Cybersecurity is critical for all businesses today. But do you need a cybersecurity degree online to get into the field? Research indicates that there are more cybersecurity jobs than there are qualified candidates. This means you have better opportunities if you go to school and study for it.
Cybersecurity degrees are available online, so you don’t need to worry about your location or schedule. Instead, you can take classes that are convenient for you to earn a degree and work in one of the most fast-paced industries.
Of course, you’ll need the right skills before becoming a cybersecurity professional. So, here’s a list of majors you can pursue for a better chance at a high-paying cybersecurity job.
What Should You Major In?
Some people are lucky to be successful in cybersecurity degree online. Still, getting one helps get more job opportunities and assists in developing core skills. In addition, a cybersecurity degree makes you stand out among competitors. Thus, possible majors include:
- Cybersecurity
With the world going digital, most companies need a cybersecurity professional to come on board. Not all universities offer this course. However, the search for professionals to work in the field pushes institutions to offer online cybersecurity degrees.
- Computer Science
Computer science is a popular computer-related course. It involves the following:
- Programming
- Networking
- Security
- Systems engineering
This degree is widely available in most colleges and universities. It also offers you more opportunities to explore options beyond cybersecurity.
- Computer Engineering
A degree in computer engineering is suitable if you’re more interested in more technical aspects of cybersecurity. This bachelor’s degree combines electrical engineering with computer science. Also, it has coursework in areas such as:
- Software
- Hardware
- Computer programming
- Information Technology (IT)
Information technology is slightly similar to computer science. However, IT concentrates on solving problems using technology. Thus, you’ll deal more with code writing and programming.
The Alternatives to Cybersecurity Majors
Many people argue that cybersecurity degrees are not a must-have. While this is true, individuals with this degree are more marketable and earn more because of their additional skills. Still, if school is not for you, earning a degree is not the only way into a career in cybersecurity.
You can develop skills through:
Certification
Certifications are available for cybersecurity. Although they aren’t as marketable as degrees, they are evidence of your skills. Hiring managers and recruiters mostly need one certification, as witnessed in job listings.
Organizations and companies give cybersecurity degree online exams for entry, mid-level, and advanced practitioners. Preparing for this exam equips you with the skills necessary to succeed on the job, making you a good candidate.
Job Experience
You can always learn on the job if you’re motivated enough. Start on entry-level positions such as an IT support specialist. This role does not need a degree. Gaining experience allows you to move to a higher specialized role.
Self-teaching
Cybersecurity degrees online are endless. Moreover, these courses are inexpensive. So, if you have the drive to make it in cybersecurity, you can develop critical skills independently. However, aim at attaining a certificate to help build your resume.
Fields like cybersecurity mostly need skills. Still, certifications and credentials make you a better candidate when looking for work. So, consider all the cybersecurity majors mentioned above if cybersecurity alone does not cut it. However, some alternatives could help get to your preferred level, and are also worth trying.
Today, cyber security is essential for all enterprises. But is a degree required to work in the field? According to research, there are more cybersecurity positions available than there are qualified applicants. This implies that if you attend school and prepare for it, you will have better prospects.
There is no need to worry about your schedule or location because there are cybersecurity degree online accessible. Instead, you can enroll in courses that are convenient for you to get your degree and work in one of the industries with the highest turnover rates.
Of course, you’ll need the appropriate abilities before working in cybersecurity. Here is a list of majors you can choose from to increase your chances of landing a well-paying cybersecurity position.
Which Major Should You Choose?
Some lucky individuals manage to succeed in cybersecurity without getting a degree. However, having one opens up more employment prospects and helps with the development of fundamental skills. Additionally, having a cybersecurity degree helps you distinguish out from the competition. hence, a few potential majors are:
- Cybersecurity
The majority of businesses require a cybersecurity expert to join them as the world becomes more digital. This course is not provided by all universities. However, organizations are being forced to provide online cybersecurity degrees due to the lack of qualified workers in the industry.
Computing Science
Popular computer-related courses include computer science. Included are the following:
- Programming
- Networking
- Security
- Systems engineering
The majority of colleges and universities offer this degree in large quantities. Additionally, it gives you more chances to investigate possibilities outside of cybersecurity.
- Applied Computer Science
If you’re more interested in the more technical parts of cybersecurity, a degree in computer engineering is appropriate. Electrical engineering and computer science are combined in this bachelor’s degree program. Furthermore, it offers coursework in subjects like:
- Software
- Hardware
- Computer programming
- Technology Information (IT)
Computer science and information technology are somewhat comparable. IT, on the other hand, focuses on leveraging technology to solve problems. As a result, you’ll spend more time creating code and programming.
Alternatives to Majoring in Cybersecurity
Many people contend that degrees in cybersecurity are not absolutely necessary. While this is true, those who hold this degree have more marketable talents and hence earn more money. However, obtaining a degree is not the sole route into a profession in cybersecurity if you don’t enjoy going to school.
You can improve your talents by doing:
Certification
There are cybersecurity certifications available. Although they aren’t as marketable as degrees, your skills can be demonstrated by them. One certification is typically required by hiring managers and recruiters, as seen in job ads.
For entry-level, mid-level, and advanced practitioners, organizations and businesses provide certification exams. You are a strong contender for this position since you have the skills needed to excel at work thanks to your preparation for the exam.
Career Experience
If you’re determined enough, you can always learn on the job. Begin with entry-level jobs, such as those of an IT support professional. Degree is not required for this position. You can transition to a more highly specialized role as you gain expertise.
Self-teaching
If you’re determined enough, you can always learn on the job. Begin with entry-level jobs, such as those of an IT support professional. Degree is not required for this position. You can transition to a more highly specialized role as you gain expertise.
There are numerous online degrees in cybersecurity. These classes are very reasonably priced. So, if you’re motivated to succeed in cybersecurity, you can independently acquire necessary skills. However, strive for a credential to help you improve your resume.
Most industries like cybersecurity require expertise. Even so, having credentials and certificates helps you stand out as a prospect for jobs. If cybersecurity is not enough, have a look at all the other majors mentioned above. Alternatives, however, are equally worthwhile to explore because they might help you reach your desired level.
