Most Needed Jobs in America: Cybersecurity

It’s no secret that technology is critical to our work and to our lives. And if there had been any doubt about it, the COVID-19 pandemic has surely proven the need for reliable—and secure—tech. That’s why we rely on cyber security professionals. These experts are the ones ensuring that the technology supporting our health care, finance and banking, travel, and other critical industries remains uncorrupted and reliable.

It’s no wonder, therefore, that Forbes recently said “22 of the top 50 best jobs in America for 2021 are in tech-related career areas.” That includes cyber security roles related to information and data analysis, engineering, and security.

For those who are thinking about a new path in the information technology field, cyber security could be a great opportunity. For those who are already in the industry, earning a cyber security certification can help further your education.

If that sounds like it could be a good fit for you, UA Grantham is here to help! Our College of Science, Engineering and Technology offers three cyber security programs designed to help you start (or advance) your cyber knowledge.

Cyber Security Field of Study

Success in cyber security requires an analytic mind, effective communication skills, and a willingness to keep learning. UA Grantham Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security prepares students to do just that. This program teaches students to apply computing and mathematics knowledge to the systems, processes, and tools that keep organizations running. It also encourages them to keep learning—an essential skill in technology fields, particularly in an ever-changing world.

With a Cyber Security BS degree, graduates can seek areas where they design and implement security processes, analyze their impact, and identify and prevent risks. Those career paths could include work as information security analysts, data security administrators, information security officers, network specialists, and systems engineers.

And many of those roles are currently seeing growth—both in demand and in compensation. CNBC reports that information security analysts, for instance, will be in high demand over the next five years, and average annual salaries topping $81,000. In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that information security analysis jobs will grow 31% over the next ten years—that’s dramatically higher than the anticipated growth rate for all occupations.

Cyber Security Certificates

But not all students are looking for a bachelor’s degree. If you’re looking for a shorter educational option, UA Grantham offers two great certificate programs. These online programs can be completed in just eight months—giving you the chance to learn more in less than a year.

Our Cybersecurity Concepts certificate program provides students with an introduction to security threats and vulnerabilities. It also offers insight into network configuration and security. Taking advantage of hands-on simulations and preparing for industry certification exams, graduates are ready to pursue entry-level cyber security positions. Nancy Hill (Chair of UA Grantham’s Computing Technologies) says, “The benefit of taking the Cybersecurity Concepts certificate course allows you the option to progress to the Cyber Security BS degree or to another one of our related technology fields of study, such as BS in Information Systems or Computer Science”.

For students who are looking to go beyond cyber security concepts, our Advanced Cybersecurity certificate program can make a great stepping stone to additional responsibilities or more advanced roles. You’ll learn more about risk management and mitigation, as well as disaster recovery practices, social engineering, and cryptography.

Enhance Your Cybersecurity Skills

Regardless of which program you choose, you can be assured that you’ll learn relevant skills. All three of UA Grantham’s cyber security programs are designed to prepare you for the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certification exams. These are important and respected certifications for the industry, demonstrating your competency and knowledge of cybersecurity concepts.

You’ll also get all the help and support that you can always expect from UA Grantham. Our student support services include tutoring through our Teaching and Learning Center, assistance from our Career Services team.

Cybersecurity is an exciting field, and we want to help you get started: Give us a call today to enroll.