Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is a great foundation to succeed in the field. Cybersecurity universities prepare students for the industry. If you want to advance your career, this is the way to go.
But first, why should you consider a job in cybersecurity? Well, the demand for computer and IT professionals continues to increase even in the midst of the pandemic. Many organizations move operations online so their data needs protection.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 31% job growth rate. That figure is for information security analysts. The study spans from 2019 to 2029. That rate is much bigger. That is if you will compare it to the average growth projection for all occupations.
Here are the best cybersecurity universities to prepare you for the industry.
Messiah University
The university is founded in 1909. Messiah offers nearly 200 graduate and undergraduate programs in the Christian tradition. The university’s campus is in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Yet, Messiah also offers online learning. The BS in cybersecurity focuses on ethical hacking, information assurance, and secure software.
Moreover, students must pass the hands-on learning required to earn the degree. This means completing internships or service-learning projects. Messiah has partnered with big names for internship programs. Some of the companies are Ford Motor Company and General Electric.
Another option is students may choose to hold student leadership positions. Students may also choose to pursue undergraduate research projects to meet degree requirements. What makes Messiah unique is it brings Christian principles to the industry.
Drexel University
Drexel University has multiple campuses in Philadephia, Pennsylvania. The university has more than 24,000 students and offers over 200 programs. Moreover, Drexel is a pioneer in distance education. The university launched its online program in 1996. Drexel is a national center of academic excellence in cybersecurity. That is according to the National Security Agency.
New students pursue the BS in cybersecurity program full-time on campus. Meanwhile, students with two years of experience may complete the degree part-time online. Furthermore, students must choose a concentration in computer security or computing technology. Drexel focuses on providing practical career training opportunities.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Maryville has nearly 11,000 students. The university offers more than 120 academic programs.
Maryville’s BS in cybersecurity offers defensive, offensive, and general tracks. Students must complete a business policies capstone to complete the degree. Maryville also offers the degree online.
Moreover, Maryville gives each enrollee a complimentary iPad. Additionally, Maryville partners each student with a life coach to customize their coursework.
Are cybersecurity degrees worth it?
Those are just some of the best cybersecurity universities for 2021. Is pursuing a cybersecurity degree worth it, you might ask. The answer is a resounding yes. Consider the following reasons.
Cybersecurity jobs are on the rise
You surely don’t want to invest time and money on a dead-end degree, right? That is not the case for cybersecurity. As mentioned, the BLS projects a massive increase in open cybersecurity jobs.
Employers want cybersecurity degree holders
Generally, the more education you acquire, the fewer job-seeking barriers you’ll face.