Cybersecurity is an exciting and growing field worldwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for information security analysts, for example, will grow 33% between 2023 and 2033, resulting in 59,100 new jobs in the United States. In 2023, those positions offered a median salary of $120,360 per year.¹

As many employers recognize the urgent need for experienced cybersecurity professionals, industries are seeing a shortage of experts with the necessary skills to address challenges and find opportunities in the cybersecurity realm. In fact, 62% of employers were impacted by cybersecurity shortages in 2023. Organizations are looking for more professionals with knowledge of cybersecurity analysis, incident response, application security, risk management, and more.²

In the expansive field of cybersecurity, there are many vital positions employers need to fill, and cybersecurity jobs will only become more relevant in the changing career landscape. There are many opportunities in the industry to make a positive mark on the world by empowering organizations to keep valuable data secure to protect employees and customers alike.

Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity

There’s no single path when it comes to cybersecurity jobs. Cybersecurity careers may have diverse titles and take place in varied environments—cybersecurity experts can work in networking, software development, engineering, IT support, and more. In the coming years, changing technology will bring even more new positions to the field.

According to the BLS, the sectors employing the most cybersecurity professionals in the United States during 2023 included:¹

• Computer systems design and related services: 22%
• Finance and insurance: 15%
• Information: 10%
• Management of companies and enterprises: 8%
• Management, scientific, and technical consulting services: 6%

Top Cybersecurity Careers

Career opportunities in cybersecurity may include some of the popular titles below. It’s important to note that salaries depend on industry, experience, and location.

• Cybersecurity Specialist: $124,634 per year³
• Cyber Intelligence Analyst: $87,637 per year⁴
• Incident Response Analyst: $100,357 per year⁵
• IT Auditor: $89,879 per year⁶
• Information Security Analyst: $120,360 per year¹
• Cyber Operations Analyst: $94,289 per year⁷
• Data Security Officer: $96,617 per year⁸

While these roles are currently in high demand, there are some emerging areas to consider when exploring cybersecurity career paths.

Cybersecurity Careers in Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A growing sector for cybersecurity jobs is artificial intelligence. The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) said, “While AI enhances detection and offers predictive insights, it also introduces risk, namely, the potential for systems to be exploited by malicious actors. Embracing AI in cybersecurity demands a balanced approach that considers both its advantages and inherent risk.”² As the world works to figure out how to safely and ethically incorporate AI technology into our global society, cybersecurity professionals are uniquely poised to make a difference.

Some emerging titles in the AI space include:⁹

• AI Security Engineer
• AI Cybersecurity Analyst
• AI Security Operations Consultant
• GenAI Security Development Manager

Cybersecurity in Remote Workplaces

While remote working has expanded the talent pool and helped employees gain work/life balance, it has also introduced new risks for many organizations. Upwork predicts that 36.2 million Americans will work remotely by 2025.¹⁰

With so much information passing through remote systems and more employees using personal devices, there are additional opportunities for attackers to penetrate systems. Remote working will require cybersecurity professionals to develop their skills to meet new challenges and keep workers and employers safe.

As the field continues to adapt to advances in technology and changes in how we work, even more experts will be in demand. Earning a degree can ensure that you’re ready to meet that need and make a positive impact in our evolving world.

Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity

A degree in cybersecurity can help professionals confront the ever-changing challenges organizations and societies face and harness the opportunities created by technological advancement. Benefits of a master’s degree in cybersecurity include:

Hands-On Experience: It is incredibly valuable to get experience working with expert professionals in a learning environment before applying your new skills in the workplace. Because the stakes are high within the cybersecurity field, gaining understanding in the safety of a classroom with the support of experienced faculty is vital.

Certification Preparation: There are various cybersecurity credentials you can earn, including CompTIA certification, and some university programs work alongside organizations to prepare students for them through coursework. Earning a degree from a university in line with credentialing organizations helps ensure that the skills learned are relevant.

Alumni Networks: Connecting with people who already work in cybersecurity can be beneficial when looking for jobs. Many colleges connect students with alumni networks to help with job searches and provide resources.

Events Outside of the Classroom: Participating in information sessions, career fairs, seminars, and workshops offered alongside coursework can help students gain a competitive advantage in the field.

Experienced Faculty and Advisors: Collaborating with academic professionals who have your best interests in mind can ensure learners take the right courses for their goals and earn the right credentials for the next step in their careers.

Elevate Your Career with a Master’s Degree

Choosing the right master’s degree will help jumpstart your cybersecurity career. Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey offers innovative coursework and expert faculty to help prepare you for today’s cybersecurity jobs.

Middlebury’s online program presents cybersecurity through a global lens. You’ll learn to identify and mitigate risks originating from the U.S. and abroad as you build expertise in relevant practices, policies, and technologies.

When you enroll in the online Master of Science in Cybersecurity, you’ll learn from expert faculty with deep ties to the field and prepare for ISC2 and CompTIA certifications. The coursework includes a capstone that can be completed at your current workplace.

While pursuing your master’s degree, you’ll benefit from initiatives led by the Cyber Collaborative, a student resource highlighting activities exploring the implications of the cyber domain at the Middlebury Institute. The Cyber Collaborative facilitates collaboration on and off campus, enriching the educational experiences available to students.

Get started in the program today. Learn more about the MS in Cybersecurity at Middlebury.

Sources

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Information Security Analysts.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.
2. ISACA. “Track These 7 Trends for Proactive Cybersecurity in 2024.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/industry-news/2023/track-these-7-trends-for-proactive-cybersecurity-in-2024.
3. Glassdoor. “Cyber Security Specialist Salaries.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cyber-security-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm.
4. Glassdoor. “Cyber Intelligence Analyst Salaries.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cyber-intelligence-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,26.htm.
5. Glassdoor. “Incident Response Analyst Salaries.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/incident-response-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm.
6. Glassdoor. “IT Auditor Salaries.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/it-auditor-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm.
7. Salary.com. “Cyber Operations Analyst Salaries in the United States.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/position/cyber-operations-analyst-salary.
8. Payscale. “Average Data Security Officer Salary.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Data_Security_Officer/Salary.
9. TechTarget. “4 AI cybersecurity jobs to consider now and in the future.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/AI-cybersecurity-jobs-to-consider-now-and-in-the-future.
10. Upwork. “Economist Report: Future Workforce.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/economist-report-future-workforce.

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