| School | Level | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utica College | Bachelor | Online BS in Cybersecurity | Website |
| Aurora University | Bachelor | Online BS in Cybersecurity | Website |
| University of West Florida | Master | Online Cybersecurity, M.S. | Website |
| Norwich University | Bachelor | Online BS in Cyber Security | Website |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | Master | Master of Science in Cyber and Homeland Security | Website |
Within the national government and even among the nation’s military, private military/security contractors can be found. Teams of contractors are stationed around the world to bridge the gap between national security and international involvement in order to protect against potential dangers.
Due to the rising demand for cybersecurity, a new branch of private military/security contractors has emerged to aid the government in maintaining a secure environment in which private and secure data may be protected online. Government agencies and the military may hire cyber security contractors. These contractors are in charge of maintaining secure information systems and developing programmes that aid in the encryption of sensitive data.
It is critical that sensitive information systems are handled by only the most qualified and experienced personnel. Take a look at what our specialists have prepared for you below if you want to be a part of this highly relevant and innovative sector.
| School | Level | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware | Master | Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity | Website |
| St. Ambrose University | Bachelor | Bachelor of Business Administration – Cybersecurity Management | Website |
| Bethel University | Bachelor | Online B.S. Cyber Security | Website |
| Lindenwood University | Bachelor | Online BA Cybersecurity | Website |
| Point University | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in Information Systems Security | Website |
What Level of Degree Is Needed?
If you want to work as a cybersecurity private military/security contractor, you should first enrol in a bachelor’s degree programme in information technology, computer science, or a similar field. Computer science degree programmes are becoming increasingly popular as people’s reliance on technology for day-to-day functions grows.
The government and military are also heavily active in technological applications, emphasising the significance of secure systems and communications. The necessity for diversified understanding in different operating systems, computer programming, and cybersecurity is part of the foundation of skills for this vocation. You can learn how to design your own secure programmes, provide encryption services as part of your provisions, and even monitor present systems for symptoms of intrusion through bachelor’s level studies.
While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum qualification for most jobs, it is the highest level you must achieve. Because information technology and computer science are popular among new college students, some may discover that progressing to higher level degree programmes brings additional rewards. When it comes to joining the workforce, pursuing a master’s or higher level degree programme may set you apart from other grads. There are advantages to each level, regardless of which one you choose to pursue. It may be in your best interests to obtain some experience working in information technology, particularly in cybersecurity-related fields, after graduation. This experience may pave the way for you to land more lucrative jobs with government or military entities.
Work Experience
After you’ve gained some experience, you can look for organisations that provide security services through the national government or military. Most employment that work with sensitive data require a security clearance, thus the agency where you wish to work must sponsor your security clearance application. You may be subjected to a background check and an adjudication stage after the application stage. Prior to being issued as verified, you must meet the national standards for security clearance in order to deal with sensitive data.
The required process can take some time to complete, but it is well worth the effort given the importance of having a security clearance and the job opportunities that come with it.
Common Courses To Expect
When considering this career path, you should be aware of some of the key prerequisites of an information technology or cybersecurity degree programme. Our staff has looked into a few popular degree programmes to give you an idea of what to expect during your time in school. Take a look at the courses listed below.
- Computer Forensics: The goal of this course is to teach students how to collect relevant data for use in cybercrime prosecutions. The theory of forensics, intrusion analysis, risk detection, and data recovery are some of the main subjects covered in this course. This programme will teach students how to properly obtain and maintain evidence so that it can be used throughout an investigation and is handled ethically.
- Computer and Network Security: Computer and network security considers security from the user’s perspective as well as from the standpoint of software and hardware. This course also covers risk identification, improper hardware and software identification, and strategies for detecting and preventing hazardous intrusions on computers and networks.
- Database Systems Security: This course teaches students the concepts and procedures that must be followed in order to ensure the security of data stored in various databases. Students can learn about the numerous types of databases and management strategies for each, as well as the various attack methods and dangers that are regularly seen.
Estimates of Salary and Career Growth
When you consider how critical this subject is to the security of sensitive government data and correspondence, it’s easy to see why this may be a profitable and fascinating career path. The military handles highly sensitive information on the country’s security as well as troops stationed in far-flung areas. This material requires the highest level of protection from the best-trained specialists.
Because the internet and information networks are frequently used to send data from one source to another, the demand for security contractors is likely to remain high. When considering a career in this field, you should carefully assess the benefits and drawbacks of your choice before enrolling in any degree programme. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology might be extremely beneficial to your future. With technology playing such a large role in societal change and innovation, experts in system operations and management may be in high demand. Over the next decade, this field is predicted to develop by 18 percent, which is a significant gain for such a short time frame (BLS; 2015).
Salary Information
As more technologically advanced software and hardware become available, you can rest guaranteed that these goods will require the expertise of experienced people to maintain and improve. As a result of changing technology and continual innovation, it’s reasonable to suppose that hackers and other hazardous entities will be hard at work, trying to get into protected networks and wreak harm with their various devices.
As an information technology expert, it is critical to maintain current knowledge and strive for consistent protection for the organisation in which you work. Professionals with these talents may continue to be a valuable resource for government, military, and private organisations that use the internet to access sensitive information. Working in this profession may also provide financial benefits.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals in this area can expect to earn an average of $92,600 per year (BLS; 2015). This field pays better than average when compared to other careers that demand a bachelor’s degree as a minimum qualification. This is a field to examine if you are interested in providing security to agencies such as the national government and the country’s military.