Start Your Cybersecurity Career with an Associate's Degree

News & Media

Start Your Cybersecurity Career with an Associate’s Degree

| News & Media
Cyber Security Concept

We live in a networked world where everything from banking information to healthcare records is managed and stored online. But all this convenience has a cost. As more data is stored, processed, and transferred online, cybercriminals attempt different cyberattacks to steal valuable data and either ransom it to owners or sell it to the highest bidders. What stands in between our data and these bad actors? Cybersecurity experts. And if you love technology and are passionate about protecting others, a career in cybersecurity could be the perfect fit for you.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a field dedicated to protecting systems and data from bad actors in digital spaces. Cybersecurity professionals perform cyber threat analysis on systems to protect them from possible attacks, for example, social engineering tactics like phishing or malware attacks like ransomware, develop cybersecurity plans and processes to defend against attacks, and stay apprised of emerging threats, technologies, and best practices in the field. They also manage company policies and workflows to ensure cybersecurity compliance. Cybersecurity professionals must be constant learners, strategic thinkers, and experts in networked computer systems.

What Is the Career Outlook for Cybersecurity?

As networks grow, cyber threats multiply. That means cybersecurity is one of the most rapidly advancing career fields globally, with an anticipated growth of 33% by 2030. Every field requires cybersecurity professionals, from healthcare to government, finance to education. The 2022 median annual salary for Pennsylvania cybersecurity professionals was $95,000 yearly, with higher salaries available as skills increase. Job titles range from analyst to systems engineer.

How Can an Associate Degree Prepare You for a Cybersecurity Career?

As members of a highly skilled profession, cybersecurity professionals need advanced training to be effective and successful in today’s competitive job market. They need a working knowledge of network administration, cryptography, and cybersecurity frameworks. They will be expected to be able to plan proactively, think critically, act ethically, and communicate effectively and professionally, so they will also need a grounding in humanities and writing.

Some cybersecurity professionals pursue four-year or graduate degrees before entering the field. While there is something to be said for preparation, many students are eager to enter the field more quickly and start working their way up the ranks. If that describes you, consider a two-year associate degree instead. While four-year degrees are expensive and take twice as long to complete, associate degrees are faster and much less costly, allowing you to gain a well-rounded education without the burden of excessive debt. Plus, an associate degree can provide a foundation you can build upon later if you decide to pursue a four-year or graduate degree to better your career options.

At Lackawanna College, you can earn a two-year associate degree in cybersecurity entirely online. The cutting-edge curriculum will prepare you to hit the ground running right after graduation, arming you with skills that employers reward. In addition to core courses, including math, writing, and humanities, you will complete courses in cybersecurity, networking, scripting and programming, cryptography, network design, and more. You will also embark on a cybersecurity internship, providing real-world experience to show potential employers.

Lackawanna also offers preparation programs for two cybersecurity framework exams:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam Preparation Program: A series of three courses, this program prepares students to take the CCNA certification exam, a widely respected certification in the industry.

• CompTIA Security+ (Security+) Exam Preparation Program: This two-course series prepares students for the Security+ exam, another respected credential in the cybersecurity field.

If you are seeking entry into the cybersecurity career field, consider Lackawanna College’s associate degree in cybersecurity to jumpstart your career. Schedule a meeting with an enrollment counselor to review your educational options, consider whether to add an exam certification program and begin the application process. Applying to Lackawanna College is fast and straightforward. The career of your dreams is just a few steps away.

FAQs

You’ll study topics like network security, ethical hacking, risk management, cybersecurity laws and ethics, computer systems, and basic programming. Many programs also include hands-on labs and simulations.

Common entry-level roles include:

• Cybersecurity Technician
• IT Support Specialist
• Network Administrator
• Systems Administrator
• Penetration Tester
• Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

Yes, you can grow your career with experience and certifications. However, some mid to senior-level roles may require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Yes. Most community colleges and online schools offer financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans for eligible students.

Not necessarily. Many programs are designed for beginners and will teach you foundational IT and security concepts from the ground up. A willingness to learn and problem-solve is often more important than prior experience.

Students typically get hands-on with tools like Wireshark, Linux, Cisco Packet Tracer, and basic scripting languages such as Python or Bash. Labs and simulations are often part of the curriculum to build real-world skills.

If you enjoy solving problems, staying curious, thinking analytically, and keeping up with technology trends, cybersecurity may be a great fit. A passion for protecting people and systems is also a strong motivator in this field.

Yes, some students find part-time work in tech support, IT, or even junior cybersecurity roles while studying. These positions can help reinforce what you're learning and give you a competitive edge after graduation.

Many entry-level roles remain unfilled due to the ongoing cybersecurity talent shortage. As long as you’re proactive—building a strong resume, gaining experience, and networking—there are opportunities out there for associate degree holders.