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With online certifications and coding boot camps becoming increasingly accessible, many aspiring cybersecurity professionals wonder if getting a degree is still essential. The truth is, while alternative pathways can teach specific technical skills, they often fall short of preparing you for the full scope of a cybersecurity career. Alvernia University’s comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity provides students with a strategic, ethical, and adaptable foundation that employers value, setting them up for long-term success in the evolving industry.
 

Prepare for Complex, Diverse Roles 

Cybersecurity is a multifaceted field that requires both technical expertise and analytical skills. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) outlines this complexity through its NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, which identifies seven core roles used across industries:

  1. Oversight and Governance: Focuses on leadership, policy, and managing cybersecurity risk.
  2. Design and Development: Researches and builds secure technology systems, including cloud and network infrastructure.
  3. Implementation and Operation: Installs, manages, and maintains systems to ensure security and functionality.
  4. Protection and Defense: Identifies threats, monitors systems, and investigates security incidents.
  5. Investigation: Gathers and analyzes digital evidence in response to cybercrimes or breaches.
  6. Cyberspace Intelligence: Analyzes global cyber threats and shares intelligence about foreign capabilities and activities.
  7. Cyberspace Effects: Executes offensive and defensive strategies to protect digital environments and national interests.
     

At Alvernia, cybersecurity students build a foundation in computer science and cybersecurity principles, including secure system design, risk assessment, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and cyber law. Alongside technical training, they build key skills in communication, leadership, and critical thinking through lab work, hands-on research, internships, and team-based projects that reflect real-world challenges.

This combination of technical and interpersonal skills equips graduates to succeed in any of the roles outlined in the NICE framework. Whether analyzing digital evidence, designing secure systems, or leading a team through an incident response, your ability to think strategically and communicate effectively will be just as valuable as your technical expertise.
 

Gain a Competitive Edge in a Growing Field 

There is an increasing demand for cybersecurity expertise across industries due to rising threats, data breaches, and stricter regulatory requirements. As of 2024, CyberSeek reports more than 225,000 starting-level job openings in the U.S. These roles offer a clear path to career advancement and are part of a field expected to grow by 33% over the next decade, more than 10 times the average growth rate for all occupations.

As employers across sectors seek more than just technical proficiency, a majority of these entry-level cybersecurity positions require or strongly prefer a bachelor’s degree. A degree from an accredited institution demonstrates that you have received a rigorous, structured education and are ready to think critically and work collaboratively. 

At Alvernia, cybersecurity students acquire in-demand skills and are prepared to take up to six industry certification exams, demonstrating their expertise and readiness for the field by the time they graduate. With a curriculum rooted in liberal arts and real-world learning, graduates are well-positioned to meet the complex challenges of cybersecurity and stand out among their peers. 
 

Secure Your Future at Alvernia University 

Short-term training programs can offer quick exposure to technical tools, but they rarely deliver the depth, flexibility, and career-readiness that a four-year degree provides. That’s why Alvernia University designed the B.S. in Cybersecurity to combine technical expertise with ethical reasoning and applied learning. If you're ready to build a meaningful career in cybersecurity, Alvernia provides the education, guidance, and opportunities to help you get there. Learn more and apply today.


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