Network Security Careers
Network security is the protection of a network’s infrastructure. Strong security protocols can prevent theft, data breaches, and unauthorized access
As cybercrime attacks continue to rise in the U.S., companies across diverse industries seek information technology (IT) specialists who can secure sensitive information against theft and exploitation.
We’ll walk you through all your career and degree options in network security. You can also learn about professional development opportunities like industry certification options, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and fellowships.
Featured Online Network Security Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Pursue a Career in Network Security?
Cybercrime is an urgent and growing threat to private businesses. According to AAG IT Services, “data breaches cost businesses an average of $4.35 million in 2022.”
By pursuing a network security career, you can join a community of professionals dedicated to preventing incidents of cybercrime and bringing criminals to justice.
In addition to thinking critically and solving complex problems, successful network security professionals must also understand core IT concepts like web applications, systems analysis, and database administration.
Network Security Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that computer and IT occupations will grow much faster than average between 2022 and 2032. The BLS also projects information security analyst positions to grow by 32% during the same period, adding nearly 53,000 new jobs to the economy.
The table below uses PayScale data to provide average annual salaries for careers in network security based on a worker’s experience level. Salary potential also varies based on industry, employer, geographic location, and individual qualifications.
| Job Title | Entry-Level (0-12 months) | Early Career (1-4 Years) | Midcareer (5-9 Years) | Experienced (10-19 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security Consultant | $74,310 | $89,360 | $106,730 | $128,080 |
| Information Security Analyst | $63,460 | $73,480 | $87,980 | $100,850 |
| Information Security Manager | $72,320 | $100,770 | $123,740 | $133,000 |
| Chief Information Security Officer | $106,180 | $129,930 | $145,310 | $178,940 |
Source: PayScale (2024)
Network Security Degrees
Although you do not need a college degree to work in IT, postsecondary degree programs offer the training and professional development resources needed to jumpstart your career in network security.
Additionally, a degree is a prerequisite for many industry certifications, as well as management, research, and consulting roles.
Associate Degree in Network Security
Associate programs in network security generally include courses like routing and switching, network and infrastructure defense, and Microsoft Windows server administration. Depending on the program, you may also delve into more advanced topics like data visualization and penetration testing..
With an associate degree, you can pursue entry-level careers in administrative support and web development or enroll in bachelor’s completion programs.
What Can You Do With an Associate in Network Security?
Support specialists work as part of a company’s network department. They assess computer systems to identify and troubleshoot problems. They also perform routine maintenance to optimize system performance and create backup files to aid in disaster recovery.
Salary:$60,810
Source: BLS
Bachelor’s Degree in Network Security
Bachelor’s programs in cybersecurity focus on developing core skills in technical communication and applied statistics. They also explore advanced IT concepts in areas like digital forensics, cloud technologies, and legal issues related to cyberlaw and personal privacy.
Some colleges will allow you to further personalize their curriculum by pursuing a concentration or a complementary minor. These programs often culminate in a research project that aligns with your interests and professional objectives.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Network Security?
These analysts monitor their company’s networks and systems for intrusion. They investigate threats and pursue disaster mitigation. To bolster cybersecurity defenses, these specialists implement layered strategies that use firewalls, data encryption, and privacy controls.
Salary:$120,360
Sources: BLS and PayScale
Master’s Degree in Network Security
Midcareer professionals who aspire to management positions and career changers looking to break into the IT field may want to enroll in a master’s program in information systems security.
Required courses may include wireless/mobile networks, analyzing information risks and benefits, malware reverse engineering, and advanced ethical hacking countermeasures.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Network Security?
Network security architects design systems and frameworks that defend against intrusion at every identifiable access point. They also create IT policies and procedures, as well as the processes by which security incidents are documented.
To oversee such a complex and multifaceted enterprise, architects must possess knowledge of many cybersecurity concepts, including data privacy, access management, and disaster recovery.
Salary:$139,630
Source: PayScale
Doctoral Degree in Network Security
Network security professionals who aspire to the highest leadership positions within their organizations or careers in research and postsecondary teaching can earn a doctorate.
The two main options in network security are a doctor of science (D.Sc.) and a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). The former path offers practitioner training that emphasizes business competencies, while the latter track focuses more on basic and applied research.
