A Master of Science in Cyber security has become a highly sought-after professional degree in today's era. The value and worth of this degree are well reflected in the competitive salary packages offered by top-tech companies.

The cybersecurity job market is one of the most competitive fields hence, the demands keep growing. The growing demands are owing to the fact that security has become a growing concern across industries all across the globe. The pervasive use of computers, digital gadgets, home appliances, etc is all powered by the internet which requires constant safeguarding and security to provide the world with a safe digital environment. Becoming a cyber security professional would mean working in one of the most challenging and competitive vocational fields. Let us get into the details of who can pursue a Master in Cyber security and what are the qualifying credentials to enroll in a Master of Science in Cyber Security.

Who can Pursue a Master of Cyber Security Degree?
There are no hard and fast rules as to who can enroll in a master of science in Cyber security program. There are many circumstances where professionals already actively working in the field also seek to attain professional progressions, hence they look for higher study programs like a master's degree or Specialised Cyber security certification programs. A Master of Science in Cyber security degree can be pursued by any interested individual, including the following person

Bachelors/ Beginners with Bachelors degree

Professional Seeking Higher Qualification

Eligibility of Master of Science in Cyber Security
Ideally, the basic eligibility requirements to pursue a Master of Science in Cyber Security program include:

A Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Technology (B.Tech) with a minimum 50 percentile.

The average percentage requirement, however, varies depending on the colleges or universities.

Why Pursue a Master of Science in Cyber Security?
A Master of Science in Cyber Security is ideally aimed at training students who wish to pursue higher studies in security fields. While a bachelor's degree may also have employability chances, a Master's degree often has the upper hand as they are preferred when it comes to employers hiring for advanced positions in the industry. A Master's degree in Cyber Security Program will typically give students a strong foundational grounding and skills in the following areas:

Security Fundamentals

Offensive Security

Security Systems Architecture

Cloud Security Architecture

Networking Concepts

Security Teams Management

Value of a Master of Science in Cyber Security
Cybersecurity finds its importance and relevance across numerous fields. A person with a degree of Master of Science in Cyber Security will get a good position with excellent remuneration in any field. Some of the major industries are:

Banking and Finance

E-Commerce

Education

Government agencies (local, state, and federal)

Law Enforcement

Research and Development


A Master of Science in Cyber Security degree can help you land a lucrative job. With a master's degree in cyber security, an individual may expect to make an average annual salary of US$95,000 by working as a Security Analyst in the US. The top hiring companies include Google, Microsoft, AT&T, NSA, Department of Defense, NSA, and several other branches in the nation's defense and military department.

Apart from these opportunities, a Master's Degree can fetch you positions like:

Digital Forensics

Penetration Testing

Security Administrator

Security Analyst

Security Architect

Security Auditor

Security Manager

Vulnerability Assessor

Cyber Security Certification: A Valuable Credential
A Masters Degree is no doubt a star qualification, however, possessing a certification is necessary for some of the job roles.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)


Additionally, a Cyber security certification program prepares you for competitive and challenging certification exams. It is an excellent alternative to acquiring the industry-relevant skills, knowledge, and experience to further one's career. The cybersecurity industry demands certification as a mandatory credential in some of the positions. A cyber security certification is a testament to one's acquired knowledge and skills and commitment to the vocation.

In a competitive job market, a cyber security certification will help a candidate stand out in the crowd and give candidates a competitive edge over other candidates who do not possess a certification. It is not merely the certification that employers are after. Rather employers are keen on hiring professionals with valid skillsets and in-depth knowledge. The rigorous training in the certification process equips professionals with these qualifications.


Cyber Security professionals who continue their training or studies all the way to a Master's degree will go a long way as they are equipped with advanced skills. More importantly, they will find their investment worth, as every bit of investment they made will be rewarded with valuable job positions with high remuneration. An ideal degree program will equip students with industry skills, boosts their confidence, build their character, groom them into competent specialist, and help the student explore higher possibilities and expand their networking channels.