Nearly every industry needs cybersecurity professionals, offering incredible variety in where—and how—you can work. From government agencies and financial institutions to healthcare systems, tech startups and global corporations, the demand for skilled experts with a cybersecurity degree is widespread and growing.
You might find yourself working in a high-security operations center, consulting remotely for clients worldwide or embedded within a corporate IT department. Some cybersecurity professionals specialize in compliance within law firms or risk management for insurance companies, while others join educational institutions or nonprofit organizations to safeguard sensitive data.
Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced environment of incident response or the long-term strategy of security architecture, there’s a setting suited to your skills and goals.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Cybersecurity Degree?
So, what can you do with a cybersecurity degree? Far more than you might think. And with Rowan’s cybersecurity degree online, these career paths are more accessible than ever. Here are 12 varied careers where you can apply your degree, implement your professional skills and leverage your problem-solving strengths.
1. Cybersecurity Analyst
Think of this role as your organization’s digital bodyguard—always on alert. You’ll spend your days monitoring networks, spotting red flags and shutting down threats before they cause damage. It’s a vital role and one of the most direct applications of a cybersecurity degree.
2. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
If you love thinking like a hacker (but with a moral compass), this one’s for you. Ethical hackers safely test systems by trying to break into them—so the bad guys can’t. It’s a smart choice for those earning a cybercrime degree or exploring cybersecurity online programs.
3. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
CISOs are the big-picture thinkers who lead an organization’s entire cybersecurity strategy. From setting policies to managing teams, this is a leadership path made for those with a cybersecurity master’s and a strong vision for cyber defense.
4. Digital Forensics Expert
You’ll be like a cyber detective—digging through digital evidence to find out what went wrong and who’s responsible. It’s detailed work that often supports law enforcement. A great fit for someone pursuing a cybercrime degree.
5. Security Architect
If you love building things that last, you’ll thrive here. Security architects design systems that are built to be safe from the ground up. Many professionals in this role earn their cybersecurity degree online as they balance career and education.
6. Cloud Security Engineer
As more companies move to the cloud, this role is growing fast. You’ll help protect sensitive data stored in cloud platforms, making it one of the most exciting opportunities today to pursue after you’ve enrolled in a cybersecurity online program.
7. Cybersecurity Consultant
Enjoy variety and problem-solving? Consultants step into different organizations, evaluate their security setup and offer expert advice. If you’re earning a master of science in cybersecurity, this role puts your knowledge to immediate use.
8. Application Security Engineer
Your job is to make sure apps are safe before they ever go live. You’ll work with development teams to test code and fix vulnerabilities early. It’s a key area of focus for those with a cybersecurity degree.
9. Incident Response Manager
When things go wrong, you’re the person everyone looks to. You’ll lead teams through crisis mode, contain damage and plan recovery. It’s an essential role often filled by those with a cybersecurity master’s who can handle pressure.
10. Compliance Analyst (GRC Specialist)
This role is all about making sure companies play by the rules. You’ll help businesses meet legal and industry standards for data protection—a path that pairs well with a cybercrime degree background.
11. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
It’s like working in a high-tech command center. You’ll monitor systems in real-time, catching suspicious activity before it escalates. Many SOC analysts come from cybersecurity degree online programs that train them for hands-on response work.
12. Cybersecurity Educator or Trainer
If you’re passionate about sharing knowledge, this is a chance to shape the next generation of cybersecurity pros. With a master of science in cybersecurity, you can teach, train and inspire in academic or corporate settings.
Master of Science in Cybersecurity: Meeting Growing Needs
The cybersecurity job market is booming, with a 32% projected growth rate over the next decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This aligns with industry reports, most notably the Ponemon Institute Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024, which reports on the impact of the losses because of cybercrime.
From the report:
- Data Breaches: $4.88 million average cost per breach — a 10% increase, highest on record.
- Ransomware Attacks: $2.73 million average per attack — up $1 million from 2023.
- Identity Fraud: $47 billion in losses last year alone — $4 billion more than the year before.
- Online Scams: $16.6 billion lost by Americans — up 33% from the previous year, 2023.
Rowan University for Cybersecurity: Your Gateway to These In-Demand Careers
Rowan University is a top 100 public research university and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S. With a focus on affordability, access and practical education, Rowan’s online programs are designed for real-world impact.
Forward thinking today, and forward thinking 100 years ago – this is Rowan. Founded in 1923 in southern New Jersey, Rowan’s original purpose was to meet the state’s needs to educate those becoming teachers in the area. Just over 100 years later, Rowan retains its sense of forward thinking – except, now the classrooms are wherever the students happen to be, still, however, meeting needs in our communities.
A Legacy of Excellence in Applied Technology and Security
Rowan University offers a fully online master of science in cybersecurity designed to equip you with advanced knowledge and practical skills. Built for both newcomers and current tech professionals, it’s among the most forward-thinking cybersecurity online programs available today.
What Sets Rowan’s Cybersecurity Online Program Apart?
- Asynchronous online format
- Project-based, practical learning
- Expert faculty and industry-relevant instruction
- Rolling admissions and clear cost structure
- Financial aid options for eligible students
Rowan’s cybersecurity master’s program is built around your success, offering a pathway to high-impact roles in a growing industry.
Sample core courses include:
- Foundations of Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Management, Policy, and Risk
- Cyber Defense of Operating Systems
Sample electives include:
- Advanced Cybersecurity Principles and Applications
- Leadership Theory and Practice
Ready to Defend the Digital World?
A cybersecurity degree is more than a credential—it’s a step toward a future-proof, meaningful career. Rowan’s cybersecurity degree online delivers the flexibility and support you need to thrive.
Start your application today and take the next step with one of the nation’s most respected cybersecurity online programs.