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In the twenty-first century, digital crimes are rampant and must often be dealt with by federal, state and local law enforcement. Municipalities need personnel who will investigate cybercrimes–gather data, analyze risk and assess threats–as they uncover illicit activity and pursue justice. The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso’s online Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies will give you a strong foundation for a cybersecurity career across many industries at the state, local and federal levels.

With the speed of technological advancement comes the great need for cybersecurity professionals who are passionate about working at the intersection of criminal justice and computers. Not only is , this degree is also designed for those seeking to pursue a new career path.

Whether you feel drawn to security-related work or hobbies, or you’re already exploring careers in cybersecurity, you may find yourself wondering about your potential as a security professional. Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é data security is constantly changing, and it can be an exciting career if you thrive on new challenges; fighting cybercrime allows you to make a difference by keeping people and information safe outside of traditional criminal justice jobs. 

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity, as the name suggests, is security related to everything in the digital world. A cybersecurity specialist is the new guard force of the online sphere, protecting integral data and maintaining digital security in a time of increasingly dangerous cyber warfare and digital espionage. The need for cybersecurity professionals is growing and will only continue to increase as our world becomes more interconnected. Roles exist in both public and private sectors. Corporate cyber-espionage isn’t just an element of a blockbuster movie, it happens often in the real world.

A quick look at recent headlines illustrates why cybersecurity is such an important field. With the internet dominating our world, every sector is at risk from criminal activity including media, education, government, science, manufacturing and finance. As humans expand their digital footprint, so too do the efforts of nefarious operators working against online commerce and advancement.

for cybersecurity jobs is projected to grow by a massive 35% through 2031, which is great news for those seeking career stability–especially if you’re interested in federal jobs in addition to corporate and municipal cybersecurity careers.

While some cybersecurity roles are available without advanced training or certificates, the fastest way to maximize your salary and grow in your career is to obtain a degree in the field. Learning on the job is part of every career, but in such highly technical fields, formal training accelerates your skillset mastery and expands your viability as a candidate. Many professionals begin employment in the field and then return to school while they work, completing their degree to increase career momentum and earning potential.

If you want to position yourself for a wide range of job roles that will set you up for cybersecurity careers in both the federal and private sectors, a Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies degree may be the right option for you.

What are Cybersecurity Career Options?

Some cybersecurity careers are more difficult to start than others because of their steep skills learning curve. However, once you break into the job market, they are extremely rewarding and you can increase your opportunities for career growth. It can also be a lucrative field. ZipRecruiter reports that the average entry level cybersecurity professional salary is , which is far above the average for most other occupations, and well beyond most entry-level positions.

If you’re interested in careers in cybersecurity, a broad range of abilities are necessary depending on the desired roles. Needed skills can include geographic knowledge, historical intelligence, or theoretical and strategic savvy along with analytical skills. You can pursue a role based on your interests, preference and proficiency in different areas as security careers span a wide spectrum of organizations, roles and skill sets.

What is a Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies?

UTEP’s B.A. in Security Studies is built to prepare you for success as a highly qualified and competent security professional. Rather than the specific studies of a criminal justice or data science degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies is meant to prepare you for any kind of security career, whether it’s homeland security, cybersecurity, law enforcement or the military.

The demand for trained security personnel is only growing and UTEP’s Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies gives you the foundational tools and networking capabilities to succeed down nearly any security path. The curriculum is specifically designed with security and intelligence agencies, as well as the military, in mind. This degree can help you bridge the gap between your current career trajectory and the federal or private sectors while giving you the broad range of skills necessary to truly succeed in the cybersecurity world.

How Would This Degree Help You?

This program is fully online and meant to be convenient and accessible; even if you’re working full-time, we work with you to ensure you have the time you need to graduate with a degree. 

Between the flexible schedule, stellar faculty and the strong foundational curriculum, which is designed to meet the needs of security agencies across the country, this degree is a great foundation for a career in security.

Further Research

 If you’re interested in learning more about our program, be sure to visit the program page for the online Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies. You may also reach out to our enrollment counselors to find out more and have your program-related questions answered.

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