Is a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security Worth It?

Posted: March 05, 2021 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 2 minutes

Cyber security and information assurance programCybersecurity is one of the most important careers in the world today. Almost every company and organization needs protection from online hackers and security attacks. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that cybercrime will cost $6 trillion annually worldwide by 2021. Getting a cybersecurity degree will allow you to break into a competitive field and prepare you for a successful career.

Cyber Security Coursework

Southern Utah University’s Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance is offered completely online. The online format of the degree is a huge advantage and allows you to work while attending school, start a family, and/or start your career in cybersecurity early. This degree can allow you to explore areas of your life you never knew existed.

The degree is a total of 33 credit hours of master-level coursework that can be completed in an online program. You can choose between two different emphases in this program, cyber operations or informative assurance. You will have five core classes, four electives, and six credits of capstone, thesis, or two elective courses. If you don't have cybersecurity-related education you may be required to take three credit hours in foundation courses. The program can be completed in three semesters.

Jobs with a Cyber Security & Information Assurance Degree

A cybersecurity and information assurance degree is in very high demand which means there are many jobs available for graduates of the program. Getting a degree in cybersecurity will help you break into a very competitive field, examples of jobs you can get with a cybersecurity degree are:

  • Information Security Analyst
  • Lead Software Security Engineer
  • Chief Information Security Officer
  • Security Architect
  • Penetration Tester
  • Information Security Crime Investigator/Forensics Expert

Salaries and Job Opportunities

Getting a degree in cybersecurity offers a median salary of $92,000, an average salary that is almost double the average in the United States. Utah offers a median salary of $107,000, much higher than the U.S average. This program is difficult to complete and takes a lot of work but will earn a high yield in life for you.

Job opportunities will also be available to you that would be closed to you otherwise. Getting this degree can allow you to change your life for the better. Many jobs will be opened to you whether that's government, corporate, or small firms you will be ready to tackle any task that is given to you.

Master's in Cyber Security at SUU

SUU’s Masters of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance program provides students with the knowledge needed to break into a competitive field. The program provides state-of-the-art education on the design, planning, and management of cyber systems, as well as the procedures for protecting cyber systems and infrastructure.


Produced by SUU Graduate Studies
SUU's Graduate School draws from a prestigious heritage and allows students to pursue a quality education. The master's degree programs offer students the chance to further their professional and educational careers on campus or online.

Tags: College of Engineering and Computational Sciences Cyber Security

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