If you are planning to get into the field of cyber security and you are unsure of the type of degree to get, then you are at the right place.
This article will discuss the type of degrees to get, so that a student is prepared to get into this field and also is able to get into the HR filter.
As a student of Cyber Security, you’d know that this field is an especially hard field to get into, in terms of employment. Although a degree is not really necessary or mandatory, a degree is still helpful and would surely get you past the HR filter or the gate of the company, so to speak.
Here are some degree(s) that would surely land you a job in cyber security.
A degree in IT/Computers ,electronics, electrical engineering or something similar is worth getting if one is thinking of entering this field.
A degree in Information technology or Computer Science, would be the best degree to get, to get into the cyber security domain.
As mentioned above, that any degree related to technology would, as cyber security relies on certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker and the likes.
At most Computer Science degree programs, most students would have to choose units that cyber security focused, this will allow students to specialize in cyber security, while having a degree in Computer Science or Information Technology.
With that said, degrees in Cyber Security are available although this field is a relatively new field, so why not just get a degree in Cyber Security. Well, since a degree of cyber security would be too narrow, it is advisable to get a degree in Computer Science since students can get into other areas of IT such as programming, networking, graphic designing.
Another reason to get a non specialized degree, such as a computer science degree, is that a lot of other skills, that’s useful in protecting the assets, these are; ethics, forensics and statistical skills to better prepare a graduate in getting into this field.
Getting past the HR filter
Although this article will not go into the Degree vs certificates, it will however, touch on the so called HR filter, this is in regards to letting in students with a degree vs certificate.
Most human resources managers are not knowledgeable in cyber security and have no clue about the kind of certifications and the requirements that their companies need, so with that said, most job adverts are a copy and paste of a similar role that is being advertised online.
Choosing a degree program
When choosing a degree program, it is important that students choose a degree program that is not only accredited but also aligns with their career goals.
Some of the degree programs that may help a cyber security student land a job are; Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Management, Computer Science and Bachelors degree in Cyber Security.