{"id":8323,"date":"2020-08-13T04:53:30","date_gmt":"2020-08-13T08:53:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/?post_type=news&#038;p=8323"},"modified":"2025-06-23T15:56:18","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T19:56:18","slug":"masters-in-cyber-security-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/masters-in-cyber-security-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Obtaining a Master&#8217;s Degree in Cyber Security Worth It?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"f862c97100d898773dd915a3810aee54\" data-index=\"1\" style=\"float: none; margin:0px;\">\n\n<\/div>\n\r\n<p>Crime has always been around. However, when computers came into play, a good part of crime could be executed in front of a screen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Data breaches, AI phishing, malware, ransomware\u2014these are only a few of the hefty amount of cyber crimes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Police protect against real life crimes; who protects us from cyber attacks? Those would be cyber security professionals who obtain degrees and certifications to qualify for their positions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>To become a cyber security professional, you may only need a bachelor\u2019s degree or certifications. However, is a master\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/why-study-cyber-security\/\">degree in cyber security worth it<\/a>? Let\u2019s look into the reasons why it is.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"why-get-a-masters-degree-in-cyber-security-four-reasons\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Get a Master\u2019s Degree in Cyber Security: Four Reasons<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure><img  decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"\"  title=\"\"  class=\" pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/cyber-security-benefits.jpg\" ><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Enrolling in a master\u2019s degree program, especially in cyber security, is not an overnight decision. It is something you decide to do because you love the profession; however, you will always have to weigh out the pros and cons list.<br \/><br \/>To help you with the pros list, here are a few benefits of a master\u2019s degree in <a href=\"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/what-is-cyber-security-and-ethical-hacking\/\">cyber security<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"skill-improvement\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skill improvement<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Although you may have learned a great deal of technical cyber security skills in your bachelor\u2019s degree program, keep in mind that you work in an ever-changing field. Signing up and completing a master\u2019s degree program could refresh your knowledge and give you a new pair of up-to-date skills.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"advancement-opportunities\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advancement opportunities<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Getting a master\u2019s degree in almost any industry can and will put you ahead of the competition in the workplace. Employers are always on the lookout for well-trained and educated professionals. However, with a master\u2019s degree in cyber security, you will be able to differentiate yourself from the crowd and move upwards on the ladder easier.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"career-change\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Career change<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you\u2019re working in a tech-related industry, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/bau.edu\/program\/bs-in-information-technology\/\">information technology<\/a>, and you\u2019re in need of a career change then your answer may be getting a master\u2019s degree in cyber security. You can obtain the knowledge and skills required to make a shift in your career path and work in an ever-evolving industry.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"job-growth-rate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Job growth rate<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/information-security-analysts.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)<\/a>, cyber security is one the fields with the fastest job growth nationally, with a 37% job growth rate. Not only does it have a fast growth rate, but it is also one of the fields where demand seems to be significantly higher than supply.<br \/><br \/>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/cybersecurityventures.com\/jobs\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cybercrime Magazine<\/a>, there are an estimated around three million cyber security positions left unfilled. This means that, should you choose to get a master\u2019s degree in cyber security, getting a job would be the least of your worries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"masters-in-cyber-security-jobs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/highest-paying-cyber-security-jobs\/\">Master\u2019s in Cyber Security Jobs<\/a><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure><img  decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"\"  title=\"\"  class=\" pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/masters-degree-in-cyber-security-vs-certifications.jpg\" ><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A master\u2019s degree in cyber security can land you numerous jobs.These jobs are not only high in numbers, but they also come with a number of other benefits. For instance, you will never get bored in\u00a0 such an industry that teaches you something new almost every day.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A few of the best jobs you can get in the cyber security field include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Lead Software Security Engineer<\/li>\r\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)<\/li>\r\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Penetration Tester<\/li>\r\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Security Architect<\/li>\r\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Information Security Analyst<\/li>\r\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Information Security Crime Investigator\/Forensics Expert<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Another benefit of these jobs is that, due to the gap in supply and demand, the salaries tend to be some of the highest on the market today. So, let\u2019s look into the median salaries for <a href=\"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/working-in-cyber-security-job-description-and-salary\/\">cyber security professionals<\/a> with master\u2019s degrees.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"masters-degree-in-cyber-security-salary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Master\u2019s degree in cyber security salary<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>However much we love our profession, money is usually a considerable part of the reason why we choose to pursue it. With cyber security, you\u2019ll be covered in that area. Salaries range from $70,000 for <a href=\"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/entry-level-cyber-security-jobs\/\">entry-level cyber security positions<\/a> and can even go up to $200-400,000 per year for certain positions and after and a number of years of experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"cyber-security-certifications-vs-masters-degree\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cyber Security Certifications vs Master\u2019s Degree<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Many of those who choose to pursue cyber security contemplate whether to enroll in a master\u2019s degree program or pursue certification. Both alternatives have their advantages and disadvantages; however, there is always one that is more suitable for you.<br \/><br \/>Here are some of the differences between these two routes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Master\u2019s Degree<\/td>\r\n<td>Certifications<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>One time payment<\/td>\r\n<td>Inexpensive but builds up over time<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Never expire<\/td>\r\n<td>Most need to be renewed within a few years<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Gain transferable knowledge<\/td>\r\n<td>Depends but is mostly non-transferable knowledge<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Builds perseverance in learning<\/td>\r\n<td>Helps build test-taking skills<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Broader and more in-depth concentration<\/td>\r\n<td>Task-specific concentration<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Skills measured through writing, discussions, critical thinking, and practical skills<\/td>\r\n<td>Skills measured through exams.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Ultimately, is a master\u2019s degree in cyber security worth it? We can\u2019t really be the judge of that. However, we made sure to show you all the perks that come with completing such a program. If you\u2019re convinced this is the right choice for you, you can start out by enrolling in BAU\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/bau.edu\/program\/msc-in-cyber-security\/\">Master of Science in Cyber Security program<\/a>!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"font-size: 0px; height: 0px; line-height: 0px; margin: 0; padding: 0; clear: both;\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Crime has always been around. However, when computers came into play, a good part of crime could be executed in front of a screen. Data breaches, AI phishing, malware, ransomware\u2014these&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":8326,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-8323","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-information-technology"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8323","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8323"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8323\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18379,"href":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8323\/revisions\/18379"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8323"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8323"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8323"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}