Bachelor’s in Internet Security Degrees

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With the increasing use of the Internet for both personal and business use has brought about the need for good Internet security and the demand for Internet security specialists. The best way to become part of this career is to earn a degree in Internet security; bachelor’s degrees are the most common requirement for Internet security careers. Learn about schools offering Internet security bachelor’s degrees and the various careers available after the degree is earned.

Specializations for Bachelor's in Internet Security Programs

Internet security degree programs may occasionally offer concentrations or areas of specialization. However, it is more common to find computer-related programs like computer science or information technology that offer Internet security as the area of concentration.

Most bachelor degree programs require four years of study and 120 credits. Prior to starting the program, the student must have sufficient general education credits. If not, these courses must be taken during the first year of the four-year program. In addition to coursework, students are generally required to complete a capstone course to demonstrate their knowledge of Internet security topics. The National Center for Education Statistics offers a way for aspiring students to find Internet security programs nationwide based on location, degree level and learning format.

Online Bachelor's in Internet Security Degrees

Earning a degree when you already have a full schedule isn’t as difficult now as it was in the past, particularly with the various schools offering online or distance learning programs. Online students often take the same courses as students on campus. The difference is that online students can study at home and earn the degree through learning formats like DVDs, streaming videos, online lectures and discussion boards.

Although bachelor’s degree programs generally take about four years to complete, online students can earn the degree in less time or can take enough longer than two years to complete the program. A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in security might include classes in network and security applications, operating systems, interconnecting network devices and designing customized security.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that most networking and Internet security-related careers require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. They also indicate that Internet and computer specialists are in demand, and this demand is expected to continue.

There are various schools throughout the nation that offer Internet security, also known as Cybersecurity, bachelor degree programs. Many of the internet security programs are listed as cybersecurity or network security because of the similarity between these three.

College Spotlight: Bachelor’s in Internet Security Programs

Penn State Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Security & Risk Analysis with a concentration in Information and Cyber Security.

Colorado Technical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity with a concentration in Computer Systems Security. This program is offered both on campus and online. Students learn programming, data management, security and both basic and advanced networking.

Career Outlook for Internet Security

Once you’ve successfully completed all academic requirements for the degree, whether online or on campus, you’ll find there are many career options available from which to choose. Graduates of Internet security programs have knowledge of programming, networking, information technology, cybersecurity and computer science and, therefore, are qualified for many positions in the IT field. They’re also qualified for many industry certifications, which can boost their employment options even more. Below you will find some careers and wages that may be possible. Wages are based on O*NET and the BLS May 2014 reports.

• Computer user support specialist – $47,610
• Computer network support specialist – $61,830
• Network and computer systems administrator – $75,790
• Information security analysts – $88,890
• Computer network architect – $98,430
• Computer and information systems managers – $127,640