Master's Degrees in Cybersecurity Technology Systems Management

Cybersecurity builds upon a strong foundation in computer sciences, refining a student's knowledge and channeling it towards the safeguarding of networks and organizations. Most universities will expect students to have a strong command of programming, mathematical models, and algorithms. A bachelor's degree in computer sciences best meets those requirements. Other common undergraduate degrees include software engineering and mathematics. While some universities will explicitly ask for a diploma of said degrees, others will only require proof of attendance to courses covering relevant topics.

All applicants to a cybersecurity graduate program must provide a transcript of records from all accredited colleges and universities they have attended. Universities will pay special attention to an applicant's performance in courses relevant to cybersecurity. After all, students must have a strong foundation in computer sciences to begin with.

Another important requirement some programs have is a student's Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test results. They can allow a university to further gauge a prospective candidate's proficiency in a number of subjects. Review with each college you are applying to whether or not the GRE is an admissions requirement. For more information about the test, visit the GRE website.

The following are other common admissions requirements:

• CV/Resume
• Letters of Recommendation
• Letter of Intent/Personal Essay

Cybersecurity as a sector of the technology industry is growing rapidly, with more and more companies hiring either in-house security analysts or external consultants. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for cybersecurity analysts will grow at an annual rate of 31% from 2019 to 2029. This dwarfs the projected average growth of all other professions (currently at 4%). This is symptomatic of a shift occurring in all industries, as they collect and store more data than ever before from users worldwide.

In what can only be described as a cybersecurity arms race, entire sectors are having to get caught up to the latest information systems and protected against the newest malware. With more jobs in cybersecurity being created now than ever before, a master's degree can help advance your career and stand out among other job applicants.

Those looking to combine work and study while enrolled in a cybersecurity master's program might consider finding a university that offers some coursework online. Because of its very nature, cybersecurity can very easily combine both on-campus and distance learning options.

Another factor to consider when choosing a master's program in cybersecurity is whether the program culminates in a thesis or a capstone project. A thesis allows a student the chance to further explore a topic that interests them. A capstone project exposes a student to the work of a cybersecurity analyst on the field, with real-world projects as its main focus.

A cybersecurity master's program is usually structured around a set of foundational courses all students must attend and elective courses further down the line. Common cybersecurity courses include information systems management, cryptography, database security, advanced computer networking, etc. Through these courses, students acquire the necessary skills to become working professionals in the field. While some master's programs close with a thesis, others use a capstone project as a way to put the lessons learned to the test in a real-world environment.

Cybersecurity Foundational Courses

The following is a sample of the courses that serve as the backbone of a master's in cybersecurity. They cover the fundamentals and serve as a launchpad for the remainder of the program, including elective courses.

• Cryptography and Data Privacy: learn about the protection of data through cryptographic techniques such as encryption and digital signature schemes. Students are introduced to both old and new techniques, gaining knowledge of what has been used so far and what technologies could push the field forward.
• IT Systems Management: prepares students to be the executive managers of an organization's computer systems and network. The course covers the challenges and cybersecurity threats facing an organization, along with the decision-making process for assessing risk and implementing change.
• Cybersecurity Law: learn about the laws and regulations in place regarding cybersecurity. Cybersecurity law is analyzed through the lens of private firms, government institutions, and international governing bodies as part of the coursework.

Cybersecurity Specialist & Elective Courses

Students can further hone their skills by enrolling in elective courses during their master's degree. After all, Cybersecurity offers many avenues for specialization, and choosing the best fit for your profile and interests are important. Many universities provide students with the guidance of a college career advisor, who can help you design your curriculum to meet your career goals. The following is a small sample of the kinds of specialist courses universities offer.

• Digital Forensics
• Cyber-Espionage, Warfare, and Terrorism
• Ethics in Cybersecurity
• Mobile and Cloud Security

Licensure & Certification in Cybersecurity

You do not need a license in order to get work in the field of cybersecurity. However, many employers request that job applicants possess a certification from an industry-recognized organization as proof of their abilities. The following are some of the most common certifications for cybersecurity.

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• ISACA's Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• GAIC Certifications: The Global Information Assurance Certification (GAIC) is available in a variety of fields, such as Cyber Defense, Offensive Operations, Cloud Security, Management & Leadership, etc.

