Updated on October 23, 2023
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing and most stable careers today. According to Forbes, “in 2016 the unemployment rate for cybersecurity fell to 0% and has remained at that level ever since.” 1 The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that “jobs for information security analysts will grow by 33% from 2020 to 2030,” 2 four times faster than the national employment growth rate average. A master’s degree in cybersecurity technology can help you develop the skills to fill in-demand jobs in this fast-growing field.
Do I need an undergraduate cyber degree to earn a graduate cyber degree?
You don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s in cybersecurity to pursue an MS in cybersecurity technology; however, it is helpful to have undergraduate coursework in the field. Many UMGC students have earned a cyber master's with different bachelor’s degrees, such as computer science or data science. That said, if you do have an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity technology from UMGC, you can take advantage of an accelerated pathway to a graduate degree that allows you to apply up to 6 undergraduate credits toward a master's program, saving you time and money. With a UMGC bachelor's in cybersecurity technology, it only takes 24 credits to complete your cyber technology master’s degree.
What is the benefit of earning a master’s in cyber technology?
While many cybersecurity careers provide entry-level positions to those who have a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, having a master’s opens the door for higher positions and earnings. And with an ever-growing industry where new information is constant, starting in a higher position offers the potential to reach new heights in your career. According to BLS, the median annual salary for an information security analyst is about $120,000 and about $136,000 in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia. 3
What are potential career fields with a master’s in cybersecurity technology?
One of the best parts about earning a master’s in cybersecurity technology is that it opens the door to so many different opportunities. Some of the most common career paths include:
- Cybersecurity and technology architecture
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Information and network security
- Cybersecurity engineering
- Board advising
- Cybersecurity consulting
To find out which career field you want to pursue, it is helpful to have professors who are experts in their field who can offer insight into their experiences. At University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), our courses are taught by respected and experienced faculty with real-world expertise.
Why should I earn a master’s degree in cybersecurity technology at University of Maryland Global Campus?
At UMGC, you can earn a master’s degree in cybersecurity technology that can help you develop cybersecurity strategies to build and maintain secure technology environments. UMGC is the only online university to offer a master’s in cybersecurity technology, which gives you the flexibility to access your coursework and classes wherever and whenever. UMGC has developed a Multi-Dimensional Applied Relevant System (MARS), which helps cyber students build essential career skills including ethical hacking and experience in network security. MARS gives students access to a simulated, AI-driven world in which they learn by doing. MARS digitally replicates the internet to allow students to develop their competencies and safely apply principles and methods from the classroom in a real-world environment.
The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), a global cybersecurity technical certification body, selected UMGC for its 2022 Academic Circle of Excellence. In addition, UMGC has an award-winning cyber competition team which has participated and placed in almost 50 local, national, and international competitions, and won 1st place in the 2021 Cyber Maryland competition and 1st place in the MAGIC, Inc. CTF-009, Cyber competition in 2020.
In addition, the master’s in cybersecurity technology program is designed to help students prepare for certification exams, including the Computer Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). If you completed an undergraduate degree at UMGC with a major in cybersecurity technology, you could reduce total coursework by up to six credits for the master’s degree in cybersecurity technology. UMGC also offers an additional six cyber-related Master's degrees.
No matter which cyber career field you wish to pursue, earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity technology is a great investment in your future. Take advantage of the opportunity in this high demand field and earn a master’s that can help you implement new ideas and shape the future of cybersecurity.
1 Uche, Nneoma. “What Is a Typical Cybersecurity Salary?” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, November 8, 2022.
2 “Information Security Analysts: Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 8, 2022.
3 “Occupational Employment and Wages: Information Security Analysts.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 25, 2023.
Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party.
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