Think your cybersecurity degree only leads to one job? Think again.
In addition to being a high-demand industry, cybersecurity is a flexible field where you can find multiple career paths that incorporate your strengths and personal interests. At Athens State University, you have the chance to build those skills while gaining the experience you need to stand out in a growing market.
So, what exactly could a cybersecurity degree look like at Athens State? Here’s what you need to know about the opportunities waiting for you before, after, and beyond graduation.
At Athens State: Earning Your Cybersecurity Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree at Athens State is designed to kick-start your cybersecurity career. In addition to working seamlessly with your previous education, our cybersecurity program equips you with the technical expertise and hands-on experience to thrive in your field.
With Athens State’s cybersecurity degree, you’ll graduate with:
- Industry-Specific Skills: Guided by experienced faculty and industry professionals, you’ll build a strong foundation in programming, problem analysis, problem solving, and software engineering with the resources available in the Athens State CyberLab.
- Real-World Experience: Gain the experience employers are looking for by participating in internships, research projects, and other experiential learning activities that work toward your degree.
- Certification Preparation: Your cybersecurity degree also prepares you for further education and certification to advance your career, such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and CEH.
After You Graduate: Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity
Flexible, functional, and in high demand, there are multiple pathways you can take with your cybersecurity degree. Some jobs you’ll be qualified for after graduation include:
- Information Security Analyst: Protect your organization’s networks and data by monitoring systems, managing audits, and enforcing digital security policies.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Monitor systems and respond to threats by analyzing logs, detecting intrusions, performing risk assessments, and supporting investigations.
- Software Security Specialist: Secure applications and software code by performing regular code reviews, implementing secure coding practices, and testing for vulnerabilities.
BONUS: With additional certifications and graduate degrees, you can expand your career options and take your cybersecurity degree even further.
Exceeding Demand: Market Growth and Career Advancement
No matter what path you decide to take with your cybersecurity degree, one thing is certain: The world needs cybersecurity. Which means the skills you gain from a cybersecurity degree are in high demand, and the market is predicted to continue growing.
For an information security analyst and related jobs, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports:
- Almost $125,000 per year as the national median salary
- 29% Job Outlook from 2024-2034 (which is much higher than average)
Cybersecurity is strong at the state level too. According to the Alabama Department of Labor, computer science-related disciplines make up three of the top 25 fastest growing occupations in the state. Information security analysts are in the top 10.
Entering the World of AI with a Cybersecurity Degree
With all this discussion around cybersecurity, you’re probably wondering, “But what about AI?” Athens State has you covered there, too.
To make your skills even more relevant and valuable in today’s market, consider pairing your cybersecurity degree with our Certificate in Artificial Intelligence. It’s an interdisciplinary certificate that helps you better understand the inner workings and development of AI, which can be applied to your cybersecurity experience.
Take the next step.
As you pursue your cybersecurity degree, it’s essential to keep in mind the expanded career potential beyond it. Securing networks. Defending against cyberattacks. Protecting sensitive information across every industry. Whatever your interests, there’s an opportunity waiting for you at Athens State.
Explore our cybersecurity degree program and take your next step toward a rewarding career.
