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Technology plays a key role in nearly every aspect of modern life and business. Yet with today’s abundance of technology comes higher risks of data breaches and the growing need to safeguard information. Cybersecurity experts design, manage, and strengthen security systems across industries, protecting both a company’s information and its customers’ data. 

If you’re interested in a cybersecurity career, top cybersecurity certifications and specializations offer you a valuable way to take control of your career and carve out a niche within the field. Combined with an advanced degree such as a Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS), these credentials can help you qualify for senior-level roles in public, private, or government organizations and demonstrate your readiness to lead in an evolving industry. 

What Is Cybersecurity? 

Cybersecurity protects the networks and systems of organizations and individuals from unauthorized access, misuse, or disruption. Effective cybersecurity strategies preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic data.

Cybersecurity professionals are often tasked with duties such as:

• Finding weaknesses in a company’s systems through techniques like ethical hacking

• Putting systems in place to mitigate phishing attacks, ransomware, scams, or data breaches

• Ensuring companies comply with data protection laws and regulations

• Responding to security breaches and documenting recovery efforts 

• Researching and developing a company’s best security practices, and providing security training and user support

If you want to pursue an advanced career in cybersecurity, investing in advanced education, earning a cybersecurity certification, and gaining workplace experience are key steps toward achieving your professional goals.

Cybersecurity Degree Programs and Certifications 

Cybersecurity education can take several forms, from short-term certificate programs to advanced graduate degrees. Deciding whether or not to pursue a degree for a cybersecurity career depends on your long-term goals. If you want to enter the workforce quickly, earning a certificate alone may be the right path, but it can make you less competitive when applying for certain roles.

Graduates aiming for senior or specialized roles often pursue further education. Many begin with a bachelor’s in information technology or computer science, then continue with an advanced credential such as an MSCS and one or more professional certifications. 

Core cybersecurity curriculum includes courses like:

• Cybersecurity Law and Policy

• Secure System Administration

• Security Auditing and Penetration Testing

• Ethical Hacking

• Cybersecurity Certification Preparation

At the master’s degree level, you’ll likely delve into advanced skills and specializations, while building the leadership skills needed for management-level roles. Many programs also weave certification preparation directly into the curriculum. This will prepare you to sit for certification exams and immediately apply those skills in professional settings. Completing both certifications and a master’s degree can signal to employers that you’re not only ready for management, but your skills meet the national standard.

Top Cybersecurity Certifications for MSCS Graduates

Cybersecurity certifications focus on advancing practical skills in specific programs, systems, or areas of cybersecurity. They may specialize in areas such as cloud security, auditing, management, or ethical hacking and defensive security.

These certifications can help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world technical application, allowing you to translate classroom learning into the specialized skills employers value most.

Some of the top cybersecurity certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): One of the most advanced cybersecurity certifications, the CISSP involves both technical and managerial competence. It trains graduates to design, engineer, and oversee information security systems. 

• CompTIA Security+/PenTest+: The global standard for information technology security knowledge and skills, it is based on the essential principles of network security and risk management. 

• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP/PEN-200): This practical certification focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking. It validates the ability to conduct security assessments, identify system vulnerabilities, and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen organizational defenses.

These certifications represent a range of expertise levels - from entry-level to advanced. With both an advanced education and specialized certifications, you can step into roles where you can immediately contribute to protecting organizational assets. 

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity Graduates 

Earning a cybersecurity certification can open doors to varied and rewarding career paths. Employers are looking for professionals with these credentials across industries that rely on secure digital operations, from health care and finance to government and technology. 

Common roles for certified cybersecurity professionals include: 

• Cybersecurity architect: Design and develop an organization’s security systems and infrastructure 

• Chief information security officer: Responsible for an organization’s overall security strategy 

• Information security manager: Oversee and protect a company’s data security, preparing for and responding to threats  

• Digital forensics analyst: Recover and analyze digital evidence 

Depending on the role, level of seniority, and type of organization, different certifications are better suited to certain roles. Understanding the type of organization you want to work for can help you choose the certifications that best support your professional goals. 

Cybersecurity Salary Projections

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for information security analysts, which can include cybersecurity specialized graduates, is projected to grow by 29% between 2024 and 2034, much higher than the national average for all occupations. The BLS also reported an approximate median annual salary of $124,910 for information security analysts as of May 2024. 

For cybersecurity professionals advancing into management roles such as computer and information systems managers, the BLS reported employment to increase by 15% within the same decade and an approximate median annual salary of $171,200 as of May 2024.

Advance Your Cybersecurity Career With an Online Master’s Degree

Leaders in cybersecurity are continuously learning and advancing their skills. Just as cybercriminals innovate and evolve, the top cybersecurity certification programs and industry leaders are constantly adapting with them, responding to new threats and challenges. If you’re ready to take that next step, choosing the right graduate program can make all the difference.

The online Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS) from The University of Tulsa equips you with skills for the demands of today’s cybersecurity field and into the future. The program also prepares you for the CompTIA Pentest+ and Security+ exams, as well as the CISSP certification.

Learn more about how The University of Tulsa’s MSCS degree can be the next step toward advancing your cybersecurity career.

Recommended Readings

5 Types of Hackers

Is Cybersecurity in Demand? 8 Reasons Demand Keeps Rising

Is a Master’s in Cybersecurity Worth It?

Sources:

Cybercrime Magazine, “12 Cybersecurity Certifications That Are More Valuable To Employers Than Ever”

Cybercrime Magazine, “Cybersecurity Jobs Report: 3.5 Million Unfilled Positions In 2025”

Indeed, “11 Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners”

Splunk, “Top Cybersecurity Certifications To Earn Today”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Systems Managers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts