10 Jobs You Can Get With an Associate in Cybersecurity

If you're pursuing an associate degree in cybersecurity, you may be wondering about your career options. Is it possible to start a career in cybersecurity with only a two-year degree?

Though most cybersecurity professionals earn a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, an associate degree in cybersecurity can lead down various career paths. For the best opportunities, you'll also want to earn cybersecurity certifications.

Read on to learn more about jobs available for those with an associate's degree in cybersecurity and see what you can learn from a cybersecurity degree.

Top 10 Jobs for Cybersecurity Associate Degree Graduates

Cybersecurity associate degrees provide hands-on training and classroom education on fundamental principles and skills. Let's take a closer look at some of the jobs you can get with this type of degree.

1. Help Desk Technician

Help desk technician is one of the most entry-level positions in the field of cybersecurity. It's possible to land this type of role without a degree and move into higher positions as your experience and credentials grow.

Help desk technicians, or support technicians, work the front desk for IT companies, providing basic cybersecurity support and directing customers to other departments as necessary. Working as a help desk technician is a great way to gain experience and increase your cybersecurity knowledge.

2. Systems Administrator

Systems administrators oversee a company's cybersecurity operations. They are responsible for managing all networks and installing, troubleshooting, and configuring hardware and software systems.

It is possible to begin a career as a systems administrator with an associate degree, though some companies may prefer a bachelor's degree or higher. Pursuing cybersecurity certificates or having several years of work experience can improve your chances of landing this type of role.

3. Cybersecurity Engineer

A cybersecurity engineer is also known as a security engineer. These professionals create the computer systems that protect companies and organizations from cyberattacks and other cybercrimes.

This cybersecurity career offers plenty of opportunities for growth within the industry. Cybersecurity engineers can get started with an associate degree and move into security management roles as they gain experience.

4. Network Security Analyst

Network security analysts play an integral role in preventing cybercrimes before they happen. They analyze company networks for potential vulnerabilities and recommend security measures to put in place.

An Associate of Science in cybersecurity is enough to begin a career as a network security analyst, and this role can lead to other jobs in risk management as you gain hands-on experience.

5. Cybersecurity Specialist

A cybersecurity specialist holds an entry-level job in the cybersecurity industry. They work to protect computer networks from cyberattacks, restrict viruses, and protect sensitive information from being compromised.

This job requires various fundamental cybersecurity skills you can learn in an accredited associate degree program. It can be a great starting point for those interested in growing into more advanced cybersecurity roles.

6. Penetration Tester

Penetration testers are also called ethical hackers. Their primary job is to perform penetration testing, which involves performing ethical hacking on company networks to find weaknesses. Penetration testers then document these weaknesses so solutions can be found to improve the systems.

Becoming a penetration tester is a common career option for those who have completed associate degree cybersecurity programs. A Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification may be required in addition to your associate degree.

7. Incident Responder

Incident responders are responsible for handling information technology situations that arise, such as security breaches and other cybercrimes. They attempt to identify what went wrong and prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.

This is considered an entry-level role in cybersecurity. Incident responders must hold at least an associate degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or a related field.

8. Compliance Analyst

A compliance analyst working in a cybersecurity department ensures the company is following all laws and regulations relative to network security and protecting sensitive information. This security job may be a great option for those interested in both cybersecurity and the legal field.

An Associate of Science degree in cybersecurity is enough to pursue this position. Work experience and certifications can make you a more desirable candidate for compliance analyst roles.

9. Security Consultant

A security consultant analyzes a company's operating systems and networks for necessary improvements to ensure systems security. Security consultants often work for consulting firms and collaborate with organizations on a contract basis.

You can start your career as a security consultant with an associate degree in cybersecurity or a related subject.

10. Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts perform various duties to protect their companies from security threats. They install firewalls that guard against cyber threats, identify and repair vulnerabilities, monitor computer systems, update software systems, and educate employees on safety protocols.

This is a common and popular cybersecurity job. You can start a career in this position with an associate degree in cybersecurity.

What Is an Associate Degree in Cybersecurity?

An associate degree in cybersecurity is an entry-level degree program available at many colleges. Full-time students can complete this program within about two years.

Cybersecurity degrees at this level are typically available as Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees. They can lead to various careers in cybersecurity and may also act as stepping stones to higher education, enabling you to pursue bachelor's and master's degrees.

What To Expect from an Associate Degree in Cybersecurity

An associate degree in cybersecurity teaches the technical skills necessary for a career in cybersecurity. Students learn the basics of ethical hacking, software development, risk management, and various related topics.

You can expect to spend time in the classroom and gain hands-on learning through internships or workshops. If you opt to complete your degree online, you can enjoy the benefits of a flexible learning environment and still gain the essential skills you need to thrive in a cybersecurity career.