Page 38 - Cyber Warnings

Comparing the Options: An MBA or a Master of Science in Cyber

Security

What degree is right for you?

University of San Diego Center for Cyber Security Engineering and Technology

Moving into a leadership, managerial or C-level position within the cyber security field typically
means obtaining an advanced degree. But which degree is the best degree? For most cyber
security professionals, the choice comes down to a Master of Science in Cyber Security or an
MBA.

A Master of Science in Cyber Security

There are many reasons to be excited about a Master of Science in Cyber Security. For one,
the field is in desperate need of skilled, qualified and highly educated professionals.

According to reports, there are roughly 1 million unfilled cyber security jobs and that figure is
expected to reach 1.5 million by 2019. Robert Herjavec – founder and CEO at Herjavec Group,
a Managed Security Services Provider with offices globally – told CSO,

“Unfortunately the pipeline of security talent isn’t where it needs to be to help curb the
cybercrime epidemic. Until we can rectify the quality of education and training that our
new cyber experts receive, we will continue to be outpaced by the Black Hats.”

Secondly, salary estimates for professionals with an advanced degree in cyber security are
high. Entry-level positions, such as information security analyst, are commanding a median
annual salary of $90,000 with figures reaching into the six figures in areas such as New York,
California and Virginia. This means experienced and highly educated cyber security experts will
be paid handsomely for their skills.

For example, one of the more senior jobs in the field, security software engineer, receives an
average annual salary of $233,333 according to Dice and a chief security officer can expect an
average annual salary of $225,000. Veronica Mollica, founder and executive information
security recruiter at Indigo Partners, Inc. in Fairfield, Connecticut told Forbes,

“Our candidates are facing competing offers from multiple companies with salary
increases averaging over 30%. Current employers are scrambling to retain talent with
counter offers including 10% and higher salary increases for information security team
members to remain on board.”

38 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine October 2016 Edition
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