Why Pursuing a Cybersecurity 4-Year Degree is More Important Than Ever

With cyber-attacks becoming more frequent and more sophisticated, the need for cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high. However, it’s not enough to simply learn on the job- the field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and it takes a specialized education to keep up. Here are just a few of the reasons why pursuing a cybersecurity 4-year degree is more important than ever.

Advanced Skillset

One of the biggest advantages of a cybersecurity degree is that it provides students with an advanced skillset that they wouldn’t be able to get in a non-academic environment. In a 4-year degree program, students are exposed to a variety of cybersecurity subfields, including cryptography, network security, and threat analysis, all of which are essential to succeeding in the industry. Additionally, students are taught by cybersecurity experts, giving them access to valuable knowledge they wouldn’t find elsewhere.

Real-World Experience

Many cybersecurity degree programs also offer valuable real-world experience to students. These could include internships, student organizations, and competitions, all of which provide hands-on experience in the field. This kind of experience is invaluable when looking for jobs after graduation since many employers look for candidates with real-world experience in addition to a degree.

Increased Job Opportunities

As cybersecurity threats become more prevalent, the need for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing. In fact, a recent report by CyberSeek found that there are currently over 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. alone. Pursuing a cybersecurity degree will not only help students acquire the skills needed to succeed in the industry, but also greatly increase their chances of landing a job after graduation.

Salary Potential

Because there is such a high demand for cybersecurity professionals, those with a degree in the field can expect to earn a high salary. According to PayScale, the average cybersecurity salary in the U.S. is over $94,000 per year, with salaries ranging from $57,000 to well over $140,000. This means that students who pursue a cybersecurity degree can look forward to a comfortable income once they begin their careers.

Conclusion

The field of cybersecurity is essential to keeping sensitive information safe, and with cyber-attacks becoming more frequent and more sophisticated, there is a greater need for cybersecurity professionals than ever before. Pursuing a 4-year degree in cybersecurity provides students with valuable skills, real-world experience, and increased job opportunities and salary potential. With all of these benefits in mind, it’s clear that cybersecurity degrees are more important now than ever before.