What can I do with an associates degree in cyber security?

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Fact: Holders of Associates in Cyber Security Degrees Have a Great Career Outlook

Every web user needs the kind of information assurance that comes from trained cyber professionals who can monitor, protect, and serve the best interests of their online accounts, networks, and data. That’s why Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing professions in the world. Because as cyber criminals find more and more ways to infiltrate our computer systems and digital infrastructure every day, the demand for cyber professionals will only grow, especially for those who possess fundamental cybersecurity skills in information systems, software assurance, and vulnerability detection and assessment, all of which learners can earn with an associate’s degree in cybersecurity.

FYI: 3 Common Associate’s Degrees in Cybersecurity

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Cybersecurity

An Associate of Science in Cybersecurity will train learners with the technical skills they need to earn careers as cyber security professionals in an number of areas, including but not limited to cybercrime, cyberwarfare, cyberlaw, biometrics, cryptography, digital forensics, homeland security, and wireless or mobile defense mechanisms. In addition to preparation to enter a B.S. program in Cybersecurity, many affordable A.S. programs in Cybersecurity also provide preparation to sit for certification in the learner’s preferred area of cybersecurity specialization.

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Computer Forensics

An Associate of Science in Computer Forensics will train learners with the technical skills they need to earn careers as cyber security professionals in an number of areas, including but not limited to programming, networking technologies, criminal justice, and various operating systems. In addition to preparation to enter a B.S. program in Computer Forensics, many affordable A.S. programs in Computer Forensics also provide preparation to sit for certification in the student’s preferred area of specialization in cybersecurity.

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Network Security

An Associate of Science in Network Security will train learners with the technical skills they need to earn careers as cyber security professionals, including but not limited to networking fundamentals, computer technology, data security, computer forensics, and various operating systems. In addition to preparation to enter a B.S. program in Network Security, many affordable A.S. programs in Computer Forensics also provide preparation to sit for certification in the student’s preferred area of specialization in cybersecurity.

An Associate of Science in Cybersecurity will train learners with the technical skills they need to earn careers as cyber security professionals in an number of areas, including but not limited to cybercrime, cyberwarfare, cyberlaw, biometrics, cryptography, digital forensics, homeland security, and wireless or mobile defense mechanisms. Many A.S. programs in Cybersecurity also provide preparation to sit for certification in the student’s preferred area of specialization in cybersecurity.

FYI: Job Prospects for Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree-Holders

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a much faster than average job growth rate between now and 2024 for cybersecurity jobs that require only an associate’s degree to work, which include jobs titles like Web Developer. Professionals who work either of these jobs will be on the frontlines of the IT industry, establishing and securing digital infrastructure with their fundamental knowledge of cybersecurity. There are quite a number of other jobs that an associate’s degree in cybersecurity can prepare learners to earn, including those on the following list:

Cybersecurity Jobs that an Associate’s Degree Can Prepare You To Attain and their Median Salaries

• Computer Support Specialist: $52,160
• Computer Programmer*: $79,840
• Database Administrator*: $84,950
• Information Security Analyst*: $92,600
• Computer and Information Research Scientist*: $111,840

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Tip: Possess High-Demand Skills and Pass Certification Exams

With the future of cybersecurity so bright and expansive—particularly via the online format that is its natural habitat, considering cybersecurity professionals work and communicate via connected computer systems—the skills that an associate’s degree in cybersecurity will prepare online learners to possess are in high demand. The largest employers of cybersecurity companies and professionals, lists the following areas of expertise among their most high-demand skillsets for new employees and partners to possess:

• Cyber Incident Response
• Cyber Risk and Strategic Analysis
• Vulnerability Detection and Assessment
• Intelligence and Investigation
• Networks and Systems Engineering
• Digital Forensics and Forensics Analysis
• Software Assurance

These skills are also highly tested. Cybersecurity certifications have increased immensely in popularity over the past several years, with over two dozen certifying bodies providing testing to degree-holders who need professional credentials to kickstart their careers.

And as more cybersecurity programs emerge to meet growing demand, the certification and regulation processes become more rigorous, meaning it’s more important than ever to earn an associate’s degree that will prepare you for certification properly.

Want a little more job security? See What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity? for more information on how completing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can help ensure you pass all your examinations and get the job you want.

*Job titles with an asterisk can also require a bachelor’s degree.