6 things to know about doing your Bachelor’s in Cyber Security abroad

If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s how much of our daily chores and activities we can conduct online. Everything from buying groceries and attending work meetings to taking a class and even watching a newly released movie online. However, all this digital activity has come with a few hard lessons – the online space is not secure, and users can be a target for malware, hackers, and cyber-criminals. This problem has given rise to a demand for qualified cyber security experts. And if you want to pursue a career in this field, a bachelor’s in cyber security will provide you with a solid foundation to be prepared for one of the many jobs available in the field.

What will a Bachelor’s in Cyber Security teach me?

Computer science is an analytical field that is quite demanding. Before beginning your course of study, make sure that this field is for you.

A Bachelor’s course in cyber security will teach you to identify computer system vulnerabilities, recognize digital exploitation and prevent or repair the damage. Cyber security subjects will cover areas that deal with security management, incident response, and security threat assessment, which requires students to be creators of knowledge and inventors of processes, etc.

With a bachelor’s in cyber security, you will receive instruction in leadership and management to upskill them for managerial and executive positions in the industry.

Additionally, depending on what your area of interest is, some potential cyber security degrees to research include:

1. Administration with a Cyber Security Concentration.The core of this degree includes understanding security systems and database management.
2. Information Systems and Technology with Cyber Security Intelligence. This degree leans towards cyber defence. You will be studying national security and foreign policy.
3. Criminal Justice with a Crime Analysis and Cyber Security Concentration. If you want to specialize in the technology behind criminal justice, this degree is apt to set the foundation for solving cybercrimes.
4. Software Development and Security. Here, you will learn how to implement and test secure software while learning to assess weaknesses and vulnerabilities in security systems.

By the end of the course, you can become an ethical hacker or cyber security expert for businesses to identify their security issues and rectify them accordingly.

What do the cyber security subjects cover?

When you are looking for a bachelor’s program in cyber security, you need to do your homework.

While many programs emphasize security, the best programs are also the most interdisciplinary. They focus on computer engineering and science and management skills to help you develop your professional skills. 

A good cyber security program should cover these above subjects, including technical writing and legal issues surrounding technology and ethics. The idea is to get an all-around knowledge of the field through a wide-angle lens.

Traditionally, cyber security subjects cover topics more concerned with providing a theoretical understanding of cyber security. They focus on the motives behind attacks, the means used to carry out the attacks, and the potential losses.

Apart from this, you should also look out for practical/experiential training in the course, which will go a long way in providing you with an opportunity for continuous learning and improvement.

Best universities to study cyber security?

You can earn a Bachelors in cyber security within three years, or you can opt for a Bachelor of Information Technology with courses on cyber security.

Here’s a list of the colleges you can go to-

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh (USA)
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta (USA)
University of CaliforniaBerkeley, Berkeley (USA)
Wrexham Glyndwr University (UK)
Ravensbourne University London, Greenwich Peninsula (UK)
Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe (UK)
University of Toronto (Canada)
York University (Canada)
London School of Business and Finance (Singapore)

How much is the cyber security course fee?

Like any other course, cyber security course fee for a bachelor degree can vary depending on several factors. These include duration of the course, location, college and program size, online or campus-based course and if it is full-time or part-time. 

According to U.S. News and World Report research, a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree tuition can range anywhere between $23,000 and $61,000.

The majority of cyber security courses offer full-time programs but cyber security certifications are also popular.

What are the application requirements?

Universities generally focus on a combination of previous GPA, past work experience or academic experience, and test scores.

Check the official page of the university/school you plan to apply to.

Here are the most common requirements required for a bachelor’s in cyber security:

• Candidates should be a 10+2 pass out in science stream from a recognized board with Mathematics as a compulsory subject (Computers as a subject is preferable).
• English language certificate: IELTS (minimum 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum 80)
• Academic transcript of grades or minimum GPA of 3.0
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement of academic intent
• Online interview

Since cyber security is computer-intensive, make sure you know your basics of computing infrastructure and programming. This could help you showcase the skills and aptitude required to pursue the course.

Also, learning how to write computer code or design computer software and hardware will only help you prepare better. 

How much will I earn after graduation?

One of the many benefits of pursuing a bachelor’s in cyber security is the different job options for computer security specialists.

A Bachelor’s in cyber security salary options vary, and as a cyber security professional, you can earn a healthy salary.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for an entry-level information security worker with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is $95,510.

Also, note that pursuing additional education and a higher degree can make you eligible for managerial positions and a higher salary package.

If you enjoy problem-solving and the creativity of coding, a bachelor’s in cyber security is for you. 

In case you want to know more about this course or have any queries or questions, drop us a comment or reach out to us! Our experts will be happy to help you choose the right university and program!