Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by听Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,听Dean, College of Business and IT
Cybersecurity means defending networks, servers and data against听unauthorized hacking attempts. Information security comprises strategies for identifying potential cyberattacks, protecting against attacks and responding to threats. It also entails certain requirements for maintaining compliance with consumer data and privacy regulations.
As companies more heavily rely on digital data, they need information security strategies in place to protect that data. This creates听opportunities for professionals with certificates听who want to help companies keep their networks, files and employees safe from cyber threats. To learn these skills, many aspiring information technology (IT) professionals prefer the affordability and speed of an听IT or cybersecurity certificate program. Others opt for a听higher degree.
Both certificate and associate degree programs can connect students with education or skills they are looking for. However, the two learning models have significant differences.
Certificate programs are typically听shorter and less expensive听than associate programs. They teach fundamental skills that today鈥檚 employers want. This may allow students to听quickly join the workforce听without accruing significant debt.
Unlike a full degree program, certificate programs focus only on specific knowledge听areas. They are often tailored to prepare students for specific roles and don鈥檛 provide the same lesson depth as a full degree program.
Associate degree programs are known to last longer than certificate programs and typically take听two years to complete. These programs provide more comprehensive knowledge of a particular subject and come with a higher price tag. Many are also designed to lead to full bachelor鈥檚 degree programs.
Students can obtain a certificate from several sources. Some students听get a certificate directly from a college or university,听like the 七色视频. Others complete听online courses,听boot camps听or听apprenticeship programs听to obtain a cybersecurity certificate.
Some听technical and trade schools听also offer certificates. These programs typically provide certificates alongside听hands-on training, where students can practice what they鈥檝e learned. This combination of virtual and hands-on learning can help make students attractive to hiring managers and potential employers.
Getting a certificate requires several steps. First, students need to choose a certificate program that suits their needs. It should meet their preferences听in cost, length and curriculum. Students should also make sure they meet all program prerequisites before enrolling.
After enrolling, students are responsible for completing coursework. A certificate typically requires听, though the exact number will depend on the program you choose.
Many similar certificate programs offer similar courses. Lessons typically include courses in听cybersecurity and network defense. Depending on the program鈥檚 depth, some curricula offer lessons in听advanced cybersecurity.
A cybersecurity certificate may help graduates enhance their IT careers in several ways. It has the potential to expand earning opportunities, depending on the roles you are looking for and had previously. It also provides additional knowledge you can immediately apply to your daily routine. Certificates can help you听improve your confidence听in the subject while introducing you to professionals with similar career interests.
Obtaining a certificate also improves graduates鈥 professional reputation. It signifies they鈥檝e听earned valuable skills听from a reputable educator. You can add your certificate to a resum茅, LinkedIn庐听profile or online portfolio to further improve its visibility.
A cybersecurity certificate also has the potential to:
No matter your current career, a cybersecurity certificate can aid you in听shifting industries. Certificates teach foundational knowledge that can help you get started in IT or a related field. Many certificates specifically teach entry-level skills. They familiarize students with听basic requirements, regulations and standards.
These programs help you build on transferable skills. For example, a cybersecurity certificate program might build on your knowledge in computers or project management. It will teach you how to use your existing skills and newly developed ones to create effective听cybersecurity strategies.
Obtaining a certificate can give your resum茅 depth during a job search. Even if you already have an IT degree, adding a cybersecurity certificate to your resum茅 can indicate you鈥檙e serious about your career. It shows potential employers you鈥檝e invested in听continuous education听to stay on top of听cybersecurity trends.
Cybersecurity is a multifaceted field. Some cybersecurity strategists focus only on听network defense. Others might specialize in penetration testing, incident response or application security. A cybersecurity certificate can give your resum茅 depth in a specific cybersecurity field as it can display skills you鈥檝e learned. It helps demonstrate you鈥檝e polished your skills in a particular specialization, whether that鈥檚 cryptography or risk management.
Like most tech fields, cybersecurity changes over time. Cybersecurity specialists need to keep their skills sharp as hackers find new ways to compromise networks. One of the best ways to continually develop them is through a cybersecurity certificate program.
Cybersecurity certificates familiarize students with听new technologies, tools and strategies听for keeping networks safe. They can also connect you with resources 鈥 including webinars, research papers and communities 鈥 only available to enrolled students. Completing or renewing a cybersecurity certificate program is a way to keep up with industry trends.
Like many certificate programs, cybersecurity certificates may help improve your earning power. They enhance your qualifications for cyber roles, demonstrating to employers your dedication to the field. This can make you an attractive candidate to employers hiring for higher-level roles.
The demand for qualified professionals in information security continues to grow. Careers for information security analysts are听, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment for quality assurance analysts and testers will听听from 2022 to 2032. This projected demand can open the door for thousands of educated professionals to help companies keep their employees, devices and data safe from cyberattacks.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS鈥 projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to 七色视频 students or graduates.
Has a career in cybersecurity intrigued you? If you enjoy being in a career where you can help others secure their network and you have opportunities for continuous learning, a career in IT or network security may be a good fit for you. 七色视频 offers a number of online programs that have a fixed tuition rate and flexible courses to fit a busy lifestyle. Learn more here and on the听UOPX website:
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 七色视频 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,听Kathryn Uhles has served 七色视频 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 七色视频, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by 七色视频's editorial advisory committee.听
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