The field of cyber security is relatively new, but it's growing fast! Let's take a look at how you can become a part of this field, and how a master's degree in cyber security could help you reach your professional goals.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
A Bachelor's degree is a good foundational starting point for any field. A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity will cover the basics of cybersecurity and required knowledge. A great degree program will incorporate hands-on learning activities, allowing students to interact with advanced technology and simulated hack attacks.
Graduates of this type of program should be able to:
- Protect data and recommend best data protection practices
- Perform vulnerability analysis and testing
- Monitor and defend entire networks
- Create basic security policies and procedures
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
A Master's degree is the next step in any field, yielding expertise in your niche. A Master of Science in Cybersecurity will dive deeper into topics covered in the bachelor degree program, emphasizing leadership as well as practical, theoretical, and applied skills in computer-based information systems.
Graduates of this type of program should be aware of:
- Graduate Thesis: A master's degree typically includes defense of your thesis
- Be sure to research and test your thesis extensively--if it doesn't get approved, neither will your degree
- Take great care to avoid plagiarism, as universities utilize software which can trace such violations
- Expertise: A master's degree is so-called because graduates are expected to be experts--masters--of their field
- Technology, Engineering, Criminology
- Information Systems Security, Cyber Terrorism, Cryptography
- Firewalls, Proxies, LAN Security
- Doctoral Dreams: If earning a doctoral degree is your goal, you'll be one step closer by earning your master's degree
Can you Handle the Master's Program?
A master's degree in cyber security is not impossible to achieve, but it is still considerably more difficult to obtain than a bachelor's degree. Here are some requirements and best practices for completing a cyber security graduate program.
Prerequisites for a Master's Degree
Before being admitted into a master's program, you will be required to possess certain prior qualifications in the field. The parameters for these prerequisites can vary across different universities. Some require applicants to have worked in the field of cyber security in a professional capacity prior to applying for a master's, while others judge standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and an admission's essay in order to quality.
You are also required to have completed an undergraduate degree program from an accredited institution in a field related to cyber security. The master's program features high levels of information about cyber security, and your ability to grasp that knowledge will depend on how well you have understood the subjects while getting your bachelor's degree. Revisit your notes and textbooks from the earlier program before taking on a graduate program, to make sure you're familiar with all the basics being discussed.
Enthusiasm for Cyber Security
A great deal of hard work needs to be invested in the master's program, in order to complete it successfully. To be able to sustain that effort, you need to have a lot of enthusiasm for the subject matter.
Time Management Skills
Many students who opt for a master's have a job that they need to attend, as well as their studies. If this applies to you as well, you'll need to find a way to manage time effectively, so that you can give equal space to both your pursuits without shortchanging one or the other.
Are you working in cyber security and want to study on the graduate level? If you want to earn a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, consider ECPI University for the education you need. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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