SITE SEARCH
Breaking News
Online Degree Rankings
Best Buy Online Degrees
Best Buy Online Degrees
An online degree can cost as little as $3,000 – or over $100,000. More than 12,000 online degrees and certificates – and no two charge the same tuition. Our affordability rankings reveal who offers the best – and worst – buys in online degrees.
 
Best Student Satisfaction
Best Student Satisfaction
Enrolled in an online degree program? Alumni of an online college? Visit your college or degree program in our directory and "grade" – rate and rank – its performance. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life ratings of thousands of online college programs.
 
Best Public Perception
Best Public Perception
Not all online colleges rate the same in the eyes of the public or potential employers. How does the public rate your online degree? Do they rank it high – or rate it low? Help rate and rank all the choices. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life reputation of thousands of online colleges.
 
Newsletter
Career Center
CAREER CENTER HOME
 


This career is expected to grow 27 percent—faster than average—through 2016. An increase in computer security jobs is expected as technology continues to advance and become more affordable. More businesses will add computers and will need specialists to make their networks secure.
In addition, use of the Internet by businesses should increase the demand for computer security specialists. Some specialists will work inside consulting firms dedicated exclusively to computer security issues.

Those in executive roles—with titles such as chief information security officer, chief security officer or security manager—earned $106,326 on average. Those in more technical roles (security engineer, security penetration tester or web security manager) earned an average of $75,275.

Computer security specialists work with companies to build secure computer systems. They question managers and staff about their current security methods. They find out what information the company wants to protect. Specialists also learn what information employees should be able to access. Computer security specialists use their findings to plan the security system. They regularly train staff on how to use security software and properly use computers to prevent any problems.
Some computer security specialists write rules and procedures for employees to follow. In some companies, specialists coordinate security for vendors and customers in addition to employees. Specialists evaluate security breaks and determine if there are problems or errors. If there is a problem, specialists track where the break came from and shut off the access point.
There are many ways to become a computer security specialist. Many employers prefer to hire people with some formal college education. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems is excellent preparation for this occupation. Another route is to major in your area of interest and minor in computer science.
Bachelor’s degrees in computer security—also called information assurance—are available online.
An important part of preparing for this field is learning the latest technology. Some people learn through classes and others teach themselves.
Certification: As with other computer specialties, you can receive certification in certain products or groups of products, which can increase your appeal to employers.
Entering the Field: Many security specialists learn their skills on the job. They are paired with an experienced specialist who teaches them the job. This type of training can take between one and two years. The military has become a leading trainer in this specialty area. If you have skills and employment in any technical aspect of computers—repair, database and office systems—you can retrain to specialize in cybersecurity.
Career Changers: Many enter this field after working at a related computer specialty, such as programming or web mastering or network administration. You can re-tool quickly by earning a certificate or taking courses in cybersecurity or information assurance.

Find online degrees for Computers and IT now. >>




Source for salary and growth data via The SANS 2005 Information Security Salary and Career Advancement Survey and Minnesota’s state iSeek site for career seekers. For more information on careers in cybersecurity, salaries, and job prospects visit: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Computer Support Specialists and System Administrators at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos268.htm and U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, Computer Systems Design and Related Services, http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/CGS033.htm.
 
Ask GetEducated!
Q I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them? —Roberta, Gary, IN
A The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA...
Q I was laid off from my job as a real estate agent and want to be a high school math teacher, but my bachelor’s degree is in psychology. Do I need a new degree in education? Will an online bachelor’s in education qualify me to become a licensed teacher? —Willis, Houston, Texas
A If you didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree in education years ago and you now want to teach in the public schools, don’t fret. Every state maintains what are termed “alternative teacher certification” programs...
Q I’m considering earning my MBA online because there are no colleges nearby. But I’m skeptical about online education. Can you cite any objective research that “proves” that online MBAs are as good as the old-fashioned classroom? —Tammy, Wyoming
A The answer: YES. Online education has been scientifically shown to be as effective—if not more so—than the old-time classroom lecture....
 
Featured Programs
Walden University
Develop as a leader in your learning community by earning a higher education degree at The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University. Our innovative curricula will help you focus on reaching students and faculty committed to education excellence and social responsibility, putting knowledge into action, flourishing in a flexible, collaborative learning environment, and teaching students how to make a difference in their learning communities. Learn more about Walden University today.
National American University-Rapid City
National American University Online -- Two graduate degrees to fit your busy life – Master of Business Administration and Master of Management, with emphasis areas in Health Care, Human Resources, IT, and Management. Access classes 24/7 through Internet. Competitive tuition rates with financial aid programs available. Several enrollment options throughout the year with the possibility to earn a master’s degree in 12 months. Call admissions-1.800.209.0182. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
Military Resource Center
For active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and military families.
More than half of military students use online education. What do you need to know to find schools that best fit your needs? How can you find the best financial aid and scholarship package at your online school? Answers are here.

Job and Career Opportunities in Online and Distance Education
Online and distance schools need teachers.
The field of online education is growing and so is the need for teachers who can teach online. Check out our regularly updated list of online job opportunities, post your job availability, and visit our Online Resource Center, with tips, advice and free downloads for online educators.

Sponsors
 
GETV
Home | Articles | Media Coverage | About Us | News Releases | Privacy | Team Bios | History and Mission | Newsletter | Contact Us | Advertising Opportunities