What's it like for students at WGU?
At WGU, your experience is our obsession! You're in charge of your college education—but you're never alone.
Find out how different WGU is about personalizing and supporting your education.
-
- Apply For Admission
- New Students
- WGU Returning Graduates
- WGU Readmission
- Enrollment Checklist
- Admission Requirements
- Teachers College Admissions Requirements
- College of Business Admissions Requirements
- College of IT Admissions Requirements
- College of Health Professions Admissions Requirements
- Transferring
- FAQ for Earning Transfer Credit
- Community College Transfers
- How to Request Transcripts
-
- Tuition and Fees
- Tuition—College of Business
- Tuition—Teachers College
- Tuition—College of IT
- Tuition—College of Health Professions
- Financial Aid
- Applying for Financial Aid
- Consumer Information Guide
- Your Financial Obligations
- Responsible Borrowing Initiative
- Higher Education Relief Fund
- Scholarships
- Corporate Reimbursement
-
- Graduate Outcomes
- Our Students & Graduates
- Alumni Services
- Inspiring Stories of Student Success
- Return on Investment
- Diversity
- Learning at WGU
- Accreditation
- How You'll Learn
- Student Reviews
- Partner Organizations
- Paying for School
- Our Faculty
- Military Support
- Tuition Assistance
- Part-Time Options
- Education Outcomes
- Juggling Life and School
- Getting a Raise or Promotion
- Starting a New Career
- Taking the Next Step in Education
- Career Guides
- Blog
Part of Western Governors University
CAREER GUIDE Bachelor of Science, Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
Start on your path today.
Career guide: cybersecurity professionals.
Jump to: Career Opportunities Work Environment Salary Stats Go to: B.S. Cybersecurity & Info Assurance
Cyberattacks. Identity theft. Security breaches. Flip on the news today, and you're bound to hear stories about high-tech threats and the increasing urgency to protect society from computer-related crime. Cybersecurity is a growing career field, and the demand for highly skilled IT professionals with the knowledge and expertise to protect networks and information systems has never been higher.
Career paths in cybersecurity and information assurance are varied and diverse, but they all require professionals who understand how to use software analysis techniques, web engineering, cloud management, and networking strategies to prevent, detect, and mitigate cyberattacks. Security consultants and engineers, computer forensics experts, and software developers—these are just a few of the roles critical to the success of today's businesses, law enforcement, and government agencies like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA).
If you are an established IT professional looking to move into a field with enormous upside, the best way to lock down your next opportunity is to polish your résumé with a combination of a degree and industry-recognized credentials that prove you know your stuff. IT certifications like Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) and Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) will catch the eye of recruiters in the cybersecurity field and put you in position for an exciting professional challenge.
Job listing growth 2016–2026.
Career opportunities.
Too many security breaches, not enough IT experts with the knowledge and skills to protect our computer networks and systems. That's the job market in a nutshell for IT professionals who have specialized skills in cybersecurity and information assurance. Cyberattacks constitute some of the greatest threats facing our economic, political, corporate, and individual security. Career-focused Tech professionals are earning security-focused IT degrees and adding industry-recognized certifications to their résumés to take advantage of an unprecedented (and still growing) range of opportunities in critical areas like business continuity, disaster recovery, incident response, and data recovery.
Positions in the field.
- Cybersecurity response specialist
- Cybersecurity engineer
- Cyber threat analyst
- Security operations specialist
- Information assurance analyst
“WGU has had an immediate and profound impact on my life. Today I am an analyst at one of the largest healthcare companies in the country. None of this would have been possible without the education I received from WGU.” David Hall
B.S. Information Technology
Job market forecast.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The urgency is due to a dramatic growth in the frequency of cyberattacks, and skilled IT professionals are needed to devise innovative solutions that prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating problems for computer networks.
Job growth 2016–2026.
Online. Nonprofit. Surprisingly affordable.
Discover why WGU is an ideal university to pursue your unique career goals.
Work environment.
Your career in data science can go in just about any direction you want it to. No matter what industry you choose to pursue, you'll work in a technology-rich environment helping your organization translate information into smart business decisions. Chances are, you'll work in collaboration with others who could include everyone from product managers and database administrators to IT project managers and administrative personnel, so soft skills like creativity, communication, and teamwork will also come into play on a daily basis.
Professional organizations.
If you are an experienced IT professional focused on a management position in information security and assurance, the right education and credentials can help get you there. The following organizations can also provide a wealth of information about this growing field and the best way to secure your future:
Job search resources.
Information security and assurance jobs are in great demand in IT departments around the world. Get your credentials in-line to take advantage of this dynamic growth industry. These links can start you on the path to a rewarding career.
Salary stats.
Depending on the industry in which they work, salaries for data scientists can fluctuate, but the numbers add up to a lucrative career if you have the right expertise and professional certifications. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in May 2017, the median annual wage for operations research analysts was $81,390. The number jumps to $111,570 for those with the same credentials who work in the federal government, so start crunching those numbers, and get ready for your next big career move!
Average salary of jobs with related titles.
Summary.
So much valuable data, so many chances for an increase in cyberattacks. Information security is a national priority, and if you really want to lock down future career opportunities throughout the IT job market, it's time to lock up the kind of credentials recruiters and employers are looking for. With relevant IT certifications and an advanced understanding of hot-button topics like digital forensics and hacking countermeasures, you'll have what it takes to help prevent, detect, and mitigate cyberattacks.
Your career’s next step: Earn a degree.
Ready to jump-start your career in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance? The next step could be earning your B.S. Cybersecurity & Information Assurance. Accredited, competency-based WGU offers this degree online for at a surprisingly affordable flat-rate tuition. Flexible enough for a working adult’s schedule with the option to accelerate, your degree may be closer than you think!