Rasmussen College Offers Cyber Security Degree

New year. New goals. New career?

Rasmussen College recently launched a new cyber security degree program at the Land O' Lakes campus, and registration is ongoing for those looking to jump right in, instructor Josh Nethery said.

The regionally accredited bachelor's degree program focuses on network security, computer forensics, computer analytics and criminal justice, Nethery said. 

There are a variety of career options in both the public and private sector for graduates of the program, Nethery said. Large companies often employ large security teams, and there also is a need for risk assessment specialists and consultants, he added.

Homeland Security and law enforcement also are career options for program graduates.

A cyber security specialist helps find the evidence when a system has been breached and also helps design the countermeasures to prevent future security breaches, Nethery said.

The program takes four years to complete if a student does not already have an associate's degree. For those starting the program with an associate's degree, the program can be completed in two years, Nethery said.

And the rewards?

"Anything in IT is paying well," Nethery said.

A ballpark salary for a graduate with no experience in the field is about $35,000, Nethery said.

For graduates with some experience, pay ranges in the field start at about $44,000, he said.

Rasmussen's Land O' Lakes campus is located at 18600 Fernview St. For information on the cyber security degree or other programs, call 813-435-3601 or visit the Land O' Lakes campus website.