| Do you know where your sensitive information is or | | | | An associate's degree will likely impart a good amount |
| more importantly who is responsible safeguarding it? In | | | | of technical knowledge and allow for an entry level |
| all likelihood your personal, sensitive information is sitting | | | | position to the graduate. Fortunately an associate's |
| in various computer databases throughout the country | | | | degree can be acquired while working towards a |
| in all types of organizations. | | | | bachelor's degree. |
| Hopefully your information is being guarded over by | | | | A bachelor's degree is generally considered the |
| diligent and educated information security professionals | | | | standard foundation from which a professional career |
| whose mission in life is to ensure that this information | | | | is built and will of course open many more doors than |
| does not fall into the wrong hands. | | | | what would be expected from a two year degree. |
| As you may have ascertained, the work that these | | | | Finally a graduate degree would best serve those who |
| men and women perform is critical to our economy, | | | | already have a healthy amount of industry experience, |
| our businesses and our government. | | | | for those seeking management positions or even for |
| Have you ever considered a career in information | | | | those who already have an unrelated undergraduate |
| security? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor | | | | degree and that are looking at making a career |
| Statistics (BLS), those who work in information security | | | | change. |
| will see rapid job growth and greater demand for | | | | In addition to earning a degree, a student may also |
| skilled technicians at a 10 year projected growth rate | | | | earn various vendor neutral certifications in information |
| of 16%. This of course will generate a greater demand | | | | security such as the Certified Information Systems |
| for information security experts which will lead to | | | | Security Professional (CISSP) or the Systems Security |
| increases in the expected earnings of those working | | | | Certified Practitioner (SSCP) offered by (ISC) which is |
| within the field. | | | | largely regarded as a standard in the industry. The |
| According to Payscale.com, the current median salary | | | | Security certification offered by CompTIA would also |
| for a computer security specialist is $70,943.00 | | | | be a good credential to attain. |
| annually. Unlike many information technology jobs, | | | | There are of course specific certifications which are |
| outsourcing data integrity or information security work | | | | designed to capitalize on technologies provided for by |
| will likely remain ill advised due to the various laws, | | | | vendors, such as Symantec or Cisco Systems. Some |
| policies and limitations placed on those organizations | | | | degree programs may even require or at least provide |
| whose business it is to have access to such sensitive | | | | training specific for these certifications which will look |
| information. As a result, job security is expected to | | | | great on a resume next to a degree. So consider this |
| remain strong. | | | | in evaluating potential schools. |
| Education and training will of course remain vital to this | | | | Information security is an up and coming profession |
| industry. Those who have attained the proper | | | | holding a bright future for those working within the |
| credentials will not only be in the highest demand but | | | | information technology industry. Due to the specialized |
| also are expected to see the highest paying jobs. | | | | skills and training required combined with the increased |
| For those considering earning a degree in information | | | | demand for these skilled professionals job opportunities |
| security, the opportunities in online education have | | | | are expected steadily grow. |
| never been better. | | | | For those potential students who would like to work |
| If you are considering a degree in information security, | | | | with technology and computers, information security is |
| try to begin with the end in mind. What level of degree | | | | one specialization that should be strongly considered |
| do you wish to attain? An associate's, bachelor's or | | | | due to the culmination of industry growth, job security |
| even a master's degree? | | | | and compensation. |