As an alternative to a thesis project, some cybersecurity master's programs provide students with the chance to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting through a final capstone project. Students take part in a practicum as they work with an organization or institution and develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy tailored to its needs. Students are assigned a faculty advisor who oversees the work being carried out, helping steer it in the right direction. This project tests students on their ability to factor in technology, policy, and people into their proposals and exposing them to the type of work they will be doing as professionals in the field.

Students who have earned a master's degree in cybersecurity and wish to continue their education have the option of entering a doctoral program. A Ph.D. in cybersecurity will have a strong emphasis on research, prompting doctoral candidates to choose a topic on which they can expand. Students are assigned a faculty advisor who provides feedback. Through this research, doctoral candidates produce new theories or insights as they apply cybersecurity advanced techniques. The end result of a Ph.D. program should be strong enough for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

As a cybersecurity expert, you will most likely work within an organization, company, or government agency. There, you will be in charge of ensuring data and networks are protected against cyber threats, data breaches, and malware. Here are just a few examples of what sort of opportunities a master's degree in cybersecurity can open:

• Cybersecurity Analyst: A cybersecurity analyst is in charge of designing and implementing IT solutions related to cybersecurity. They assess an organization's vulnerable spots and propose changes to its measures.
• Chief Information Security Officer: A CISO is often the head of an IT department within a company, responsible for its operation, and a key figure in setting a company's data security policies. As a high-level executive position, they work alongside CEOs, CFOs, and other chief officers to direct a company.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Cybersecurity

As more and more companies invest in cybersecurity to protect the information they handle, they are hiring more cybersecurity experts than ever before. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of cybersecurity experts will grow at an annual rate of 31% from 2019 to 2029. Compared to the average 4% for all other occupations, cybersecurity promises to continue to grow at an astonishing rate. The states with the highest levels of employment are Virginia, Texas, California, and New York, where growing tech sectors and the opening of new company headquarters attract high numbers of individuals with a cybersecurity master's degree.

How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst

The path to becoming a cybersecurity analyst starts with a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or mathematics. Upon graduation, individuals can gain an entry-level job in an IT department, gaining valuable work experience.

As individuals look to advance their careers, they might consider a master's degree in cybersecurity to cement their expertise in dealing with threats to an organization's computer systems and networks. Many companies will also favor candidates that have taken courses related to business to further prepare them for work within a corporate environment.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that a cybersecurity analyst's mean annual salary is between $96,190 and $103,510, depending on the industry of employment. Given the sensitivity of the information they handle, financial and insurance companies are at the higher end of that scale. Though most cybersecurity analysts work during normal business hours, they must be on-call at all times in case of cybersecurity emergencies and data breaches.

How to Become a Chief Information Security Officer

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) will often begin their careers by studying an undergraduate degree related to computer sciences. There they will gain an understanding of network management, algorithms, and cybersecurity threats.

A CISO is a high-level executive position, which means companies will hire individuals with extensive experience in both the cybersecurity and business side of running a company. A combination of professional years of experience and higher education will propel individuals towards becoming Chief Information Security Officer. Before being hired as a CISO, many will study for a master's degree in cybersecurity with an emphasis on business. Additionally, job seekers may benefit from earning multiple certifications to further stand out from an already competitive field.

As a top executive within a company, CISOs are some of the highest-paid workers, both within a company's hierarchy a the country as a whole. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that a CISO top executive's mean annual salary is between $103,230 and $184,460, depending on the sector. Few positions open each year, which is why the projected employment growth for top executives between the years 2019 and 2029 is projected to be 6%, compared to the average 4% growth of all other occupations.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a useful resource for students who seek financial aid to study a master's degree in cybersecurity. By completing an application, students can see what financial aid programs apply to them.

Scholarships or grants are another valuable option when securing funds to study for a master's degree. Some are based on location, others on serving underrepresented groups, but all usually have to do with studying computers in some capacity. The following is a small sample of some scholarships available for a graduate program in cybersecurity. Note that they are not college specific. There may be more options available at your particular college of choice.

• Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security: The SWSIS program offers women interested in a graduate degree in cybersecurity scholarships of up to $10,000.
• Intel Graduate Diversity Scholarship: The scholarship of up to $3,000 is open to graduate students of underrepresented minorities. Applicants must be service veterans or active duty members.