What Can You Do With a Master's in Cybersecurity?

If you are considering pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity degree, you might be wondering, what can you do with it?

A master’s in cybersecurity prepares individuals for entry to mid-level roles in information security. Graduates learn to manage security functions, assess risks, identify threats, handle digital evidence, recover data, and support decision-making to protect assets and allocate resources effectively.

See also "What Is a Master’s in Cybersecurity?"

We are so short of cybersecurity professionals in this country. We need a lot of skilled workers out there.

– Douglas Rausch, Program Director, Bellevue University's cybersecurity programs

Common Career Paths for Master’s in Cybersecurity Graduates

A Master’s in Cybersecurity degree like Bellevue University’s program is for professionals who desire an advanced degree that builds expertise in the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to develop, evaluate, and communicate information and physical security policies, standards, and guidelines effectively and efficiently.

This degree is ideal for those looking to advance their careers and protect and prepare their organizations using modern tools and technologies. Students with bachelor’s degrees in fields such as Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, IT Operations Management, Management of Information Systems, Software Development, or Systems and Network Administration may be especially interested in the MS in Cybersecurity. (See the graduate admissions requirements for Bellevue University’s traditional MS in Cybersecurity degree or cohort specific degree requirements for an MS in Cybersecurity.)

Specific jobs using this degree include but are not limited to entry- to mid-level roles as:

• Chief Information Security Officer
• Information Security Director
• Security Operations Center Manager
• Security Analyst
• Systems Network and Security Administrator
• Security Risk Manager
• Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Tester
• Cybersecurity Educator or Faculty

The two main categories of cybersecurity careers

According to a cybersecurity education expert,* there are two main categories of cybersecurity careers. The path you choose will determine the steps you take toward a degree or a certificate, and the steps you take will ultimately help you build your cyber career.

1. Pick a path: Strategic or Tactical. Pick the path where you have the most strengths.

   • Strategic includes governance, risk, and compliance (GRC); policy; IT audit; security frameworks; and management.
   • Tactical includes everything technical: security systems administration, networking, application security, security operations, incident response, vulnerability management, and penetration testing.

2. Choose your degree path and/or earn certificates.

3. Practice and gain experience.

You must continually practice what you’ve learned and build on that knowledge with experience. Experience should come from both practical experience and personal practice. Earning a practical, hands-on cybersecurity degree is one major step on this path to your chosen career.

Discover careers that best suit your personal goals by taking a career assessment through Bellevue University Career Services.

*(Ron Woerner, Choosing your Cybersecurity Career Path, Bellevue University Center for Cybersecurity Education blog, accessed April 2025.)

Industries That Value a Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree

Cybersecurity professionals are needed across all types of industries since technology is foundational to most businesses and organizations. For most of these jobs, bachelor’s degrees are required and graduate degrees and/or certifications are preferred. A graduate with a master’s in cybersecurity degree may be qualified for roles in both public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally. Some of the top industries that actively seek professionals with cybersecurity credentials include:

• Financial sector and banking
• Healthcare
• Merchandising
• Supply chains and logistics
• Government and national defense contractors
• Insurance
• Education
• IT and technology centers

Military-veteran experience can connect you to a cybersecurity career

If you are currently serving in the military or are a veteran with military experience, you can leverage that experience in the information security sector. Military education and experience often involve communications, security protocols, and technology, giving you an edge to land roles in IT security, network defense, and beyond after being equipped with the technical expertise of a Master’s in Cybersecurity degree. Military veterans may be interested in our related resource, What to do after the Military.

Coming from a military background in signals and intelligence, the transition into cybersecurity has felt like a natural next step. The focus on identifying threat actors, staying ahead of attacks, and analyzing patterns mirrors the kind of work I did in the service. The hands-on labs and Cyber League practice give that same mission-driven feel, like you're always preparing for real-world scenarios. There's a strong element of working through puzzles and problem-solving under pressure, which really connects with the way I’ve been trained to think and operate.

– Damone Scott, Veteran, student in Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity program

Skills You’ll Develop in a Master’s in Cybersecurity Program

The Bellevue University cybersecurity master’s is designed to equip students with coursework in the areas of information security management; computer forensics; physical, operations, and personnel security; security architecture and design; human aspects of cybersecurity; ethical hacking and response; and current trends in cybersecurity. The curriculum emphasizes skills in:

• Strategic decision-making
• Analysis and mitigation of threats
• Information technology governance
• Risk management and recommendation of control strategies
• Recommendation of compliance procedures
• Detection and response to security incidents
• Business continuity planning and disaster recovery

By honing these skills, graduates are well-qualified to work at entry to mid-level positions and are able to manage organizational information security functions.

Bellevue University really stood out to me due to their qualified staff, full online delivery and designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The degree has provided me with an extremely broad and in-depth understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, and I apply the knowledge gained from the degree every single day. Honestly, I think a lot of the faculty at Bellevue University are far more than just professors. For example, Karla Carter, Ron Woerner and Daug Rausch go well beyond what is expected of a professor and have truly made a difference in my academic career. Even after I graduated from Bellevue University, they are still willing to provide their insights and guidance.

– Kim van Lavieren, Graduate, Bellevue University MS in Cybersecurity

Further Education or Certifications

Beyond a master’s in cybersecurity, professionals may choose to enhance their expertise with additional certifications or education, depending on their career goals. (Specific industry-recognized examinations and prerequisites may apply.) Some popular certifications include:

• Any certifications from the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from the cybersecurity professional organization (ISC)² for experienced security professionals
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) for professionals moving from the technical to the managerial side of cybersecurity

Prior to earning a master’s in cybersecurity, or depending on your desired career path, many professionals consider the following certifications:

• CompTIA Security+ (entry-level security certification)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) for those working in incident response
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is applicable to white hat hacking, penetration testing, and red teaming
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) from IT professional association ISACA for mid-level IT professionals

Continuing education in the form of courses or certificates and other professional development helps you as a cybersecurity graduate stay competitive and adapt to evolving industry trends.

Faculty with real-world experience offer insights you won’t get from purely academic instructors. Doug Rausch, Program Director and founder of Bellevue University’s Center for Cybersecurity Education (CCE) has been recognized for excellence as an instructor. He was named College Tech Educator of the Year in 2019 by AIM Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes technology to empower people and communities. The CCE connects students, educators, alumni, and employers through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning in cybersecurity, IT, data science, and business analytics—preparing learners for real-world success.

Discover Where a Master’s in Cybersecurity Can Take You

Professionals who are interested in improving and protecting their business or organization and growing their careers using the latest tools and technologies will benefit from a master’s in cybersecurity. Students and graduates from the MS in Cybersecurity program at Bellevue include those who work for Fortune 200 companies, major military commands, state and local governments or academic institutions, and national defense contractors. Where will it take you?

If you’re ready to elevate your career and expand your professional opportunities, pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity degree could be the next step toward achieving your goals.

Related resources we think you’ll like.

What Is a Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree?
Is a Master’s in Cybersecurity Worth It?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s?