Get Matched With Cybersecurity Programs
What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is a critical field for businesses and organizations of all sizes. In order to protect their systems and data, many companies are turning to cybersecurity professionals for help. As a result, the demand for qualified cyber security professionals is high and is only expected to grow in the years ahead.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, North Carolina is a great place to start your training. There are several colleges and universities in North Carolina that offer degree programs in cyber security. And, thanks to the growing demand for cyber security professionals, these programs are constantly expanding and evolving to meet the latest needs of the industry.
So, if you're looking for a comprehensive and up-to-date education in cybersecurity, North Carolina has plenty of degrees that are definitely worth considering.
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Online Cyber Security Education in NC
A cyber security professional is someone who is responsible for the security of an organization's computer networks and systems. They protect against cyber-attacks and hacker threats, and work to ensure that confidential data is kept safe. To become a cybersecurity professional, you need to have a strong understanding of computer security principles and practices, as well as experience in network administration and system administration.
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Cybersecurity professionals work in a variety of jobs, from IT support staff to cyber security analysts. Many cybersecurity professionals are employed by companies that provide services to other businesses such as network engineers, computer consultants, and IT management organizations.
Online Associate Degree in Cyber Security (AS)
Cyber security is a vital part of our lives and, with the increasing number of cyber threats, it’s important to have professionals who can protect our data. An online associate degree in cyber security can provide you with the skills you need to enter this growing field.
To pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, students will need to complete around 60 credits, as they will with nearly any associate degree program. Online courses may include general education courses and major-related coursework. Students may complete courses in network security, computer operating systems, digital forensics, and networking essentials. And, if you aren’t sure about cybersecurity as a focus, you can complete an associate degree in computer science, information technology, or another similar field and start by taking a few classes in cyber security. If you do want to pursue the field further, you can learn either on the job or in a bachelor’s degree program.
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security (BS)
A bachelor's degree in cyber security can provide you with the skills you need to enter this growing field or continue to gain promotions if you’ve already finished an associate degree or found your way into the career through self-taught skills. Through coursework in areas such as network security, cryptography, digital forensics, and risk management, you will learn how to identify and respond to threats to computer systems. You will also gain experience in creating and implementing security measures to protect these systems.
Cyber security professionals must have a thorough understanding of the global, national, and local business environments in which they operate. A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity provides you with the training you need to understand these environments and how they can be exploited and protected from exploitation. A bachelor’s degree takes four years of learning, or about twice as long as an associate degree, though, if you have already completed an associate degree, you may be able to enter a bachelor’s degree program as a junior rather than a freshman and finish after two years instead of four.
Online Master’s Degree in Cyber Security (MS)
If you are looking to excel in your cyber security career, earning a master's degree in cybersecurity is the way to go. The field is relatively easy to enter but earning a higher-level degree will give you an easier way to earn more money, gain access to more promotions, and be more quickly considered for supervisory or managerial roles. A quality online program will have a solid foundation in computer science and provide a strong background in cybersecurity. As at every other level, a cyber security master’s degree will focus on the protection of computers, computer networks, and data. It may also examine current laws and trends in cybersecurity.
To earn a master's degree in cybersecurity, you should already have a bachelor's degree in computer science. Your previous education should include strong math and statistics, as well as knowledge of computer forensics and network security, though you will earn a deeper understanding of all these things through a master’s program. Cyber security master's degree programs should also prepare you for the legal side of this field. Master's degree programs nearly always require applicants to have previous work experience in the field, which will help you land a job after graduation if you aren’t planning to just move up within your current company.
Online PhD in Cyber Security (PhD)
Online PhD in Cyber Security programs offer many advantages to students who wish to earn a doctoral degree in the field. These programs typically offer a wide range of degree titles and course concentrations and may be affiliated with industry organizations. These programs emphasize research and teaching, and professors teach important course content and act as mentors. In addition to preparing students for research and teaching careers, online PhDs in cyber security train them in theoretical and practical frameworks for decision making.
Applicants seeking admission to online PhD in cybersecurity programs should have a strong background in computer science, physics, or chemistry. Some programs require letters of recommendation, while others may require these from supervisors within a professional environment. Applicants may also have to submit an essay as part of the application process. The essay should highlight why you are interested in pursuing a cybersecurity degree and describe your past accomplishments within the industry.
Graduates can look forward to working in research or academia, though some may choose to start their own consultancies.
Online Cyber Security Certifications
With cyber-crime on the rise, many companies are looking for IT workers who can help them to protect their data or online communications. One way to do this is to hire computer science professionals who have certifications in cyber security. There are many different types of cyber security certifications available, and workers can find choosing the right one to be confusing. The best way to choose a certification is to consider your needs and goals for your future career.
The most common type of cyber security certification is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. This certification is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It’s designed for experienced information security professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as risk management, incident response, and cryptography. Another popular certification is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, which provides you with the skills to find and expose weaknesses in your employer’s systems. This certification is offered by the EC-Council.
No matter what your job or what industry you work in, there are a huge number of certifications available. Computer science is one of the fields that has the highest number of certifications that you can choose from, so take your time before signing up for any certification program.
Become a Cyber Security Professional in North Carolina
If you are interested in becoming a cyber security professional in North Carolina, there are a few steps that you can take to get started.
