Introduction
In the 21st century where the human race is now more digitally connected than ever, a degree in cyber security is becoming increasingly valuable. It is a niche that not everyone is able to pick up easily. As virtually all parts of our lives have been shifted to virtual and online interfaces (think online shopping and online banking) the added convenience comes with a drawback.
As we increasingly reveal and submit our personal details online like our credit card numbers and home addresses, the collective mass of data representing us, spread out over many server databases, applications, and saved keychains, we open many new fronts every day for potential hackers to gain access to crucial information like our cards, identity, and log-in authorisation.
This is why cyber security majors are in high demand for their expertise in improving web security for everyday users.
Deciding what to major in should be taken lightly as it literally has ripple consequences for the rest of your life. If coding and computers are topics of interest to you, then you’re at the right place. Have trouble deciding between this and something else? Want to know if cyber security courses are truly for you? Well, this article will equip you with relevant information and context to hopefully help you make that choice.
What Exactly is Cyber Security?
Studying cyber security essentially equips you with the skills and knowledge to safeguard and protect computer programmes from any potential breaches. The ultimate goal is to prevent any data compromise and ensure the safety and privacy of users’ online information.
Job Prospects and Requirements
Ideally, you want to be working a job that piques your interest, otherwise, you might dread going to work every day and might feel rather miserable. Sure enough, all kinds of jobs have their tough moments and downsides. However, an ideal job will motivate you and push you to carry on during tough times and a dreadful job is likely to drain you of your energy.
Establishing a career in cyber security is honestly pretty demanding and vigorous. Expect to work overtime frequently and be prepared to dedicate your time and energy to your work. This doesn’t mean that you have to slave for your company. It just means that you should be mentally prepared to invest more time into this career choice if it is something you’re really interested in. Your passion and interest will pay off on top of hard work.
The cyber security industry is projected to expand by 28% by the year 2026. This means that the flourishing industry is in demand for cyber security majors and rest assured, you’ll be handsomely paid.
The average annual pay of a job position in the cyber security industry range from around US$65,000 for a security administrator to approximately US$100,000 for a cryptographer. The monetary incentives are there.
What You Will Learn in a Cyber Security Degree
Unlike Geography or Literature, Cyber Security degrees are considered to be a fairly new phenomenon. As such, universities around the world are still adapting their syllabus to design the best-perceived course.
That said, the study of cyber security in one university can greatly differ from another that’s halfway across the world. Some curricula teach their students the broader scope of cyber security while others narrow their focus on computer programming.
Regardless of which university you attend, most cyber security courses should cover the basics such as fundamental security design principles, basic data analysis, introduction to cryptography, and more. Typically after a few semesters of study can you then specialise in the field that you’re interested in. A word of advice if you’re unsure of which classes to take is to choose the modules that offer you more hands-on and practical experience that gets you real-life applicable experiences instead of the more theoretical ones. You’ll learn more about yourself and the cyber security industry when you actually get out there and try new things.
While studying for a degree can provide valuable knowledge, many of the important skills and know-how come from real-life experiences that may not necessarily be related to your major. That said, do participate in other leisure activities or pursue those hobbies of yours to build interpersonal connections and expand your horizon.
What to Know Before You Pursue a Degree in Cyber Security
Different universities have different pre-requisites for students to enrol on the course. Hence, you should visit the school’s website to see the actual requirements.
With that said, typically, in order to enrol for Bachelor’s in cyber security, you will need a minimum GPA of 3.0, an English language certificate with a minimum score of 6.0 for IELTS and 70 points for TOEFL, a personal statement on why you want to pursue a degree in cyber security, two letters of recommendation, as well as pass an online interview. A Bachelor’s degree will take about three to four years to attain.
For a Master’s in cyber security, you’ll have to submit an English language certificate with a minimum score of 6.5 for IELTS and 75 points for TOEFL, a bachelor’s degree in cyber security or computer science, a motivation letter, as well as hitting the minimum required GPA which differs accordingly to each institute. Again, do check the school’s website for accurate and updated details. A Master’s degree will take about one to two years to attain.
If you want to pursue a PhD in cyber security, expect it to take about another three to five years.
Cost and Tuition Fees
Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree is rather costly in general but you don’t have to go to the top schools to get a good education in cyber security.
The tuition fees for cyber security degrees can range from as low as 1,000 Euro to as high as 30,000 Euro per academic year. The difference is huge indeed so make sure to check with the school before you apply.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has answered some of your queries about the cyber security degree in general. There is so much more to it and we’ve barely scratched the surface. If you’re somewhat interested or still on the fence, do take some time to do more research. Go out there and ask for opinions from the universities, or even from working adults in the cyber security industry. Good luck!
