Cyber Degrees Education - Master's Degree in Cyber Security

Cyber Security and Networking are a hot topic and if you want to pursue a cyber security career you need to stand out. Getting your Master's and any additional certifications can help you strengthen your career options and job opportunities. As we become more reliant on web technologies in the home and the office, our need to be protected from hackers, cyber-terrorists and network outages also increases. According to the BLS, cyber security job prospects are growing faster than any other projected occupations.

Why A Cyber Security Master’s?

When a person uses their credit card to pay for an item, or checks their bank account balance online, they are taking a risk. At any given point, there could be someone lurking, just waiting to steal that person’s information for a variety of nefarious reasons. The battle to stop these people from getting what they desire is what cyber security is all about. It is important that anyone working in this field has the knowledge and expertise needed to protect people from cyber-attacks and attaining a graduate degree in cyber security makes these people even more valuable. If you have an undergraduate degree in the cyber security field or the idea of being on the front line of fighting this scourge is something you’re interested in, keep reading.

Overview of Reasons to Get an MS in Cyber Security

In this day and age, for every new technology introduced, there’s a person or organization trying to crack the code to get to the information. Cyber security is important because it helps to keep information safe, from a person’s medical records to the highest level of military information. Those on the front lines protecting that information are cyber security experts, all of whom are trained in the area of cyber security. Without them, every time you swipe your credit card or give out your social security number, someone could steal that information, making life complicated. The area of cyber security was born from the need to keep the information that people share on the Internet safe.

Attaining a bachelor’s degree in the field is an excellent start, but for many, going further to get a graduate degree opens more doors. It is also a way to combine two forms of cyber security, by getting a master’s degree in a similar but different area than your bachelor’s. And, any time you have an advanced degree, especially from an esteemed institution, you have the chance to command a higher income and more responsibility. For those who are looking to grow their careers, a master’s is a great step to doing that.

Overview of Reasons to Get an MS in Cyber Security

MS in Cyber Security

A master's degree in Cyber Security demonstrates that the student is adept at identifying risks, creating safeguards against said risks and, in the event of an attack, has the skill and expertise to stop the attack and correct any damage done. There are several areas on which a student could focus when attaining this degree: networks, computer systems, or cyber security.

Core courses for the master’s in cyber security include:

- Foundation of Algorithms
- Cryptology
- Information Assurance

Other courses are based on the specialization selected. but the above-mentioned courses are required for any cyber security degree.

MS in Computer Forensics

When a computer, network, or system is hacked, or computer fraud occurs, a special group of people is called in to trace the source of the hack and determine how the breach was completed. This area of expertise is called computer forensics. Computer forensic scientists are trained to spot and correct security breaches in computer networks and software as well as decipher data to determine what is missing and what was left behind by the perpetrators of the fraud. Those with a master’s degree in computer forensics could lead a team of these experts or command a good salary hiring themselves out to companies. Government work on both the local and federal level is also an option.

A sample of courses that a student would be required to take to pursue this degree include:

- Computer and Cyber Forensics
- Foundations of Information Security and Assurance
- Information Security Management
- Network Management and Security

MS in Network Security

Those employed in network security are the ones who come up with the firewalls, encryption codes and other devices that keep all data that is transmitted and stored on a network safe. They are trained to locate the possible areas that could pose a threat and take steps to prevent a breach or attack from happening. Although you can attain a job in network security with a bachelor’s degree, many working in the field have found that having a master’s in network security has made them more employable and able to command higher salaries.

Courses in a master’s degree in network security might include:

Other Computer Related Degrees

Master’s in Computer Science

If you know how to program a computer, this can help you determine whether coding in a program is malicious as well as help you prevent a breach from happening. And in the event of a breach, this skill can assist in closing it and creating computer code that can prevent it from happening again. This is a large part of what those in cyber security do daily.

Master’s in Computer Engineering

Building systems that are as impervious to cyber-attacks is a highly sought-after skill in the cyber security field. A computer network that is built with security in mind is less likely to be breached. Attaining a master’s degree in this field will make you more attractive in the cyber security field.

Master’s in Information Technology

Just as building an infrastructure that is secure is important, having software and systems that are built with security in mind is just as important. A person with a master’s in information tech has learned how to create software that is not easily hacked. When that is combined with infrastructure that is secure, it creates an environment that is ideal for those who deal with personal and sensitive data.

