Cybersecurity is a red-hot career field — fast-paced, rapidly growing, and high paying. And no wonder: Accenture’s State of Cybersecurity Report 2021 states that the number of cyberattacks increased 31% between 2020 and 2021.
Now more than ever, the world needs smart, driven cyberdefenders to help battle the onslaught. The potential for remote work doesn't hurt the appeal, either.
Research from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shows that the tech industry, compared to private industry overall, is very white (63.5 - 68.5%) and very male (52-64%).
Cybersecurity career opportunities and education pathways might be more readily available to those who identify with that descriptor, which is where our list of cybersecurity resources come in.
The following list includes everything from certification opportunities to diversity, equity, and inclusion resources.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expansion
A diverse cybersecurity team avoids more errors, makes more money, and loses fewer members. The cybersecurity sector is now branching out to include more professionals from historically underrepresented groups.
Find out more about how to overcome obstacles and be part of expanding diversity and inclusion in the field.
Careers
In-demand, lucrative, and personally rewarding, cybersecurity careers make a top choice for tech-savvy professionals. They may especially appeal to people with a natural, if perhaps unnurtured, interest in mathematics and coding.
As of 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that information security analysts jobs will grow by 35% between 2021 and 2031. These jobs pay a median salary of $102,600. Learn more about other leading cybersecurity careers at the links below.
Cryptographer Career Overview Cybersecurity Specialist Career Overview Security Architect Career Overview Security Engineer Career Overview What Is a Chief Information Security Officer? What Is a Computer Forensics Analyst? What Is a Penetration Tester? What Is a Security Manager?
Technology
Keeping up with the latest cybersecurity technology can be a challenge. As software and coding evolve, security, too, has to change to remain relevant.
Discover the latest in cybersecurity technology. From understanding current and emerging threats to locating the best tools and education, they have all the information you need.
For more on free cybersecurity resources, skip to our "Student Journey" section.
Government and Military
Many veterans continue protecting our country's security by engaging in cybercareers after they leave active service. The U.S. government helps fund higher education for veterans and current military members through the GI Bill® and other resources.
Some cybersecurity experts go to work for the federal government after earning their credentials. These professionals help protect national security, citizen data, and transportation infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs
Cybersecurity schools prepare students to pursue in-demand careers. While in school, learners may take coursework in advanced math, data analytics, computer science, and technology law.
Colleges and universities offer cybersecurity degrees at all levels, from the two-year associate program to a research doctorate. For added affordability, check if your local community college offers these courses.
Learn what to expect from an academic program, how to make the process more affordable, and explore our ranking of the best cybersecurity schools.
Other Degree Programs
Not all cybersecurity professionals hold a degree in the field. If you were interested in a cybersecurity career, but never encouraged or equipped to pursue it, there are alternatives.
Plenty of parallel programs offer the appropriate academic background for graduates to enter the field of cybersecurity.
In addition to exploring the majors and concentrations listed below, search for cybersecurity and related programs by state to find the best-fitting degree program.
Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Forensics Master's in Computer Forensics Degrees Bachelor's Degrees in Information Assurance Master’s in Information Assurance Degrees Bachelor's Degrees in Information Technology Master's in Information Technology Degrees Best Degrees for Business and Technology Best Degrees in Information Systems Security 5 Best Master's Degrees in Data Analytics 5 Best Bachelor's Degrees in Data Analytics
Student Journey
Earning a degree never happens overnight. It takes time, money, educational opportunities, and a lot of effort. There are many cybersecurity resources to help motivated students earn the education they need to succeed as cybersecurity professionals.
The resources listed below are designed to assist students or career switchers on their journey into the cybersecurity field.
Continuing Education
You don't have to earn a degree at all to land a cybersecurity job. In that way, cybersecurity is equitable; it has a finish line you can meet regardless of the resources you were given or denied earlier in life.
Certifications, cybersecurity bootcamps, and other skill-building resources may provide the necessary background to get started.
Because the subject itself is constantly evolving, current professionals can also benefit from continuing education opportunities.
More Resources
We're always building our list of cybersecurity resources so we can provide relevant, up-to-date cybersecurity information for all students and emerging professionals, including those who have traditionally been left out of this field.
Our resources don't stop with our school rankings and career profiles. We also offer a full array of information from safety tips to information on diversity, the hottest new technologies, and more.
FAQ About Cybersecurity Information on CyberDegrees.org
Is the content on CyberDegrees.org written or reviewed by experts?
At CyberDegrees.org, our expertise goes right up to the Ph.D. level. Our writers love learning new things, and our expert reviewers include data engineers, diversity experts, and human resources leaders. We make sure nothing gets past us.
How does CyberDegrees.org rank school programs?
Using reliable, nonpartisan data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics, we rank school programs using our own unique methodology. We factor in many different points when considering where to place programs, for example: graduation rate, admission rate, and, where possible, inclusion of DEI into the curricula. and no school can pay for a spot in our rankings.
What is the privacy policy on CyberDegrees.org?
CyberDegrees.org is an initiative of Red Ventures, a portfolio of platforms that connect people with the information they need to make important decisions. As such, CyberDegrees.org abides by its parent company's policies regarding data collection, protection, and sharing.
Where can I learn more about CyberDegrees.org?
Our About Us page offers detailed information about our site, our ranking methodology, contributors, and reviewers.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Page last reviewed Nov 3, 2022
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