Why Pursue a B.S. in Cybersecurity: Career Opportunities and Demand

In an age where everyone relies on their devices to send messages, transfer money, conduct business, and make purchases, strong cybersecurity has never been more critical. Organizations of all sizes and across all industries are relying more heavily on data collection, and they are storing vast amounts of information on their servers — thus ramping up demand for qualified and experienced cybersecurity professionals.

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Why get a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity?" Now may be the right time to answer this question and launch your career in this growing field.

Why Pursue a Bachelor's in Cybersecurity?

In the digital era, effective cybersecurity measures have never been more necessary, which has improved the bachelor's in cybersecurity career outlook. Whether you have recently graduated from high school or you have just completed your military service, you may find that now is an excellent time to pursue a bachelor's in cybersecurity.

Field of Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity field focuses on protecting computer security networks, computer systems, and individual devices from being accessed by unauthorized individuals or organizations. Professionals who work in the field may be responsible for:

• Conducting risk assessment and determining whether a system may be vulnerable under a cyberattack.
• Mitigating cyberattacks when they occur and investigating the situation to prevent similar attacks in the future.
• Conducting penetration testing to determine the strength of a cybersecurity plan.
• Incorporating additional security measures into a network; this may include firewalls or other security solutions.
• Monitoring who is able to access private data and sensitive information within an organization.

Numerous career pathways are available within the field of cybersecurity, and professionals can easily choose specializations that align with their personal strengths and career goals.

Benefits of Pursuing a Bachelor's in Cybersecurity

A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity provides you with an opportunity to become an expert in this growing field. Compared to other technology-related degree programs, the cybersecurity bachelor's degree is more focused on the specific skills and topics that are relevant to this realm. It can offer the academic foundation you need as well as the advanced skills required to secure an entry-level position in the cybersecurity field.

Career Benefits and Perks

Most professionals with cybersecurity jobs will enjoy numerous career benefits. Some benefits and perks of working in the cybersecurity field include:

• A wide range of job opportunities – Although other fields may be more limiting and require you to work in a particular position, the cybersecurity industry offers more opportunities. Some of the most common cybersecurity careers include information security analyst, penetration tester, network and systems administrator, cybersecurity forensic investigator, and cybersecurity consultant.
• Various opportunities to learn and grow – Due to the rapidly changing technologies used today, the cybersecurity field is constantly developing and adapting to meet the needs of the time. Professionals in the industry are always working to develop a new understanding of the best cybersecurity practices and to improve their skill sets.
• High demand in the job market – Employers across all industries are looking to hire cybersecurity professionals, increasing the potential to work with a company that aligns with your personal values and professional goals. You may be able to work in the field of cybersecurity while simultaneously being employed by a company in a different sector, giving you a broad range of professional experience and industry insight.

By earning a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, you can begin developing the fundamental skills needed to launch your career all while exploring the niche opportunities available. By focusing on the core competencies required for this field, you could build upon your knowledge and specialize in different areas throughout every stage of your career. Cybersecurity careers are not known for being linear or stagnant; there are many ways you could change course or veer onto a different career pathway, making this an exciting and inviting field.

Personal Benefits

In addition to offering progressive career opportunities, the field of cybersecurity can also be personally fulfilling. Some personal benefits you could enjoy when working in cybersecurity include:

• High earning potential – You may be able to secure a position with a lucrative salary. Because cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, many of the job opportunities offer a higher salary than other entry-level positions. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that an information security analyst with a bachelor's degree earns a median annual salary of $112,000.
• Remote work flexibility – Many cybersecurity jobs can be performed remotely, so you can work from any location you choose. This may allow you more flexibility to travel and may also help you achieve a better sense of work-life balance. According to the BLS, most cybersecurity professionals work full time, but their hours may vary based on the needs of the organization. In certain scenarios, you may need to be on-call in the event of an unexpected situation or security risk.
• Continuous learning opportunities – Cybersecurity can be a stimulating and thrilling career for industry professionals who are passionate about new and advanced technology, cybersecurity industry trends, and changes impacting the field. This makes professional development especially rewarding. By combining your passions and interests with your career, you could embark on a long and invigorating career path.

