Our reliance on digital technology has completely overhauled the way we live our lives. Just 50 years ago, the idea of a user-friendly personal computer was only starting to take shape. Today, the average household has close to 20 internet-connected devices. Meanwhile, the Internet of Things is expected to become a $4 billion industry by 2032. Our phones, our cars, and even our watches keep us digitally connected at all times. 

As technology becomes more complex, so do threats to critical data. On average, a cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds. Consequently, there is a widening skills gap that continues to plague business leaders as they race to protect themselves from the increasing prevalence and sophistication of cyber threats. 

While malicious hackers work to uncover digital vulnerabilities and compromise critical information, companies seek to fill positions for qualified cybersecurity professionals who can anticipate and prevent these attacks. 

One of the Best Career Change Jobs Available

The Cybersecurity and Information Security Agency (CISA) defines cybersecurity as “the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.”  A career in the cybersecurity field involves protecting digital systems from the threats of cyber crime by identifying vulnerabilities, responding to security breaches, and developing stronger systems.

With a growth rate of 33%, the field of cybersecurity has a job outlook that is outpacing the average national growth rate across all fields, which is currently about 4%. Additionally, the median pay sits around $120,000—well above national averages.

Essentially every industry is vulnerable to cyber threats, which means the range of job possibilities is expanding rapidly and makes cybersecurity one of today’s best career change jobs. From governments to private enterprises, healthcare to infrastructure, organizations of all sizes rely on cybersecurity professionals to keep information safe and secure. 

The Cybersecurity Skills Needed to Make an Impact

This diverse and growing field needs professionals from all backgrounds who can bring with them their passion for keeping the digital world secure. Among the many skills needed for cybersecurity professionals, a successful individual seeking to enter this field will possess: 

• A background or interest in computer science or IT: A good foundational understanding of computer science and information technology will lay the groundwork as you build a successful career in cybersecurity. 

• An understanding of business: The concepts of program management and team building will help you oversee complex systems while working with other cyber professionals, business leaders, and government officials. 

• A passion for continual learning: New problems and challenges constantly arise in the digital realm. The field is ever-changing and cybersecurity professionals need to be adaptable, tenacious, and creative.

The field of cybersecurity combines justice, humanity, and technology in a unique and powerful way. The world is dependent on secure systems, and by extension, on the cyber professionals who protect and maintain those systems. 

Discover how a cybersecurity degree from UDallas will teach you how to lead with purpose in a technology-driven world

How to Make a Career Change to the Cybersecurity Field

If you’re looking to make a career change into the field, you may be wondering what the first steps are and how to get cybersecurity experience. Depending on your background, there are a few different routes you could take to change careers into the cybersecurity field. 

Get Certified

If you have several years of professional experience in computer science or information technology, certifications are a great way to prove your knowledge, boost your credentials, and make yourself a strong candidate. The certifications you choose to pursue can depend on your career goals, industry preferences, and areas of expertise. As you progress through your career, you may choose to earn additional certifications. 

Some of the most prominent cybersecurity certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Considered the baseline certification, the CISSP is the oldest and most widely known certifications for cybersecurity professionals.

• CompTIA Security+: This global certification proves your ability to secure hybrid environments, comply with regulations, and respond to security threats. 

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): The CEH showcases your skills to identify vulnerabilities and prevent cyber attacks by hacking systems—all while staying within legal limits.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): This certification proves an individual is qualified to evaluate the controls and security measures of an organization's IT systems to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+): An intermediate-level certification, the CySA+ uses behavioral analytics to prove an individual's ability to detect, prevent, and respond to incidents through continuous security monitoring. 

• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Often considered the most difficult certification for beginners, the OSCP requires candidates to prove their practical skills by hacking multiple systems within a twenty-four hour period. 

Take a Bootcamp

If you need to enter the field quickly, bootcamps are short, intensive programs focused on getting individuals the skills needed for cybersecurity positions at an affordable price. These programs are much shorter than a traditional degree, typically lasting 6 months or less. 

These programs can help you build essential skills to get to the next step in your career. However, because of their shortened time frame, the scope of learning can be limited and focused on just a few areas related to the field. This can be a good option for someone looking to build a specific skill set. 

One of the notable downsides of bootcamps is that they are largely unregulated and can vary greatly in quality. If you decide to go the bootcamp route, make sure to thoroughly research programs and select one that has a proven track record of helping students get jobs in your area of interest.

Earn Your Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity

If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to developing your expertise as you pursue a career path in cybersecurity, a master’s degree is a worthwhile investment. A master's in cybersecurity allows you to prove your commitment to the field while developing your skills, building your network, and improving your competitiveness in the job market. It prepares you to immediately enter the field by providing an in-depth understanding of the complexities of protecting and defending networks—while also helping you to develop the discipline necessary for lifelong learning. A cybersecurity master’s degree brings together business, technology, and integrity to produce professionals who are well-rounded and well-poised to move up the ladder at any organization. 

A good program will provide hands-on, real-world experience while learning from the industry’s top professionals. Additionally, graduates will benefit from better job security along with greater opportunities for promotions and higher salaries. 

A master’s in cybersecurity will position you to take on professional roles such as: 

• Security Architect

• Security Consultant

• Security Engineer

• Security Software Developer

• Cryptanalyst

• Cryptographer

• Cyber Intelligence Analyst

Take the Next Step with a Master’s in Cybersecurity from UDallas

A career in cybersecurity can be both challenging and rewarding. The complexities of the field require someone who is tenacious and adaptable, and prepared to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program at the University of Dallas provides a practical and rigorous cybersecurity education taught by experienced industry professionals. 

In 2003, the University of Dallas was designated a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) by the National Security Agency (NSA). For over twenty years, students graduating from UDallas have had the confidence that their master’s in cybersecurity aligns with the NSA requirements and is a highly qualified CAE in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).

At UDallas, we understand the technical while prioritizing the human. In addition to hands-on, practical training, our master’s in cybersecurity program will teach you how to lead through a human-first lens in an increasingly tech-dominated world. 

To learn about the expansive career opportunities in data within the cybersecurity field, access our eBook. A Guide to AI and Data Careers: How to Set Yourself Apart in a Tech-Driven World.

You have questions about our master’s in cybersecurity programs or want to learn more about UDallas, please request more information.