Computer Security Degree

Computer and information network security is a growing concern for business and government. The growing number and increasing sophistication of hackers, computer viruses, malware and other threats to information systems makes computer security a top priority for businesses in every industry. The ongoing fight against terrorism also lends importance to the growing field of computer security, as government agencies rely upon IT investigators and counterintelligence analysts to comb worldwide communications and computer networks for impending threats to national security. Computer security programs leading to associate’s or bachelor’s degrees offer students entry into this growing and exciting career field. 

Computer Security Degree Description 

Computer security is a specialized field that comes under the broader umbrella of computer science and criminal justice. Computer security programs are available leading to both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Both associate’s and bachelor’s computer security degree programs place a high emphasis on mathematics and analytical skills. In addition to basic computer science courses covering programming, network design, and information systems management, students who focus on computer security will learn about firewalls, computer forensics, web design, network security design, information security analysis and E-commerce security. 

Computer Security Careers 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in the area of computer security to increase at a rate far faster than the average of all occupations in the coming decade. A computer security degree will offer a graduate a challenging and well paying career in any number of computer security related jobs. 

A computer security degree will give a worker the knowledge necessary to analyze computer systems used by government and industry for all phases of their operations in order to find weaknesses that can lead to stolen data or other security breaches. The computer security specialist will design systems to prevent cyber attacks as well as repair damage caused by previous security breaches. Computer security skills will be in high demand from all areas of business and government. 

Computer security programs prepare students for work in government and industry protecting businesses and the public from cyber threats to the economy and national security. A security network analyst will work to keep personal data, sensitive corporate communications and information, and government information safe from hackers, identity thieves, and corporate spies. Employment as an IT investigator or computer forensics specialist will give the worker a valuable career in the criminal justice system, collecting evidence in criminal cases and civil proceedings and seeking weaknesses in corporate and government security systems. A career as a counterintelligence analyst for various government agencies will contribute valuable analytical skills to the fight against international crime and terrorism.