Going Back to School for Cyber Security: Is a Master's the Right Step?
The field of cybersecurity today is one of the fields with an acute shortage of talent, in high demand of professionals. The rise in demand is due to the increase in cyberattacks many organizations and businesses have found it critical to engage cybersecurity experts to protect their data.
For those who wish to pursue a career in cybersecurity or improving their prospects of upward mobility inside the industry, this can be the best time to do so. Individuals with bachelor’s degrees are likely to find employment soon after graduation, just imagine the opportunities available for candidates with master’s degrees. Let’s look at some of the benefits of getting a master’s degree in cybersecurity.
Job security
With the massive advancements in technology and rapid rise and sophistication in cyber-attacks, cybersecurity is one of the major concerns in governmental agencies and organizations as they try to put all efforts in protecting their vital information and data. However, there is a massive shortfall in talent, and as such, job security in the cyber field is strong. Compared to other jobs in the IT field, cybersecurity openings at a rate that is three times faster according to a report by Burning Glass Technologies. One might get a job across every sector whether public or private. Furthering your education could expose you to many years of well-paying, steady employment.
Higher pay
Straight up, experts in the cybersecurity field are well paid. This works according to the law of demand and supply that states that prices are going to rise if you have a surplus of demand and a significant shortage in the supply. Those with bachelor’s degrees are hovering around $92,600 per year, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now if that’s the case for mid-level positions, imagine what you can get with more experience and an advanced degree.
Abundance of financial incentives
Many individuals who would like to venture into this field fear the costs of getting a master’s degree, and this is one of the reasons as to why there are few qualified candidates. The government, along with other organization, offer many scholarship programs for cybersecurity students to motivate those who would like to further their education and fill the drastic skills gap. Two major programs funded by the U.S government are the National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS) and the Information Assurance Scholarship Program (IASP).
Do You Have Fears of Going Back to School?
If you’ve been angling for a promotion, taking a class can be a step toward laying a foundation for a full-on career change. It’s normal for you to have fear and trepidation if you’re considering furthering your education and your career by going back to school. This anxiety could be as a result of the fact that you already have many responsibilities and obligation, you remember all too well the demands and pressures you experienced with your first degree, you’re afraid of the additional expenses, or you don’t want to come out of your comfort zone by committing to lessons.
It’s true furthering your education can be expensive upfront, but it’s great if you’d look at it as a long-term investment toward the potential for a promotion and a higher salary. A master’s degree in cybersecurity will could you a higher economic return over time. Also, you could continue with your job while pursuing your education and that can help mitigate the costs of college.
Always Remember, There is no Perfect Time to Go Back to School
The time will never be just right and the appropriate time to go back to school will never come. The thought of finding time and maintaining balance between school and a job, family and other obligations such as volunteer commitments can seem impossible. Your mind can be plagued by the fear that you’re going to fail in your class, you won’t be able to keep up at work, or you’ll fall short of familial duties. The key to success when you go back to school is proper time management and setting your goals straight. You can also enroll in a flexible online program if you’re worried about commitments.
Are you interested in earning a graduate degree in the cybersecurity field? If you want to earn a Master of Science Cybersecurity with Concentrations in Cyber Operations and Cybersecurity Policy, consider ECPI University for your education. With accelerated scheduling and online classes available, this could be a great fit for a working professional who wants to learn quickly. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Cybersecurity - Master’s
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