Master’s in Information Assurance

These specialists help to safeguard information by putting the steps in place to assure the information cannot be leaked or otherwise manipulated. This is done through a series of checks and balances related to the use, storage, and transmission of data across secured and unsecured networks. A person with a master’s degree in this area would not only work on the assurances but could head a team that develops new assurances as technology develops.

Concentrations

- Government Risk Management and Compliance
- Network Security
- Computer Security

A master’s degree concentration is a specialization within a particular field. For example, algebra is a type of mathematics. The master’s degree might encompass an entire field, but a person might want to concentrate on a specific part of that field, hoping to set themselves up as an expert. In this case, a person would choose the concentration in which they wanted to focus. When it comes to cyber security, a person can choose a particular part of cyber security to focus their attention. For example, a person could choose computer forensics as their concentration for their cyber security degree. They would still get the needed education regarding overall cyber security, but they would study more about computer forensics than network security or information assurance. Someone who concentrated on information assurance might study software engineering a bit less. Choosing a concentration can improve employability because it sets a person apart as an expert instead of a generalist.

How Much Does a Master’s in Cyber Security Cost?

The cost of a master’s degree in cyber security varies depending on the program and the school. On average, a degree will cost roughly $10,000 for a student attending either online or an in-state program. Programs vary between 30 and 40 semester hours. Students who are out-of-state students will pay substantially more, just as undergraduate students going to a school out-of-state would pay. Most schools approximate that it will take between 18 and 36 months to complete a program, but as with most graduate programs, a student can have up to five years to successfully complete their degree. Online programs are on the more expensive end of the spectrum, with courses costing up to $500 per credit hour, but the completion time is often shorter than other programs. In-state programs, since many are on campus, tend to be longer. Some programs have additional lab and equipment fees, while others rely more on book learning and lectures and therefore cost a bit less in that area.

Admission Requirements

In most cases the requirements to be accepted into a master’s degree program for cyber security include the following:

Traditional – Online – and Hybrid Programs

Schools that offer master's degree programs in cyber security structure the course load in a variety of ways. Some schools offer traditional classroom study, while others offer the degree program online. And other schools offer a combination of both on-campus and online learning.

Here’s a breakdown regarding the three options:

- Traditional

Students come to campus daily and take courses in a classroom setting. Classes might be held during the day, or there could be options to take the same classes at night. This helps to accommodate working students who are seeking an advanced degree.

- Online

Students take courses online instead of going to campus each day. This is helpful for students who work or have other responsibilities and need some flexibility in their school schedule.

- Hybrid

These programs use a combination of online and traditional courses for their programs.

- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer information technology, networking, or system engineering from a regionally accredited college or university
- A cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0
- An acceptable score on the GRE - this score requirement varies by school
- A completed admission packet - this may or may not include an essay question or a solution to a cyber security scenario
- Work experience in the cyber security field
- Specific courses in mathematics, science, or engineering may be required but this varies greatly by school

Getting a Master's Degree in Cyber Security is not only a great opportunity to take a very lucrative career in a field that is sure to be booming; but also a chance to start a new career of your own. Many people feel that this kind of course is only for the big shots, and that it is not worth the time or the money to pursue.What they are not telling you is that there are many "gimmick" degrees out there that could potentially earn you a lucrative career in cyber security. The difference between the two is whether or not it is an online college or a traditional college offering the degree. In this article I want to give you some insight into what it takes to get a Master's Degree in Cyber Security.

For a Master's Degree in Cyber Security, you are not going to take what seems to be a number of online courses per day, and you will not have to meet special time requirements to be able to complete your course. You can get a Master's Degree in Cyber Security if you want one. These types of degrees don't require any graduate school hours, just a year or two of work at a minimum.

The courses will typically vary from nine to sixteen weeks, depending on the course, and it will include classes in the following areas. There is going to be a course on physical security, building security, network security, forensics, and networks and information security.

If you choose a course that is network security, you will be learning all about computers and networks, their security, and how they work. This is not exactly a cyber security course, but it would help you understand the basics. I would say that is a wise course to take.

There is also a course on physical security that will help you understand the fact that we are going to be using and protecting our homes, vehicles, and other things that are located around the house. In these physical security courses, we will be learning about fire safety, electrical safety, and other forms of physical security.

The courses are going to cover a lot of things about physical security. A good course to take is the NFPA 101, which is a certification course. This can help you get started on your career as a Fire Marshal, but not a Master's Degree in Cyber Security, but it can get you on your way.It will take a lot of training and study to prepare you for the major part of this program. But, the work you do here will be valuable for your career as a firefighter or other work related to fire prevention and safety.

