Master’s Degree or a Cybersecurity Certificate: Which is More Valuable?
Technology is constantly changing, but one thing remains paramount – the need to keep things safe. Cybersecurity professionals who can implement effective safety measures are in high demand in a variety of industries. But you may be wondering: Should I get a certificate in cybersecurity or go for a master’s program? Which will be most valuable to me and my career goals?
Read below to learn the differences, benefits and considerations between a cybersecurity certificate vs. a cybersecurity master’s degree.
Should I Get a Certificate in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity certificate programs are typically designed to provide individuals with the fundamental skills needed to succeed in cybersecurity. You will receive an introduction to networking, risk and threat management, security architecture, ethical issues and security skills to effectively address the threats and risks.
If you did not receive an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity and are interested in breaking into the field, a graduate certificate may be the way to go. Many working professionals may also choose to get a certificate rather than a degree in order to fuel a promotion in their current job. In most cases, the college credits earned from a certificate program can later be applied to a graduate degree program, if desired.
Should I Get a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity?
Getting a graduate degree in cybersecurity after you’ve worked in the field may give you the skills you need to advance your career and obtain leadership positions. A master’s in cybersecurity will provide you with increased levels of proficiency in products and applications, the skills to build secure and dependable systems, the opportunity to conduct hands-on cybersecurity research and more. Completing a master’s program allows students to focus more intentionally on their desired area of study and become experts in their field.
The Cost Factor
While the cost to pursue a master’s degree is more than that of a certificate, professionals who hold a graduate degree make thousands more annually than those who hold a bachelor’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many jobs for computer and IT-related professionals require a master’s degree. By pursuing your master’s in cybersecurity, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to be considered for leadership roles, and in turn, position yourself as an indispensable thought leader in your field.
Making the Right Decision for You
In the end, the decision lies in understanding your personal, educational and career goals. Do you want to kickstart your career in the cybersecurity field? Are you looking to gain skills and training as soon as possible to get started on a cybersecurity career? If so, a graduate certificate in cybersecurity is probably best suited to your needs. Or are you looking to gain more in-depth skills and experience that will position you as a competitive candidate for leadership positions? If so, a master’s degree program might be the best fit for you.
In the end, both master’s and certificate programs in cybersecurity offer ways to drive your career forward. If you think a graduate degree may be in your future, but now isn’t the right time, remember that the credits from a certificate program can be applied to your master’s program later.
Think a master’s or certificate program in cybersecurity at Sacred Heart University might be for you?
Sacred Heart University offers both certificate and master’s programs in cybersecurity to help you jumpstart your career and propel yourself into leadership positions in this fast-growing field.
The Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate program through the School of Computer Science & Engineering requires the student to complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours of coursework that may be later applied to a master’s program.
SHU also offers an MS in Cybersecurity program that provides you with all the necessary skills (theoretical and hands-on), knowledge, networking opportunities and real-world experiences to build a successful and rewarding career in cybersecurity, and to set yourself up for leadership positions in the future.
Curious about SHU’s options and how they might fit your career goals? Reach out to Graduate Admissions at 203-365-7619 or gradstudies@sacredheart.edu or schedule a visit today!