A Master’s in Information Technology in Cyber Security is a popular option for anyone who has an interest in becoming a part of the protection of everything from company information to people around the world. Becoming a cyber security specialist requires a number of qualifications, including analytical and diagnostic skills, critical and creative thinking, and the right education.
Master’s Degree in Information Technology
Information technology is an increasingly important field. With the majority of companies, organizations, and agencies relying on computerized systems to handle business operations, having qualified and highly skilled professionals is a must. For students interested in obtaining a graduate degree that enables entry into the field of cyber security or cyber security management, one option for gaining well-rounded knowledge and ability is to pursue a master’s degree in information technology in cyber security.
The first part of the curriculum often focuses on various courses in general information technology and management. Some common course work includes financial accounting, security management, advanced information systems, and global management of information technology.
Specialization in Cyber Security
The concentration in cyber security within a master’s degree program for information technology gives graduates the specialized skills needed to successfully investigate and identify potential fraud, crime, and suspicious activity. Some of the outcomes of courses in this concentration include development of skills in risk management, securing applications, maintaining operations, understanding and implementing legislation and regulation, evaluating operations and systems within an organization, and more.
While courses are likely to vary based on the program, there are standard classes that most curricula include in order to best prepare graduates for a future career in the cyber security field. Such courses include enterprise security, host security, cyber security technology, ethical issues in cyber security, mobile and wireless security, techniques in advanced hacking, vulnerability analysis, and countermeasures.
Some programs also allow additional specialization in the area of cyber security. Elective course work can often also be completed to gain additional skills in specific areas such as health information security, information assurance, ethical hacking, and computer forensics.
After Graduation
Specialists in cyber security are needed in all types of industries, including law enforcement agencies and private companies. Private companies might include everything from medical organizations to Fortune 500 firms, relying on cyber security professionals to protect information and other business operations materials. Law enforcement agencies also employ cyber security specialists from small, local police departments to national agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Job titles might include cyber security analyst, cyber security specialist, cyber security officer, chief security officer, and cyber security manager. Additional opportunities could also include private investigator. More information on possible careers in cyber security can be reviewed at the Information Systems Security Association website.
Related Resource: Management Jobs in Information Technology
With increasing demand and reliance on professionals who have advanced skills and knowledge in computer technology and the security measures to protect computerized information and data, a degree that specializes in cyber security is an option to consider. A number of agencies and companies rely on cyber security specialists to ensure the safety of everything from information to people, and a master’s degree in information technology in cyber security is one of the paths to becoming a part of any of these elite teams.