Cybersecurity Opportunities

The vast range of cybersecurity career opportunities makes this career inviting, particularly for those interested in technology, computer science, and the shifting landscape of the digital era.

Within the cybersecurity realm, there are opportunities to choose a career based on your interests, your existing skill set, and any professional accomplishments you have. In some cases, certification programs can help you specialize in a certain area or skill set.

Some popular cybersecurity certifications include:

• Certified information systems auditor (CISA) – This certification allows you to develop expertise in risk assessment, compliance monitoring, and control implementation.
• Certified information systems security professional (CISSP) – Considered one of the most sought-after certifications in the industry, this program proves you have the skills needed to design and implement a cybersecurity strategy.
• Certified information security manager (CISM) – For those who want to access managerial opportunities, this certification allows you to showcase your expertise in risk management, program development, and government compliance.

While professional certifications can provide you with an opportunity to specialize in a niche area, it's worth mentioning that the bachelor's in cybersecurity career outlook is quite positive. Even without additional credentials, a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity can help equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to secure an entry-level position in the field.

Career Outlook

The cybersecurity field is growing rapidly. According to the BLS, demand for information security analysts is expected to rise by more than 32 percent between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than average when compared to all other occupations.

In 2022, nearly 169,000 people were working in the cybersecurity field, but by 2032, the BLS expects more than 222,000 individuals to be employed in the cybersecurity industry.

Cybersecurity Job Demand

The BLS notes the demand for experienced and qualified cybersecurity professionals is expected to rise rapidly because:

• Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent, underscoring the need for increased cybersecurity measures.
• Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to detect and prevent.
• More employers across all sectors are working remotely, highlighting the necessity of improved cybersecurity strategies.
• The rise in digital health services has heightened the need to protect personal data stored in the cloud and on various networks.

Earning a Bachelor's in Cybersecurity

A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity could provide you with the foundation needed to launch a career in this dynamic field.

At Lindenwood, our online bachelor's degree in cybersecurity requires you to complete 120 credit hours of coursework, all of which are offered entirely online. The flexibility of our course structure combined with your ability to set your own pace for the degree program allows you to finish your degree on your own timeline. Most students can earn their Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity in between two and four years.

Cybersecurity Programs and Degrees

Through our accelerated online bachelor's in cybersecurity degree, you can explore relevant topics and industry trends. Our coursework helps you develop the technical skills required to succeed in the field.

You must complete at least 36 credit hours focused on cybersecurity topics. Topics that may be covered as part of the curriculum include:

• Network security
• Cloud computing
• IT auditing
• Digital forensics
• Penetration testing
• Authentication
• Project management
• Risk mitigation

By opting for a cybersecurity degree, you could develop an advanced understanding of current best practices and trends that will shape the cybersecurity field in the years to come.

Cybersecurity Student Demand

As the field continues growing and the need for advanced cybersecurity protocols increases over time, employers will be seeking graduates who have industry-specific experience and insight. Cybersecurity graduates are expected to be in high demand, making this a valuable degree program for modern learners.

In particular, veterans and active-duty military members may find this to be an ideal degree program, as they are able to combine their expertise and existing skill set with the evolving demands of the cybersecurity field.

Students looking to pursue their passion all while building the foundation needed to enjoy a long-lasting, lucrative career often find cybersecurity degree programs enticing.

Prepare for the Leading Cybersecurity Careers at Lindenwood University

At Lindenwood University, our coursework focuses on the fundamental skills required to obtain an entry-level job in this field — with some topics including network security, cloud security, analysis, penetration testing, and authentication.

In addition, our commitment to veterans and active duty military members allows such students to build upon the existing skills developed throughout their years of service and launch a dynamic career in cybersecurity.

Request more information about our online degree programs and learn about the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity careers that may be possible.