15 Cybersecurity Careers You Could Pursue With a Degree

Published on: June 27, 2025

Cybersecurity has become one of the fastest growing and most critical fields, touching nearly every industry and digital space. As cyber threats evolve in complexity and reach, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can protect systems, data and infrastructure.

Explore 15 cybersecurity careers you could pursue with a degree and roles for every stage of your professional journey. We cover the essential skills needed, the industries actively hiring and the future outlook for this dynamic field.

Why Pursue a Career in Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a pillar of today’s digital economy and information technology (IT) infrastructure. As cyber threats continue to rise, so does the demand for professionals who can safeguard sensitive data and digital systems. A career in cybersecurity offers not only the opportunity to protect organizations and communities, but also a rewarding professional path.

Are you passionate about problem-solving, interested in cutting-edge technology or looking for a stable and high-growth industry? Cybersecurity delivers on all fronts:

Job Stability and Demand – Skilled cybersecurity experts are needed across nearly every sector. As cybercrime escalates, companies are investing heavily in security infrastructure, thereby creating a stable job market with low unemployment rates and strong career longevity.

Competitive Salaries – Because of the specialized skill set required, cybersecurity roles often offer above-average pay. Entry-level positions can command impressive salaries, and compensation tends to rise significantly with experience and certifications.

Opportunities for Growth and Specialization – From ethical hacking and digital forensics to cloud security and compliance, the cybersecurity field offers numerous avenues for specialization. Professionals can continuously advance by earning cybersecurity certificates or certifications and moving into leadership or technical expert roles.

Work in a Variety of Industries – Cybersecurity is essential across sectors — from healthcare and finance to education, government and retail. This versatility allows professionals to choose industries that align with their interests and values.

The Ability to Make a Real-World Impact – While it concerns systems and software, cybersecurity is also about protecting people, businesses and national infrastructure. Professionals in this field play a pivotal part in defending against threats that can impact privacy, finances, safety and public trust.

15 In-Demand Cybersecurity Jobs and Careers

Cybersecurity professionals can pursue a wide range of roles based on their experience level and technical interests. From frontline analysts to executive leaders, dive into these in-demand cybersecurity jobs that offer exciting challenges and long-term growth.

Entry-Level Cybersecurity Job Roles

The following foundational roles are ideal for recent graduates or professionals transitioning into cybersecurity. They provide hands-on experience and build key skills in threat analysis, risk management and compliance, laying the foundation for future growth.

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts monitor networks for security breaches, install protective software and develop protocols to safeguard sensitive information. They often serve as the first line of defense against cyber threats.

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

SOC analysts work in centralized units to detect, analyze and respond to cybersecurity incidents in real time. They review system logs, investigate suspicious activity and escalate potential threats to senior teams.

Cybersecurity Risk Analyst

These professionals assess organizational risks by identifying vulnerabilities and recommending mitigation strategies. Their insights help align cybersecurity efforts with both business goals and compliance standards.

Compliance Analyst

Compliance analysts focus on ensuring that an organization meets industry-specific cybersecurity regulations and standards. They conduct audits, prepare documentation and support external compliance reviews.

Identity and Access Management (IAM) Specialist

IAM specialists manage user identities and control access to networks, systems and data. They design authentication protocols and ensure only authorized individuals can access sensitive information.

Mid-Level Cybersecurity Positions

With a few years of experience, cybersecurity professionals can step into more specialized and strategic roles that require deeper technical knowledge and problem-solving capabilities.

Ethical Hacker

Also known as penetration testers, ethical hackers simulate cyberattacks to find and fix vulnerabilities in systems before malicious actors can exploit them.

Network Security Engineer

These engineers design, implement and maintain secure network infrastructures. They configure firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs) and intrusion detection systems to protect against unauthorized access.

Incident Response Analyst

Incident response analysts investigate and respond to security breaches. They assess the scope of attacks, contain damage and implement recovery plans to restore normal operations.

Cloud Security Specialist

As organizations migrate to cloud-based platforms, cloud security specialists focus on securing data and applications hosted in the cloud, ensuring compliance and protecting against breaches.

Digital Forensics Analyst

These professionals examine digital evidence after a cybercrime has occurred. They work with law enforcement or internal teams to trace the origin of attacks and recover compromised data.

Security Software Developer

Security software developers design applications and tools that enhance system security. Their work may include developing encryption algorithms, secure authentication systems or antivirus software.

Advanced Cybersecurity Career Paths

For experienced professionals, advanced roles offer the opportunity to lead teams, shape cybersecurity strategies and make high-level decisions that impact organizational security.

Security Architect

Security architects design robust security frameworks for networks and systems. They assess current infrastructure, anticipate future risks and create comprehensive strategies for long-term protection.

Cybersecurity Consultant

Consultants advise organizations on how to improve their overall cybersecurity posture. They assess systems, recommend solutions and may assist with implementation across various industries and business sizes.

Malware Analyst

Malware analysts dissect malicious software to understand its behavior, origin and potential impact. Their work is critical for developing countermeasures and enhancing organizational defenses.

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

The CISO is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the entire cybersecurity strategy of an organization. They lead security teams, manage risk, uphold compliance and report to top leadership on security performance and threats.

