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As cyber attacks evolve with increasing sophistication, cybersecurity professionals have become indispensable. Organizations across all industries are racing to protect their critical systems and sensitive data. The job market reflects this urgency, with employment of information security analysts expected to grow 33% through 2033 – more than six times the average rate for all occupations.
Looking for a career with strong job security, six-figure earning potential and the opportunity to work as a digital defender against cyber attacks? The cybersecurity major at Northwest Missouri State University prepares you to become an in-demand professional across industries.
Northwest is recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), which ensures you’ll receive a top-tier education aligned with industry standards, making you highly attractive to employers in cybersecurity.
Well-funded criminal groups, nation-state actors and opportunistic hackers present serious threats to businesses and organizations around the world. In 2024, the average cost of a data breach reached a record $4.88 million, while ransomware attacks increased by 3% compared to the previous year.
Organizations across all sectors – from health care to finance – are prioritizing cybersecurity as a critical business function. However, the industry faces a significant skills shortage, with 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally. If you’re considering a cybersecurity major, now is the perfect time to enter the field or advance your skills with a program like Northwest’s Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity.
Whether you’re interested in ethical hacking, network defense or security analysis, the cybersecurity industry offers diverse career paths for all skills and interests. Here’s a brief overview of the most in-demand careers in cybersecurity.
Information security analysts are the primary defenders of an organization’s digital assets. Their job responsibilities typically include:
Information security analysts often need a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science or a related field.
Average Annual Salary: $124,910
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Network security specialists design, implement and manage the security infrastructure that protects an organization’s data as it flows across networks. Key responsibilities for this role include:
Most network security specialists start with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology or a related field.
Average Annual Salary: $80,093
(ZipRecruiter)
This is one of the most intriguing and critical careers in cybersecurity. Penetration testers think like hackers, legally attempting to breach an organization’s defenses before malicious actors can exploit vulnerabilities.
Their daily responsibilities include:
These ethical hackers begin their careers with a strong education in cybersecurity, computer science or information technology. Financial institutions, health care organizations and government agencies all actively recruit these specialists.
Average Annual Salary: $119,895
(ZipRecruiter)
Incident response specialists are the digital-first responders when security breaches occur. They lead organizations through the process of identifying, containing and recovering from cybersecurity incidents. Key responsibilities include:
A cybersecurity major like the one Northwest offers is foundational for incident response specialists.
Average Annual Salary: $132,962
(ZipRecruiter)
Digital forensics investigators uncover digital evidence after cyber crimes and reconstruct cyber incidents. They combine technical expertise and investigative skills to analyze compromised systems, recover deleted data and document their findings for legal proceedings. Their job responsibilities include:
While many forensics investigators pursue coursework in criminal justice or law enforcement, they need a strong foundation in cybersecurity.
Average Annual Salary: $76,607
(ZipRecruiter)
As previously mentioned, Northwest is recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). Here, you can pursue a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in cyber assurance, the latter designed for transfer students with technical associate degrees or certificates.
At Northwest, you won’t just learn about cybersecurity concepts – you’ll actively implement security systems, hunt for vulnerabilities, crack codes and investigate digital crime scenes alongside experienced faculty members. As a cybersecurity major, you’ll gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in core areas, including:
You'll also develop skills to become a highly sought-after security professional, ready to take on tomorrow’s threats. Northwest’s innovative approach will prepare you for careers in cybersecurity, thanks to:
In Northwest’s Center for Cybersecurity, you’ll find specialized laboratories with the cutting-edge security tools and technologies industry professionals use. Here, you can participate in nationwide cybersecurity competitions and grow your knowledge, skills and experience for securing all assets in networks – hardware, software and information.
Northwest’s Cyber Defense Club is an active student-led community where you’ll build skills, friendships and professional connections. Members participate in regular Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in systems. These incident simulations mirror real-world scenarios.
Our Professional Advisory Team invites leading cybersecurity experts into program development, ensuring the curriculum is aligned with industry needs. These connections facilitate guest lectures, site visits and internship and networking opportunities. You’ll begin building your professional network starting day one.
The program’s impressive 94% job placement rate is evidence that Northwest graduates have the skills employers value most. Our graduates are consistently hired by companies like United Airlines, American Century and Principal in positions with competitive salaries and advancement potential.
Want to join the ranks of in-demand cybersecurity professionals? As a designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), Northwest offers the hands-on experience and industry connections you need to excel in this rapidly growing field. Take the first step toward protecting digital systems and secure your future in Northwest’s cybersecurity program today.
