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.