The Benefits of Getting a Bachelor’s Degree with Certification

The Benefits of Getting a Bachelor’s Degree with Certification

October 21, 2022 | Ryan Clancy | ECCU

There are many benefits to getting a bachelor’s degree with certification—one of the most important is that you’ll be qualified for a broader range of jobs. Certifications show you have the knowledge and skills required for the job, which can give you an advantage over other candidates. Certificates can also help you stand out from others in your field and may lead to promotions or higher pay.

If you’re interested in improving your career prospects, many programs are available online for a bachelor’s degree with certification.

Is a Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?

If you’re considering a cybersecurity career, you might wonder if a bachelor’s degree is worth the investment. The answer isn’t always simple and depends on your specific situation and goals. Here are some general points that can help you make the decision.

First, it’s essential to understand the job market for cybersecurity professionals. The demand is high, and there will be an estimated 3.5 million job openings in 2025. But the supply is relatively low (Morgan, S., 2021). That means companies are willing to pay top dollar for qualified candidates. If you have the skills and experience employers are looking for, you can earn a high salary without a specific degree.

However, a degree can give you the edge you need to get hired if you’re starting in your career or don’t have much experience. It shows employers you’re serious enough to invest in your education.

In addition, a degree can help you land a job in a specific field of cybersecurity. For example, if you want to work in network security, having a degree in computer science or engineering will make you more attractive to employers.

Why Choose a Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree?

In a digitally evolving landscape, no network is safe from intrusion. Our online data and assets are under constant threat from cybercriminals. With the rapid growth of the internet and the increasing dependency on computer systems, there is a growing need for individuals with the knowledge and skills to protect networks and information from attack. A cybersecurity bachelor’s degree can prepare you for various in-demand careers, such as information security analyst, network administrator, and computer systems engineer (Become, 2022).

There are many reasons to consider a cybersecurity degree. Here are just a few:

• Learn how to protect yourself and your family from online threats.
• Gain the skills needed to work in a growing industry.
• Prepare yourself for a career in a high-demand field.
• Earn a good salary.

What Job Duties Will I Be Performing?

In terms of a specific job, you could qualify as a network administrator, security analyst, or even a penetration tester.

1. Network administrators ensure that networks are secure and run smoothly. They patch systems, set up firewalls, and monitor network activity.
2. Security analysts identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities within networks. This involves risk assessments, analyzing network traffic, and testing systems for vulnerabilities.
3. Penetration testers identify vulnerabilities in system security by identifying the risks of social engineering attacks, writing code to test vulnerabilities, and testing denial-of-service (DoS) attack liability, among others.

The Benefits of Earning a Degree in Cybersecurity

A degree in cybersecurity can help you develop your career in diverse industries, including government, healthcare, finance, and more. Let’s look at some of the benefits of a cybersecurity degree:

• There is an extremely high demand for cybersecurity professionals. With the increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of our lives, businesses and organizations are struggling to keep up with the latest cyber threats. They need highly skilled individuals to protect their systems and data.
• There is unlimited potential for growth in cybersecurity. The demand for cybersecurity professionals will only increase in the coming years, so there is plenty of room for career advancement.
• You can work full-time or part-time as a consultant. Many cybersecurity professionals work as consultants, giving them the flexibility to choose their hours and projects.
• You can choose from job prospects all over the globe. Cybersecurity professionals are needed anywhere computer systems exist, which means you can find employment opportunities in nearly any country (Brunicardi, T., 2018).

The Advantages of Pursuing Certification

Pursuing certifications has many advantages, especially in today’s job market. By becoming certified, you can show potential employers you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job. They can also boost your earning potential, resume, and career prospects. In some cases, certification may even be required for certain positions.

Here’s how you can benefit by taking a cybersecurity certification:

• Improved employability: Any advantage is valuable in today’s competitive job market. Employers often prefer candidates with relevant industry qualifications, and a certificate can give you an edge over other applicants.
• Greater chance of success in job interviews: Certification demonstrates your commitment to learning and professional development. It shows you’ve taken the initiative to gain additional skills, making you stand out from other candidates.
• Enhanced career prospects: It can help you progress in your current role, open new opportunities in other companies, and give you the confidence to negotiate for a pay raise or promotion.
• Gain recognition: A certificate from a reputable institution recognized by employers and peers can add weight to your CV or resume and help you gain recognition.

University Certificate and Degree Programs

University certificate programs can benefit students who want to gain specialized knowledge in a particular field or area of interest. These programs can also help working professionals improve their skills and career prospects. University certificate programs typically involve completing a certain number of credit hours at the undergraduate or graduate level and may require passing an examination or portfolio review.

However, a bachelor’s degree is becoming increasingly important. Many employers now require or strongly prefer applicants with specific degrees along with certification.

ECCU’s degrees offer something for everyone. With many programs to choose from, there’s an ECCU degree that will fit your needs and help you further your career.

Whether you’re looking to start your own business or advance in your current field, you can achieve your goals with EC-Council University’s degree programs.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out EC-Council University today!

References

Brunicardi, T. (2018, May 1). 7 benefits of getting a cybersecurity degree. Hocking College. https://blog.hocking.edu/7-benefits-of-getting-a-cyber-security-degree

Become. (2022, February 17). Cyber security degrees & careers how to work in cyber security. https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/computer-careers/cyber-security/

Morgan, S. (2021, November 9). Cybersecurity jobs report: 3.5 million openings in 2025. Cybercrime Magazine. https://cybersecurityventures.com/jobs/

Ryan Clancy is a writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he’s passionate about all things engineering and tech. He also loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand. Ryan lives in New York City, and writes about everything engineering and tech.