Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Information Security

If you’re searching for an associate degree that’s going to allow you to work in a highly-paid field keeping valuable information safe from potential hackers, then you’re in luck; you can get an information security associate degree and be well on your way to a great career.

Why Get An Associate Degree In Information Security

Information security has exploded in recent years. The reason is because almost all companies use computers to store valuable information, which makes them vulnerable to attacks from hackers looking to steal this information or viruses looking to crash their system. Information security is no longer a luxury for businesses and government agencies; it’s an absolute “must”.

Because virtually any computer can be exposed to hackers, the need for information security specialists is growing with each passing year. This means that if you spend the time to get your associate degree in information security, you’ll be putting yourself into a field where you’ll be in-demand, and very well paid.

What You’ll Learn In An Information Security Degree Program

Getting your associate degree in information security means you’re going to have the opportunity to take some really interesting classes. Some of the courses you might see in this degree program include:

Intro to Information Security
Cyber Forensics
Database Systems
Network Security Technology
Intrusion Detection
Criminal Evidence
Disaster Recovery
Server Operation Systems
Introduction to Networking

Careers In Information Security

Here’s the good news: you can make a really great living as an information security specialist.

The bad news? This is definitely a field that will pay you more money, and offer you more opportunities, if you have your Bachelor’s Degree.

Information security professionals need to know a lot of things. They need to be able to spot a bogus log-in amidst pages and pages of code. They must keep on top of the latest technology, as well as stay on top of the latest threats from viruses, spyware, and hackers.

The bonus to keeping on top of all this information is that you’re well compensated for it. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the starting salary for information security professionals is $63,750.

The BLS also says that this is one of the fastest growing fields in the country. There are more jobs right now than there are qualified candidates to fill them, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding employment once you’re done with school.

Payscale.com lists these salary ranges for the different positions that are commonly found in Information Security:

Security Consultant- $78,065
Computer Security Specialist- $71,854
Data Security Analyst- $64,598
Security Director- $101,485
Data Security Administrator- $54,625
Public Key Infrastructure Specialist- $66,000
Computer Security Coordinator- $70,000

It’s also important to note that those who are self-employed consultants earn the most money in this field. Payscale.com estimates that the average for self-employed consultants was $108,000.

Information security professionals also work for local, state, and national governments. If you focus your degree on cyber forensics of cyber terrorism, you can work with agencies like the FBI and CIA, tracking down criminals and helping put them behind bars.

As you can see, you can make a great living and do some really exciting work in this field. Getting your associate degree in information security is a great first step, but it’s highly recommended you keep going with your education. The longer you stay in school, the more you’re going to earn and the more opportunities you’ll have to get your dream job.

Click here to see some of the best associates degrees in information security

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information