focus on information technology. Some of these include:5
- Network configuration and management
- Programming
- Operating systems administration
- Risk identification and management
- Data management and analysis
- Cloud implementation and management
- Attack surface management
Each cybersecurity job may have a different set of required skills and characteristics. However, some common soft skills that are helpful for cybersecurity professionals include: (See disclaimer 4 )
These soft skills may be beneficial in a business setting to fix issues as they arise. Cybersecurity professionals also need strong technical skills that focus on information technology. Some of these include: (See disclaimer 5 )
Do You Need a Degree To Become a Cybersecurity Professional?
The requirements to become a cybersecurity professional can vary by employer and job title, but it is typical for these experts to need a degree and relevant work experience. Employers may generally prefer to hire professionals with a degree in a related field, such as computer and information technology . Some workers may enter the field with a degree in engineering or math and relevant work experience, however. (See disclaimer 4 )
Is a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It?
Earning a cybersecurity degree may help you to work toward pursuing a career as a cybersecurity professional. (See disclaimer 4 ) It can also lay a foundation for lifelong learning. You may find that a degree nurtures your professional curiosity and prompts you to pursue career growth opportunities. For example, you may later decide to earn professional certifications, building on your bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
How Do You Pursue a Career in Cybersecurity?
When you earn a degree in cybersecurity, you will be taught to:
- Minimize data breaches and protect systems against various types of cyberattacks
- Address vulnerabilities in current systems
- Adapt quickly to fast-evolving technology and industry standards
- Apply critical thinking to practical threats
Undergraduate students may want to major in cybersecurity specifically or choose to earn a BS in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity.
Growing Your Opportunities With a Master's Degree
You can get started in the cybersecurity field with just a bachelor’s degree.4 However, earning a master’s degree can offer other benefits, such as the opportunity to examine advanced skills in the field and stay on top of emerging cybersecurity threats. You may also open the door to more job opportunities, as employers of some cybersecurity professionals, such as computer and information systems managers, may prefer to hire those with a graduate degree.6
If you already have your bachelor’s degree, obtaining your master’s degree may be a good choice. Many master’s programs offer flexible online course scheduling options, so you can earn new credentials while continuing to meet your other responsibilities.
Students pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity will typically receive hands-on learning opportunities throughout the program. The benefit of an immersive program is that it gives students the practical exposure they need to be effective in the field. You'll be taught how to stay ahead of emerging threats as well as keep current on attack vendors and new technologies.
If you currently hold a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field of study, you may want to consider earning a certificate in cybersecurity before applying for a master’s degree. Many students use the certificate program to explore foundational knowledge and new skills that can prepare them to pursue a master’s program in cybersecurity.
Professional Certifications in Cybersecurity
Your education doesn’t end after earning an advanced degree in cybersecurity. You can demonstrate your commitment to your career with ongoing learning opportunities. Among these opportunities are IT certification courses specific to your position or area of interest.
A few certification programs designed for cyber professionals include:7
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- CompTIA Security+
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
You can pursue a career in cybersecurity by earning a related bachelor’s degree and working on acquiring key technical and soft skills. (See disclaimer 4 )
Earn an Undergraduate Degree in Cybersecurity
For those who are interested in contributing to the technological world and keeping the cyber atmosphere safe, the first step is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity or a related degree in computer science .
When you earn a degree in cybersecurity, you will be taught to:
Undergraduate students may want to major in cybersecurity specifically or choose to earn a BS in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity .
Growing Your Opportunities With a Master's Degree
You can get started in the cybersecurity field with just a bachelor’s degree. (See disclaimer 4 ) However, earning a master’s degree can offer other benefits, such as the opportunity to examine advanced skills in the field and stay on top of emerging cybersecurity threats. You may also open the door to more job opportunities, as employers of some cybersecurity professionals, such as computer and information systems managers, may prefer to hire those with a graduate degree. (See disclaimer 6 )
If you already have your bachelor’s degree, obtaining your master’s degree may be a good choice. Many master’s programs offer flexible online course scheduling options, so you can earn new credentials while continuing to meet your other responsibilities.
Students pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity will typically receive hands-on learning opportunities throughout the program. The benefit of an immersive program is that it gives students the practical exposure they need to be effective in the field. You'll be taught how to stay ahead of emerging threats as well as keep current on attack vendors and new technologies.
If you currently hold a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field of study, you may want to consider earning a certificate in cybersecurity before applying for a master’s degree. Many students use the certificate program to explore foundational knowledge and new skills that can prepare them to pursue a master’s program in cybersecurity.
Professional Certifications in Cybersecurity
Your education doesn’t end after earning an advanced degree in cybersecurity. You can demonstrate your commitment to your career with ongoing learning opportunities. Among these opportunities are IT certification courses specific to your position or area of interest.
A few certification programs designed for cyber professionals include: (See disclaimer 7 )
Explore Cybersecurity Degree Options at GCU
If you are interested in starting your career path in cybersecurity, consider enrolling in one of GCU's cybersecurity degree programs or view our other technology degree programs . Our technology programs are designed with the needs of modern workplaces in mind. Complete the form on this page and speak with a university counselor about joining our Christian learning community.
Prepare to combat cyber threats as a cybersecurity professional. Get started on your technology degree at GCU.