Skills Needed for a Career in Cybersecurity

To succeed in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, professionals need a strong combination of technical expertise, critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Whether you’re analyzing threats, designing secure systems or responding to incidents, the following core competencies are essential to thrive in this field:

Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities – Success in cybersecurity demands the ability to assess complex systems, identify vulnerabilities and think creatively to develop effective solutions. Analytical thinking is especially important when diagnosing incidents or preventing future attacks.

Strong Communication and Teamwork – Security efforts often require collaboration across departments and with external stakeholders. Being able to clearly explain risks, document findings and work effectively in group environments is crucial for implementing cohesive, organization-wide security strategies.

Knowledge of Operating Systems and Network Protocols – A solid understanding of how operating systems (like Windows, Linux and macOS) and network protocols (such as TCP/IP, DNS and HTTP) function is foundational for detecting anomalies and protecting against exploits.

Proficiency with Security Tools – Hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools — such as firewalls, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) — is necessary for identifying threats and responding to security events efficiently.

Optional Advanced Certifications – While not always required, industry certifications validate your skills and boost credibility. Common certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) can enhance your qualifications and open doors to higher-level positions.

Cybersecurity Job Market and Future Opportunities

The cybersecurity job market in 2025 continues to experience robust growth, driven by escalating cyber threats and the rapid adoption of emerging technologies. Even amid economic uncertainties and technological disruptions, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals remains high, offering promising career options for those equipped with the right expertise.

Unprecedented Demand and Talent Shortage

Globally, the cybersecurity workforce faces a significant talent gap, with an estimated 3.5 million unfilled positions projected by 2025. In the United States alone, nearly 470,000 cybersecurity job openings were reported between May 2023 and April 2024. This shortage underscores the critical need for qualified professionals across various sectors.

Rapid Employment Growth

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 33% growth in employment for information security analysts from 2023 to 2033 — significantly outpacing the average for all occupations. This surge reflects the increasing importance of cybersecurity jobs in safeguarding digital assets and infrastructure. In turn, they are also among roles with the lowest unemployment rates.

Evolving Threat Landscape and Specialized Roles

The rise of AI-powered cyber threats has intensified the need for specialized roles such as ethical hackers, cloud security engineers and threat intelligence analysts. Organizations are actively seeking professionals capable of proactively identifying and mitigating sophisticated cyber risks.

Industries Hiring Cybersecurity Professionals

Cybersecurity is no longer confined to the tech world; it’s a vital function in virtually every industry. As data breaches, ransomware attacks and regulatory compliance pressures increase, organizations across sectors are investing in cybersecurity talent to protect their digital assets and ensure business continuity. Below are key industries that need cybersecurity professionals:

Financial Services – Banks, investment firms and insurance companies are prime targets for cybercriminals due to the sensitive financial data they handle. Cybersecurity professionals in this sector work to prevent fraud, secure online banking systems and ensure compliance with strict regulations.

Healthcare – With the rise of electronic health records and telemedicine, cybersecurity is crucial for protecting patient data and meeting HIPAA requirements. Healthcare organizations rely on cybersecurity experts to safeguard personal health information (PHI) and defend against ransomware and data theft.

Government and Defense – Federal, state and local government agencies as well as military branches need robust cybersecurity to protect national infrastructure, intelligence and classified information. Professionals in this field may work on securing networks, preventing espionage and supporting homeland security initiatives.

Education – From K–12 schools to universities, educational institutions store vast amounts of personal and academic data. Cybersecurity roles in education focus on securing student records, protecting research data and ensuring the safe use of online learning platforms.

Retail and eCommerce – With the growth of digital payments and online shopping, cybersecurity is integral to protecting customer payment data and preventing data breaches. Retailers and eCommerce platforms employ cybersecurity professionals to secure websites, monitor for fraud and maintain consumer trust.

Technology and Software – Tech companies and software developers are both creators and protectors of digital tools. Cybersecurity professionals in this sector play a central role in embedding security into software products, managing cloud infrastructure and guarding intellectual property.

Energy and Utilities – Critical infrastructure such as power plants, water treatment facilities and energy grids are high-value targets for cyberattacks. Cybersecurity roles in this industry involve protecting operational technologies (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) from disruption or sabotage.

Educational Routes for Cybersecurity Careers

A structured education in cybersecurity provides the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate and excel in this exciting and essential field. Park University offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity, designed to equip students with both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience in core areas of information security. Providing flexibility for diverse learning preferences, our program is available online and at select campus locations. This cybersecurity degree program prepares graduates to pursue industry certifications and qualify for high-demand roles across the cybersecurity landscape.

Some notable focuses of the program include:

Network Security – Students learn to design and implement secure network infrastructures, understanding protocols and defense mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Management – The curriculum emphasizes evaluating potential security risks within systems and developing strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities effectively.

Ethical Hacking – Through courses like Secure Operation, students gain insights into penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, learning to identify and address security weaknesses proactively.

Security Policies – Instruction covers developing and implementing comprehensive security policies in a way that ensures organizational compliance and the establishment of best practices in information security management.

Compliance Frameworks – The program includes training on various compliance standards and frameworks, preparing students to navigate and adhere to industry-specific regulatory requirements.

Cyber Forensics – Courses such as Digital Forensics provide students with the skills to investigate cyber incidents, analyze digital evidence and support legal proceedings related to cybercrimes.

Prepare for Tomorrow’s Cybersecurity Jobs at Park University

If you’re ready to join a cybersecurity team and help protect critical digital infrastructure, an education awaits that can serve as a foundation to your future endeavors. Learn more about the Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity at Park University, or request information today.