The Internet is going to be a big part of what you learn about cyber security. There are different types of courses and you will need to know which is right for you.

If you do not know much about computers, or if you have a bad idea of how much they cost to buy and use, then you will have to choose an online school, which will get you started without you having to worry about costs. You can also get a certificate at this level, but that is not needed.

If you are concerned about finances, I would suggest that you get a feel for how much it is going to cost to get a degree. There are different courses that will come in packages, so you will have to choose a package that you think you will be able to afford.

That's why companies are paying high earnings for trained cybersecurity experts which furthermore why gaining a cybersecurity master's degree may be the very best investment you ever make. With increasing understanding and also concern over the growing cyber risks encountering organizations, governments and also individuals alike, numerous universities as well as also universities have in fact developed new academic degree programs in cybersecurity.

Today, a great deal of businesses seek a mix of both experience as well as education and additionally, while a master's level is not required for all work, the advantages of earning a master degree in cybersecurity consist of higher pay, work security as well as increased profession chances. Not all cybersecurity education and also learning is generated equivalent, nevertheless, which is why it is vital to be specifically vital when selecting a graduate program.

When thinking of cybersecurity degree programs, try to find educational programs that have really been developed by a diverse group of industry leaders to especially take care of long-lasting understanding as well as reveal skills not instructed by the majority of cybersecurity programs. If there was ever before a time to get in the cybersecurity area, it is currently.

While that is a significant economic investment, the reward confirms it deserves it. Elderly expert for improvement at the State Department, informed the Washington Post, "If any type of kind of university pupil asked me what career would certainly most guarantee thirty years of stable, well-paying work, I would absolutely respond, 'cybersecurity.'" The UNITED STATE.

With boosting understanding and concern over the growing cyber threats encountering organizations, federal governments and also individuals alike, various colleges as well as likewise colleges have in fact developed brand-new academic degree programs in cybersecurity.

Today, a lot of firms look for a mix of both experience as well as education and also, while a master's level is not required for all work, according to Tripwire.com, the benefits of earning a master degree in cybersecurity include better pay, job protection as well as broadened profession chances. Not all cybersecurity education as well as understanding is produced equal, nonetheless, which is why it is important to be particularly important when picking a graduate program.

When thinking about cybersecurity level programs, try to find curriculums that have in fact been developed by a diverse group of market leaders to particularly attend to lifelong understanding as well as reveal skills abilities not advised in most cybersecurity programs. If there was ever a time to get in the cybersecurity field, it is presently.

Master’s Curriculum and Courses

The required curriculum for a master’s in cyber security always includes courses directly related to cyber security, but then can vary depending on the concentration a student chooses. If a student chooses to remain a generalist in the field, then the majority of his classes will revolve around cyber security. However, if a student chooses a specialization or concentration, then a student’s second-year curriculum will mostly revolve around that concentration.

Year 1 Sample Classes and Courses

- Computer Network and Security

This course focuses on the study of computer networks and how these systems can be breached. Students learn how to prevent these breaches as well as how to stop one once it has started.

- Cybersecurity Law and Policy

This course studies cybersecurity laws in the United States and beyond. It also studies the policies put into place to safeguard against cyber theft and how effective or ineffective these policies are.

- Foundations of Cybersecurity Engineering

This course is an overview of cybersecurity engineering and how it shapes fraud protection and cyber security laws and policies.

- Hardware Security

This course studies the various methods used to protect computer hardware from cyber thieves.

- Software Security

This course studies the various safeguards and methods used to create and run software safely.

Year 2 Sample Classes and Courses

The second year of the program is when students who choose a concentration start to delve into specialized classes.

For those who choose to remain cyber security generalists, some of the course work for their degree programs might include:

- Cybersecurity Literacy in the Global Arena

Students learn how cyber security is handled on a global scale and how each country interacts with other countries to prevent attacks from happening.

- Methods and Issues in Cyber Policy and Cybersecurity

Students study the different methods used to create cyber policy and security and the issues this sometimes creates domestically and internationally.

- Data Analytics for Cybersecurity

Students familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of data analytics and how it relates to cyber security.

- Cybersecurity Policy, Issues, and Operations

Students learn about the formation and execution of policy and issues revolving around cyber security. They also learn about the breaches that prompted the policies to be put in place.

- Business Information Security

This course teaches students about information security as it pertains to business. From protecting credit card information to making sure someone’s personal information is not leaked to an unscrupulous person.