Security Degrees: Secure Your Career Advancement through Online Education

The security of computer networks and the data that travels through them continues to escalate as a management issue. Security breaches are not just embarrassing to companies that experience them, but real damage that includes stolen identities or money, lack of confidence in company management, lower share prices, fines, and lawsuits can result when systems are hacked.
It is in every company's best interest to keep networks secure. You can qualify to participate in this important work by earning your degree through an online education program.

Security Degree Program Availability

In the early days of computer networks, it was possible to begin a career without the benefit of a college education. In fact, programs specifically for network administration or security were almost nonexistent. Now, it is almost impossible to break into the field without at least an associate's degree. If you are interested in beginning a course of study now, you might want to consider an online degree program. You can earn various degrees (such as an associate's or bachelor's) through an online security degree program.

The Employment Outlook for Security

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment outlook in the area of network and data security managment, part of the overall network administration category, should be excellent. Employment opportunities should increase by 16 percent between 2006 and 2016. The BLS estimates that approximately 40,000 new workers should be added to the ranks of network and security managers in the ten-year period ending 2016.

Security Career Options and Earnings

Job openings for computer security experts are available in almost all industries and in all geographies. Demand for security expertise should especially high in financial services, insurance, government, and manufacturing. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for workers in this field across all industries and geographies was $66,310 in 2008.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Support Specialists and System Administrators
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Support Specialists and System Administrators, Wages

Lorraine Watkins is a freelance business writer and marketing consultant. She is a graduate of California State University, East Bay with an MA in English.