Overview 

Cybersecurity has become a daunting problem for businesses, governments, and millions of end-users. As new techniques are developed to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity attacks, attackers are persistently evolving new methods to circumvent these new measures. Consequently, there is an ongoing demand for a network security and tech-savvy workforce; graduates are projected to find stable jobs with advancement opportunities and attractive salaries. There are an estimated 504,316 open positions in Cybersecurity nationally; between 13,399 and 18,289 are located in Pennsylvania.

Surveys consistently show organizations value hands-on experience above all other factors when in new-hire evaluation. The integration of a hands-on learning environment where students work on realistic cybersecurity challenges has been identified as one of the critical factors setting apart leading education programs in the eyes of cybersecurity practitioners. The cybersecurity training nonprofit organization U.S. Cyber Challenge notes, “The common thread across the most effective public, private, domestic, or international cyber workforce training programs is hands-on, applied learning methods.” Our instructors do more to incorporate hands-on learning directly within the curricula. The program provides experiential learning, work-study opportunities, and internships with industry partners to develop tangible real-work skills.

 

Top Cybersecurity Job Titles 

  • Cybersecurity Engineer - Conducts the integration/testing, operations, and maintenance of systems security. 
     
  • Cybersecurity Analyst - Develops system concepts and works on the capabilities phases of the systems development lifecycle; translates technology and environmental conditions (e.g., law and regulation) into system and security designs and processes. 
     
  • Network or System Engineering/Architect - Installs, configures, tests, operates, maintains, and manages networks and their firewalls, including hardware (e.g., hubs, bridges, switches, multiplexers, routers, cables, proxy servers, and protective distributor systems) and software that permit the sharing and transmission of all spectrum transmissions of information to support the security of information and information systems.
     
  • Cybersecurity Manager - Oversees, evaluates, and supports the documentation, validation, and accreditation processes necessary to assure that new information technology (IT) systems meet the organization’s information assurance (IA) and security requirements. Ensures appropriate treatment of risk, compliance, and assurance from internal and external perspectives.
     
  • Software Developer/Engineer - Develops and writes/codes new (or modifies existing) computer applications, software, or specialized utility programs following software assurance best practices. 

 

Job Descriptions from the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE)