Welcome to the wild west of the 21st century: the internet. It’s a place where everyone—from the grandma in Minnesota learning how to order groceries online to the startup tech bro in San Francisco—is living a portion of their life. But with all this digital glory comes a darker side: cybercrime. And guess what? Cybersecurity experts are the sheriffs of this new digital frontier.
So, you want to be a sheriff. You’ve heard that cybersecurity is a booming field (and it is), that the money’s good (it is), and that there’s endless demand for talent (you better believe it). But now you’re asking, “How do I actually get into cybersecurity?” You’ve Googled “Cybersecurity Degree,” and here you are, wondering which path to take.
Well, grab a snack and buckle up because we’re diving deep into everything you need to know: degrees, bootcamps, certifications, and the best tools of the trade. By the end, you’ll know how to move forward—whether you’re looking for a degree that’ll get you that VP job in a few years or a bootcamp to fast-track your way into the industry.
Why Cybersecurity?
Before we start listing out programs, let’s address why you’d even want to get into cybersecurity in the first place. And no, it’s not just because you get to tell your friends that you’re fighting hackers.
- Job Security: Cybercrime is on the rise, and businesses are scrambling to find qualified cybersecurity experts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in cybersecurity are expected to grow by 33% from 2020 to 2030—way faster than most other industries.
- Salary: It’s not all altruistic, right? Cybersecurity experts are some of the best-paid professionals in tech, with median salaries around $103,590 annually. And that’s just the median! Top-tier positions can rake in much more.
- Excitement: If you’re the type who gets a rush from solving puzzles and tackling challenges, cybersecurity can be a dynamic field where no two days are the same. You’re always learning and adapting to new threats.
Degrees: The Classic Route to Cybersecurity Stardom
1. Penn State World Campus – BS in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations
First up: Penn State World Campus. Let’s say you want to commit to a full-fledged, 4-year degree, and you like the idea of a program that’s prestigious, well-rounded, and designed for working professionals.
Penn State offers a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations. This program is solid—it’s built for folks who want to dive into everything from cyber forensics to network security. Plus, it’s 100% online, which means you can binge-watch Stranger Things between study sessions.
Cost: $590–$632 per credit (or around $74,520 total). Not cheap, but it’s an investment.
Benefits:
- Focus on hands-on learning through cyber-defense studios.
- You’ll get to choose a focus area (application development, law & policy, healthcare, etc.), so you can tailor your degree to your dream job.
- The alumni network is MASSIVE—one of the largest in the world.
2. University of Arizona – BAS in Cyber Operations
Want to complete a cybersecurity degree faster? Already have some college credits under your belt? The University of Arizona might be your best bet. With their Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cyber Operations, you can transfer credits and potentially knock out your degree in two years.
Cost: $500 per credit (around $30,000 total).
Benefits:
- One of only 24 NSA-designated cybersecurity programs in the country. This means their curriculum is top-tier.
- You’ll specialize in either Engineering, Defense & Forensics, or Cyber Law & Policy—so you get to dive deep into the stuff that really interests you.
- All online students pay the same tuition rate, whether in-state or out-of-state, which is a huge bonus.
3. University of Central Missouri – MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Okay, so maybe you already have your bachelor’s and you’re looking to up your game with a master’s. Enter: University of Central Missouri. Their MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance is not only affordable, but it also focuses on technical and managerial skills—perfect if you’re aiming for leadership positions in cybersecurity.
Cost: $394 per credit (around $11,820 total).
Benefits:
- One of the most affordable graduate programs.
- CAE designation (which stands for Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense) makes this a highly respected degree.
- 100% online.
Bootcamps & Certifications: The Fast-Track Route
Maybe you don’t have four years to spend in school. Or maybe you just want to start working in the field ASAP. If so, cybersecurity bootcamps and certifications are a great alternative to traditional degrees. Think of them as career accelerators—they get you job-ready fast.
Cybersecurity Bootcamps vs. Degrees
Here’s the gist: degrees take longer and can cost more, but they often open the door to higher-level positions down the line. Bootcamps and certifications are quicker and often less expensive, but they tend to be more focused on specific skills.
Bootcamps typically last between 12 and 24 weeks, and they’re intensive. You’ll be learning things like penetration testing, ethical hacking, and risk management—all in a compressed timeframe.
1. Springboard Cybersecurity Bootcamp
Springboard is one of the most well-known bootcamps out there. It’s an online, self-paced bootcamp that includes 1:1 mentorship and a job guarantee (yes, you read that right). You’ll be learning skills like network security and threat intelligence while working on real-world projects.
Cost: $9,500 (but there are payment plans available).
Benefits:
- Job guarantee: If you don’t land a cybersecurity job within six months, you get your money back.
- Hands-on learning with projects that you can showcase in a portfolio to potential employers.
2. Simplilearn Cybersecurity Expert Master’s Program
Another solid bootcamp is Simplilearn. Their Cybersecurity Expert Master’s Program includes training in over six cybersecurity courses, like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).
Cost: $3,000.
Benefits:
- Affordable compared to other bootcamps.
- Focuses on certifications that are highly sought-after in the cybersecurity world.
- You’ll get a Master’s Certificate at the end, which looks great on a resume.
Cybersecurity Certifications
Certifications are often your ticket to landing your first job in cybersecurity. They validate your knowledge and skills, and they’re usually much faster (and cheaper) to obtain than a degree.
Here are some top certifications to consider:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A more advanced certification for those looking to manage and design security programs.
- CompTIA Security+: A beginner-friendly certification that covers basic cybersecurity concepts.
Must-Have Cybersecurity Tools & Resources
Now, let’s talk about the gear you’ll need once you start your journey into the world of cybersecurity. Whether you’re a student or already working in the field, having the right tools at your disposal is key to staying ahead of the curve.
1. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)
In cybersecurity, privacy is everything. VPNs are one of the easiest ways to protect your data from snoopers and hackers.
Some top VPNs to consider:
- NordVPN: One of the most well-known names in the game, offering military-grade encryption.
- ExpressVPN: Known for its speed and security features.
Both of these companies offer affiliate programs that you can promote on your site.
2. Antivirus Software
Everyone needs antivirus software—especially cybersecurity students. Here’s where you can earn some passive income by promoting these through affiliate links:
- Kaspersky: Highly rated antivirus software that offers affiliate commissions.
- McAfee: Another giant in the antivirus world with an affiliate program.
3. Study Resources for Certifications
You’ll want to prepare for your certifications with the right study materials. Here’s where you can recommend (and earn from) resources like Udemy, Pluralsight, and LinkedIn Learning, all of which offer affiliate programs for cybersecurity courses.
Final Thoughts
Getting into cybersecurity is like strapping on a cape and becoming the defender of the digital realm. Whether you go for a traditional degree, fast-track through a bootcamp, or arm yourself with certifications, there’s no shortage of opportunities in this field.
The world needs more cybersecurity experts, and that’s where you come in. So, pick your path, start learning, and get ready to tackle some cybervillains.
By combining degree options, bootcamps, certifications, and the best tools, you can create a comprehensive roadmap to your cybersecurity career. Now, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start securing the internet.
