Masters in Cybersecurity

Find Funding

According to date from the 2019/2020 school year from NCES, the average cost for tuition and fees for a master’s degree was $19,792. For many students, that indicates the need for funding options. Paying for school may be done in various ways, and often a combination of methods. Students may wish to spend some time comparing their options to determine which method is a good fit for their situation. Here are a few examples that may help.

Scholarships

A scholarship is not a loan, but rather an award of funds that may be used for tuition, fees, and other costs (depending on the terms of the scholarship). Students typically do not repay these funds. They may be helpful in reducing the cost of a college or university’s tuition. Students may need to carefully consider how well they qualify for the scholarship, the terms and conditions of it, and how to apply. Some have limited applications and awards.

Take a closer look at some of the potential cybersecurity scholarships that may be available.

Federal Loans

A federal student loan is one that meets specific federal guidelines and may be backed by the U.S. federal government. These loans are typically available to students who meet specific requirements. There are several options that may be available to those completing a master’s degree, though those may be slightly different than the federal loans applicable to undergraduate students.

Typical student loans may be highly valuable because they provide a wide range of resources, though each person’s qualifications differ.

Here is a look at some of the options for graduate degree programs through federal student loans:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These are available to graduate schools and professional students. Unlike direct subsidized loans, which are made available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, direct unsubsidized loans often do not have a need based requirement. More students may be eligible for them.
• Direct PLUS Loans: These are made available to professional or graduate level students. They are designed to pay for educational expenses that are typically not paid for through other loans. Eligibility for these loans is not based on financial need. However, some require a credit check to be performed, and borrowers may not qualify without meeting other requirements in some cases.
• Direct Consolidation Loans: These loans enable a student to combine all of their undergraduate and graduate level federal debt into one new loan. This consolidation loan is typically provided after a student completes their education.

Private Student Loans

A private student loan is one provided from a non-government lender, and as a result, they have less stringent guidelines to follow in terms of offering those loans. Students may need to learn as much as possible about these loans before choosing them because they may require credit and work histories, GRE scores, and GPA scores. Some may also have different terms in relation to repayment timelines, refinancing the loans, and loan forgiveness. Still, they may be an option for those who want access to student loans to pay for a master’s degree.

Is computer information systems manager a good career?

Those who complete a master’s degree in cybersecurity may qualify for a position as a computer information systems manager. This may include working as a computing services director, data processing manager, information systems director, or numerous other titles. In short, a person that works in this career path typically plans, directs, or coordinates the activities involving electronic data processing, system analysis, computer information systems, and computer programming.

The tasks involved in this type of work may include directing the daily operations of the department, including analyzing workflow, developing standards within the organization, setting deadlines, and establishing priorities. In addition, as a manger, they may meet with other department heads and managers, along with vendors, supervisors, and others to solicit cooperation and to resolve problems within the company.

In addition to this, computer information systems managers may also review project plans and coordinate activity within them. They may assign and review the work that is done by others including computer programmers and analysts. Some also provide technical support for problems within the system.

• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Daily tasks for this career field may include developing computer or information systems, analyzing data to make decisions or complete activities as needed, and coordinating the operational activities for stakeholders. They may also develop goals and objectives for the organization and work with other members of the company to make sure goals are met.

To do this type of work, employers typically expect an individual to have at least a bachelor’s degree in the field, with some preferring a higher level of education. They may also need to have some experience working in the field, though it may not be in a management position. Some, limited skill building is done on the job site with many coming from education and prior work experience.

2020 Median Salary for Computer Information Systems Managers

The following is the median salary for those working as a computer information system manager in 2020 in each state, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.