Online Network Security Degrees: Curriculim & Program Info
Graduates with degrees in computer and information systems, network and computer systems administration, information science, or computer software have the skills and education necessary to pursue a career in network security.
Network security and information systems security professionals rank number 10 on JIST Works’ list of 500 Best Jobs Overall for 2009. The federal government reports a projected 20% increase in job growth for this field as companies, telecommunications firms, government agencies, and other businesses take drastic measures to protect computer networks.
Information and network security specialists must be skilled in everything from management information systems and windows server networking to information systems risk management and enterprise security. Most employers prefer to hire individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher in information technology with a concentration in network security or information systems security.
70% of all network security professionals hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. 18% hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree. Advanced degree holders are usually on the higher side of the pay scale at average salaries ranging from $79,160 to $97,080 annually. Bachelor’s degree holders are in the mid range at $65,260 annually. Network security professionals with an associate degree or less typically earn between $38,000-$48,000 per year.
Your level of education affects more than earning potential. Top positions that offer greater responsibility and research and development opportunities are typically reserved for advanced degree holders.
If you are interested in a career in network security, consider enrolling in an accredited information technology program with a concentration in network or information systems security. Other related programs include computer science, applied mathematics, information science and physical science.
Most businesses, organizations, and government departments prefer to hire graduates of accredited on-campus or online programs. On-campus schools offer many of the degree programs listed above and most are available online. In addition, there are hundreds of online technical schools that now offer information technology degrees with a network or information security focus through innovative distance learning formats.
When searching for a suitable online information technology degree program, it is important to pay close attention to accreditation and curriculum. Accredited online schools will require test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
The information in the next section can be used as a valuable tool to compare accredited online and on-campus program curriculums to other schools' curriculums.
On-Campus and Online Network Security Degrees Curriculum
Most online programs offer a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in network security or information systems security. Others may offer a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in networks or information systems.
The curriculum for a BS in Information Technology with a concentration in network or information security consists of a combination of design, programming, information systems, and information and network security courses. A number of general education courses such as algebra and rhetoric are required as well.
Course requirements may include:
- Application Implementation
- Business Systems
- Computer and Network Security
- Cryptography and Computer Security
- Database Concepts
- Database Managements Systems and Control System: Recovery
- Database Systems
- Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
- Discrete Structures
- Enterprise Security
- Fundamentals of Business Systems Development
- Hardware and Architecture
- Information Systems Risk Management
- Introduction to Computer Theory
- Introduction to Information Systems Security
- Introduction to UNIX
- Java Programming
- Management Information Systems
- Networks
- Operating Systems
- Project Planning and Implementation
- Server Side Scripting
- Software Systems Analysis and Design
- SQL for Business
- Web Design
- Windows Server Networking
- Wireless Network and Security
Finding Online Network Security Degree Programs
To locate top accredited online network security degree programs, students may explore the offerings at on-campus technical colleges and universities, search through comprehensive online directories such as Top Online Colleges, or use well-known search engines such as Bing, Ask or Google. Each online degree program will offer information on accreditation. The accrediting agency must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Tip: Although 25% of all network security specialists work in computer systems and design, you will find the most opportunities in healthcare, securities and financial investments, telecommunications, transportation, and publishing industries.
