What Education Do I Need To Become a Cybersecurity Specialist?

Cybersecurity is a field concerned with protecting computer and information systems from cyberattacks. Cybersecurity roles range from entry-level to cybersecurity specialist positions that require years of experience. You'll usually need at least a bachelor's degree to become a cybersecurity specialist.

Keep reading to learn more about the education required to become a cybersecurity specialist.

Educational Requirements for Cybersecurity Specialists

Cybersecurity programs help students learn cybersecurity and soft skills like improved communication and problem-solving. Cybersecurity degrees range from associate to doctoral degrees. Certificate programs and bootcamps are also available.

While some cybersecurity specialists are self-taught, you'll usually need at least a bachelor's degree to enter the cybersecurity career field. Many cybersecurity professionals are also certified, and some opt to earn master's degrees. We've broken these educational requirements down below.

Bachelor's Degrees in Cybersecurity

Bachelor's degrees are four-year undergraduate degrees. Some colleges and universities offer cybersecurity as their major, while others offer it as a specialization within a computer science or information technology major. Below, we've featured a few universities that offer online cybersecurity degrees.

Southern New Hampshire University ?Online BS in Cybersecurity

Southern New Hampshire University is a private university based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It offers many online programs, including a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity. This program teaches students to build secure systems, protect information assets, and manage risks. Students can pursue a general cybersecurity track or choose a data analytics or project management concentration.

University of Texas at San Antonio ?Online BBA in Cybersecurity

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a public research university in San Antonio, TX. It's part of the University of Texas System and offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in cybersecurity. This business-based program teaches students how to build defensive infrastructure, fight off external dangers, and contribute to long-term business success. Students can also opt to pair this degree with a minor in digital forensics.

Boise State University ?Online Bachelor's in Cyber Operations and Resilience

Boise State University is a public research university in Boise, ID. It offers an online Cyber Operations and Resilience major as either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Applied Science. This degree prepares students for a cybersecurity career path by training them in cybersecurity tools, techniques, and processes. Students can also gain hands-on experience with the program's online Cyber Operations and Resilience Learning Lab.

Cybersecurity Certifications

While industry certifications aren't required to become a cybersecurity expert, they can lead to more job opportunities and showcase your knowledge in the cybersecurity field. Below, we've listed a few common industry certifications for cybersecurity.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The EC-Council offers the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification. You'll start with a training course that can be done online or in person. Modules cover core ethical hacking fundamentals like malware, firewalls, and penetration testing. Once you complete the course, you'll take both a knowledge and a practical exam to prove your ethical hacking skills. When you pass, you'll receive your globally recognized industry certification.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Certified Information Security Manager certification is from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, or ISACA. This certification proves you're well-versed in IT security topics like data breaches and ransomware attacks. To earn this certification, you'll need to take the CISM exam. The ISACA offers multiple study options, including a review course and a digital manual.

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA is a leader in industry certifications, and one of its certifications is the Security+ credential. This certification affirms that you have the fundamental knowledge to counter cyberattacks and solve information security issues. Like the other certifications, you'll need to pass an exam to obtain the Security+ credential. CompTIA provides a range of study materials, such as a course and study guides.

Master's Degrees in Cybersecurity

Master's degrees are graduate degrees meant to build on what you previously learned in your bachelor's degree program. They can help you further your knowledge or focus on a specific specialty.

While a master's degree isn't required to become a cybersecurity professional, it looks good to potential employers and helps you get better job opportunities while increasing your skill set. Below, we've featured a few top online master's programs in cybersecurity.

John Hopkins University ?Online Master's in Cybersecurity

Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, MD. While probably known best for its medical programs, it also offers an online Master of Science in cybersecurity. This degree program requires students to choose a focus area: analysis, assured autonomy, cyber operations, networks, space cyber, systems, and independent study. Ten total courses are required.

Arizona State University ?Online MA in Global Security

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, AZ. It offers a wealth of online programs, including a Master of Arts in global security with a concentration in cybersecurity. This program covers the challenges facing the diplomatic, intelligence, and military communities. This includes how cybersecurity fits into the greater field of global security.

American Public University ?Online Master's in Cybersecurity

American Public University System is a private, for-profit, online university based in Charles Town, WV. It offers a Master of Science in cybersecurity studies.

This program provides an advanced understanding of large-scale cyber threats and cyber attack prevention, detection, and response. Students will become familiar with the issues, policies, practices, and perspectives of various sectors, agencies, and disciplines in cybersecurity and related fields.

FAQs About the Educational Requirements for Cybersecurity Specialists

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about the educational requirements for cybersecurity specialists.

Is It Difficult To Become a Cybersecurity Specialist?

Cybersecurity experts are in high demand; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for information security analysts is expected to increase by 32% over the next decade. As a result, even though there is some training, education, and work experience required to develop the technical and soft skills needed to protect networks and computer systems, there are many jobs out there for cybersecurity analysts and specialists.

What Do Cybersecurity Specialists Do?

Cybersecurity specialists protect computer systems, including computer networks, data, and operating systems, from cybercrime and security breaches. They must understand how these systems work and what security measures to use.

Several cybersecurity positions focus on different aspects of IT and cybersecurity. Some of these cybersecurity roles and job titles include:

• information security officer
• information security specialist
• network administrator
• network security analyst
• penetration tester
• security administrator
• security engineer
• systems administrator

Are There Continuing Educational Requirements for Cybersecurity Specialists?

There are no specific continuing cybersecurity education requirements for cybersecurity. However, some cybersecurity specialist jobs and professional organizations may require you to complete continuing education to keep your cybersecurity skills up-to-date.