Enrolling in a network security D.Sc. program will help you develop the management skills needed to improve strategic performance and guide the decision-making process.
Ph.D. candidates spend most of their time conducting original research in pertinent IT areas, such as digital forensics, smart grid security, cyber-infrastructure, and social engineering.
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Network Security?
Also called CISOs, these executive leaders develop the strategies and oversee the daily operations that protect a company’s enterprise assets. In addition to approving security policies and response plans, CISOs also ensure that employees understand and comply with these standards.
They also perform research, learning how to use emerging technology to bolster their company’s cybersecurity defenses.
Salary:$176,720
Sources: BLS and PayScale
Network Security Degree Concentrations
There are a variety of concentrations and specializations you can choose from in a network security degree. Opting for a concentration will help tailor your education to a specific career path or interest.
Digital Forensics
This concentration combines criminal justice, forensic science, and information technology. Students learn to recover digital information from computer systems and mobile devices. You’ll also develop the analytical skills necessary to evaluate compromised information networks.
Course topics include digital evidence recognition, cybercrime, and computer architecture. This concentration will greatly benefit grads who want to work for government agencies and within the judicial system.
Software Development
Students who want to cultivate a broad IT skill set can pursue a software development concentration, completing coursework in advanced database systems, software engineering, and product quality assurance.
Coursework will focus on developing, implementing, and protecting mobile applications and cloud software. This concentration opens the door to several employment opportunities, as many industries need software developers.
Health Information Management
Healthcare security specialists organize, code, and protect organizational records and patient information. They also help managers and stakeholders make data-driven decisions.
Health information management students learn about healthcare data management, research methodologies, and network infrastructure.
Computer Engineering
This concentration combines electrical engineering and computer science, preparing students for careers as information systems managers and network architects.
Computer engineering provides a well-rounded curriculum that includes classes in broadband architecture and communications network design. You’ll also explore machine learning, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics for embedded systems and software.
Data Analytics
A branch of data science, analytics involves the collection, analysis, and application of digital information. You’ll learn to use statistical tools and software to evaluate large datasets to extract patterns and meaning.
Within the field of network security, data analysts support cybercrime investigations and penetration testing. This concentration can also prepare you to pursue a careers as a business intelligence officer, digital marketer, and computer scientist.
How to Advance Your Career in Network Security
After earning a degree and starting your first job, you can strengthen your skills by accruing practical experience, earning industry-specific certification, and taking advantage of research-focused fellowship opportunities.
Certifications and/or Licensure
While certain network security careers may require state licensure, most do not. Instead, you can bolster your employability by pursuing industry certification. Because of the highly technical nature of cybersecurity, some employers may actually require these credentials.
Vendor-specific opportunities include the Microsoft security engineer certification path, which offers three levels of professional designation: fundamentals, associate, and expert. You can also enroll in the Cisco certified network professional training program, choosing the security technology track.
Security professionals can also earn vendor-neutral certification from organizations like the Computing Technology Industry Association and ISACA. The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC) offers several credentialing programs, including the certified information systems security professional, certified secure software lifecycle professional, and healthcare information security and privacy practitioner credentials.
Continuing Education
Enrolling in a graduate program is a popular path for professionals who want to advance their network security careers. You can also pursue other ways to continue your education that don’t involve a degree.
In recent years, IT giants like Apple and Google have described their unconventional stance on recruitment, stating that they value demonstrable skills — not just a college degree. Additionally, Google offers a low-cost training program that prepares you for its professional cloud security engineer certification exam.
Self Study
Network security specialists should continue to hone their skills and engage with industry associations to maintain their current credentials and advance into the next tier of industry recognition.
You can also advance your network security career by expanding your circle of colleagues and mentors and connecting with potential employers. In addition to local networking events, many IT organizations hold annual conferences. Major gatherings include Cisco Live, Black Hat USA, and the international RSA Conference.
Interview With a Professional in Network Security
Dennis Chow is the director of network penetration testing at a Fortune 100 company and has 11 years of cybersecurity practitioner experience, with specialities in digital forensics and incident response. Dennis acted as a technical architecture lead for a Department of Health and Human Services grant in cyberthreat intelligence for the nation’s overall healthcare system. Dennis also served in the U.S. Air Force and has advised agencies like NATO.
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