A master’s degree in cybersecurity can open up a wide range of career opportunities and is well worth the investment. Although cybersecurity skills are in high demand, there aren’t enough qualified applicants to fill all open positions: In a recent survey of cybersecurity professionals, nearly 40% of respondents reported that job openings at their organization had gone unfilled, and 95% stated that the skills shortage and its impacts haven’t improved in recent years (Oltsik et al., 2021).
This growing demand has made cybersecurity a highly sought-after and rewarding career path. In this article, we’ll explain the advantages of earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity and outline why the Master of Science program at EC-Council University (ECCU) is an ideal choice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
The Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
Cybercriminals often target enterprises and government agencies with ransomware and malware campaigns, network intrusions, and other cyberattacks, which can lead to data corruption and theft, financial losses, and damage to reputation. Organizations are facing serious threats as a result of these increasingly sophisticated and frequent attacks: According to a 2019 report, attacks rose by 67% over a 5-year period, and data breaches now cost firms an average of USD 4.24 million per incident (Bissell et al., 2019; IBM, 2021). Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the additional challenges posed by remote work have only compounded the problem, with breaches involving remote work costing an additional USD 1 million on average (IBM, 2021).
As a result, security education and awareness are becoming especially critical, and many organizations are ramping up their precautionary measures to avert cybersecurity disasters. IT and cybersecurity courses are becoming more popular as the threat of cybercrime grows along with the need for individuals who can combat it. Employers are searching for personnel who can help them strengthen their security procedures and implement appropriate incident response management.
To be eligible for in-demand cybersecurity jobs—such as security analyst, incident management handler, or digital forensic investigator—candidates first need to acquire strong foundational subject knowledge and validate their skills by earning a degree or obtaining industry-recognized certifications. If you’re an IT professional or cybersecurity enthusiast contemplating the next steps in your career, a master’s degree in cybersecurity is an excellent option for expanding your skill set and improving your knowledge and expertise.
How Can a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity Advance Your Career?
A well-respected credential like an accredited master’s degree in cybersecurity can give your resume a major boost. A master’s program provides you with the in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge you need to excel in your field. A master’s degree in cybersecurity offers the following benefits:
- Acquire the necessary competencies to succeed in the cybersecurity industry
- Access many avenues of professional growth
- Accelerate your career trajectory
- Receive relevant, hands-on training
- Hone your skills and become an expert in your area of interest
Since many universities and institutions offer cybersecurity master’s programs, choosing which one is right for you may be a daunting prospect. At ECCU, the curriculum of our master’s program in cybersecurity is designed to meet current industry needs and prepare learners for specific job roles. ECCU has emerged as a top choice for professionals and students seeking online education in cybersecurity.
Why Is EC-Council University a Top Pick for Cybersecurity Aspirants?
ECCU is a 100% online university that is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and is a member of the American Council on Education (ACE). ECCU has received numerous accolades for its cybersecurity degree and certificate programs, including being named one of the Top 30 Master’s in Internet Security Degree Programs of 2022 and the Most Innovative Online Program (Intelligent, 2022).
The full-time degree programs at ECCU are designed to equip students for careers in the competitive and highly challenging cybersecurity domain. ECCU’s programs are practical, engaging, and innovative. We design our courses to help students reach their full potential and become the cybersecurity leaders of tomorrow.
Prepare for Industry Certifications
ECCU’s Master of Science and Bachelor of Science cybersecurity degree programs are designed to parallel the knowledge requirements for EC-Council certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (C|HFI), and more. ECCU students graduate with not only a degree in cybersecurity but also the preparation necessary to obtain highly respected industry certifications.
In-Demand Specializations
Master’s students at ECCU can choose from the following in-demand specializations:
- Security Analyst
- Cloud Security Architect
- Digital Forensics
- Incident Management and Business Continuity
- Executive Leadership in Information Assurance
Industry Experts as Faculty
ECCU’s faculty are experienced educators and practicing information security professionals with years of real-world experience. Their hands-on expertise in ethical hacking, digital forensics, incident response and management, and penetration testing—among many other areas of cybersecurity—makes them excellent mentors for upcoming cybersecurity professionals.
Transfer Friendly
ECCU students can save time and money by transferring credits for college-level courses taken at other institutions or receiving credit for previously obtained industry certifications (subject to eligibility criteria and ECCU review).
Extensive Scholarship Opportunities
ECCU Cyber Security programs are and allow students to opt for flexible payment plans. Applicants are also able to apply for scholarships and fellowships like the EC-Council Foundation Fellowship, which financially rewards outstanding students with a GPA of at least 3.5 (or equivalent high academic achievement) with up to $10,000 in program tuition.
Why Choose EC-Council University?
Students enrolled in ECCU programs will:
- Earn an accredited university degree
- Stay up to date with ECCU’s advanced curriculum
- Build direct connections in the cybersecurity industry
- Practice live virtual exercises on iLabs, one of the most robust online learning platforms
- Learn from the world’s leading security experts through the Cyber Talks program
ECCU prepares its students for careers in today’s digitized, tech-driven world. Apply today for ECCU’s Master of Science program and become a global cybersecurity leader. Your future in cybersecurity starts here!
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References
Bissell, K., LaSalle, R., & dal Cin, P. (2019). Ninth annual cost of cybercrime study. Accenture.
IBM. (2021, July 28). IBM report: Cost of a data breach hits record high during pandemic [Press release]. PR Newswire.
Intelligent. (2022). Best master’s in internet security degree programs of 2022.
Oltsik, J., Lundell, B., Information Systems Security Association International, & Enterprise Strategy Group. (2021). The life and times of cybersecurity professionals 2021. The Enterprise Strategy Group.