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Step 1: Get educated
A key step in becoming a cybersecurity professional is getting educated in the field. There are many colleges and universities that offer degrees in cyber security, information assurance, and other related fields. While it used to be normal for workers in computer science to be self-taught and learn more on the job, most employers these days expect you to have some amount of formal education. This can be just an associate degree or, more commonly, requires a bachelor’s, but any education can help you gain access to a career.
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Step 2: Get experience:
Another important step is gaining experience in the field. This can be done by working as a security analyst, penetration tester, or vulnerability assessor. Really, any job that you can get will give you experience, but you might just want to look for an internship while you complete your education. This might even be a good way to find a job since many students who work in internships are hired on after they graduate.
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Step 3: Stay up to date on new threats and technologies
It's no secret that the world of information security is constantly evolving. As new threats and technologies emerge, it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest security news. By doing so, you can protect your organization against potential attacks.
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Step 4: Build strong problem-solving skills in cybersecurity
The world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving as new threats are identified and countered. To stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to have strong problem-solving skills. Cyber security professionals must be able to quickly identify a problem, isolate the issue, and find a solution. In addition, they must be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team in order to resolve complex issues. Problem-solving skills can be developed through practice and experience. Individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity should take advantage of opportunities to learn new techniques and strategies.
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What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Cyber Security?
In the era of big data and increasing cyber-attacks, it's no wonder that cyber security is one of the most in-demand fields today. So what can you do with a bachelor's degree in cyber security? A bachelor's degree in cyber security can prepare you for a career as a network administrator, computer scientist, information systems manager, or software engineer. With this degree, you will learn how to protect networks and computer systems from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. You will also learn how to develop secure software and manage information systems. If you are interested in pursuing a career in cyber security, be sure to check out the best colleges for cyber security.
Potential Careers for Cyber Security Graduates
- Systems Administrator:
A systems administrator is responsible for the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems. They work closely with other members of the IT team to ensure that system hardware, operating systems, software, and related procedures adhere to organizational values.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven experience as a systems administrator or similar role
- Familiarity with various operating systems (Linux, Windows) and networking equipment (routers, switches)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators in the US in 2021 was $80,600
- The mean annual wage for network and computer systems administrators in the US in North Carolina is $87,000
- Information Technology Director:
An information technology director is responsible for leading and managing the IT department. They will plan, coordinate, and direct all activities related to the development, implementation, and maintenance of the organization’s information systems.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
- Master’s degree preferred
- 10+ years of experience in information technology
- 5+ years of experience in a managerial role
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers in the US in 2021 was $159,010
- The mean annual wage for computer and information systems managers in North Carolina is $152,040
- Cloud Information Security Engineer:
A cloud information security engineer will be responsible for ensuring the security of our client's data and systems in the cloud. They may work with clients to assess their needs and risks and implement security controls to protect their data. They may also monitor our client's cloud environment for security threats and respond to incidents.
Necessary Requirements:
- Experience with data security in the cloud
- Strong understanding of security controls and risk management
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for information security analysts in the US in 2021 was $102,600
- The mean annual wage for information security analysts in North Carolina is $117,400
- Information Security Analyst:
An information security analyst is responsible for the development and maintenance of information security programs. This includes the identification of security risks, the development of mitigation strategies, and the implementation of security controls. They may also provide guidance to other members of the organization on information security best practices.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field
- Experience with information security risk management
- Knowledge of information security best practices
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for information security analysts in the US in 2021 was $102,600
- The mean annual wage for information security analysts in North Carolina is $117,400
- Security Software Engineer:
A security software engineer will be responsible for developing and maintaining software applications that protect computer networks and systems from cyber attacks. They will work with other engineers and developers to design and implement security measures, test for vulnerabilities, and create response plans for incidents.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field
- Experience with developing and maintaining software applications
- Knowledge of cyber security threats and countermeasures
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers in the US in 2020 was $110,140
- The mean annual wage for software developers in North Carolina is $117,240
- Security Architect:
A security architect is a senior-level position responsible for designing and implementing security solutions to protect an organization's information assets. This may include developing security policies, conducting risk assessments, designing security architectures, and selecting and deploying security controls. They may also be responsible for monitoring and responding to security incidents, auditing compliance with security policies, and overseeing the security operations of the organization.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in information security or related field
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for computer network architects in the US in 2021 was $120,520
- The mean annual wage for computer network architects in North Carolina is $112,020
- Penetration Tester:
A penetration tester is responsible for conducting security assessments of computer systems and networks. They identify security vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to mitigate risks.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven experience as a penetration tester or similar role
- In-depth knowledge of security testing tools and methodologies
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication and report writing skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for information security analysts in the US in 2021 was $102,600
- The mean annual wage for information security analysts in North Carolina is $117,400
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO):
A chief information security officer (CISO) is responsible for developing and implementing information security policies and procedures. They also oversee the security of the company's information systems and ensure compliance with security regulations.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven experience as an information security professional
- In-depth knowledge of security technologies and procedures
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for chief executives in the US in 2021 was $179,520
- The mean annual wage for chief executives in North Carolina is $262,660