Regardless of whether we are looking at an individual, a small business, a large corporation or a government agency, information has become one of our most valuable assets. It also is one of the most sought-after. Criminals, competitors, and even foreign agents are constantly trying to hack systems and steal items such as bank account numbers, credit card numbers, state secrets, and personal credit information. Cybersecurity professionals are on the front lines, working to keep our information safe. They work to protect networks from hackers.
Classes you will take for a bachelor degree in cybersecurity:
You’ll start your computer-focused courses by getting a firm foundation in information technology. You’ll learn about computer systems and information management in general. After this, you’ll take classes that teach you the fundamentals of cybersecurity and computer security management. You’ll learn about hacker techniques and how to defend computer information systems against these techniques. Some classes will focus on investigation and forensics; investigating breaches in security and deducting how they happened and what the motivation of the hacker might have been.
Law and math classes are also likely to be a part of your cybersecurity degree. It is important to understand the law, as it relates to cybersecurity and cybersecurity crimes, as well as the ethical considerations that surround information systems. Math is a key element in your education, because information systems and computers speak the language of math. A firm understanding of mathematical principles will help you apply problem-solving and logic to the problems and challenges you face as a cybersecurity professional.
Finding the right school with cybersecurity programs:
Many colleges and universities offer cybersecurity programs. When searching for the best school for you, there are several things you should consider:
- Location – For some students, location is important for a variety of reasons. Some students would prefer to attend college close to home, and others prefer to go out of state. Often students take internships or part-time jobs in their industry while taking classes, so it is important to choose a location where there are opportunities nearby.
- Cost – While cost should not be the only consideration, it certainly is a big one. For most of us, the reality is that our savings, scholarships and grants will not cover the total cost to attend college. The vast majority of us will start our careers with student debt. Minimizing this debt, without sacrificing education quality, is an important factor.
- Quality of the program- You’ll be spending a lot of time and money getting your degree. It’s important to make sure that it is worth it. A good degree program will be from an accredited college and university. It will also have a reputation in the field. Your prospective school should have statistical information regarding its graduates that will show you the percentage of graduates that end up working in the field of cybersecurity.
Online cybersecurity degrees are also very popular. When looking at online degrees, it is particularly important that you research accreditation and the reputation of the school.
