We live in an ever-more connected world. We do much of our living online: banking, socializing, working. While this interconnected digital world has made things much more convenient and accessible for us, it also leaves us vulnerable to cyber attacks, identity theft, and hacking. Rio Salado College’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity is a program oriented around learning how to prevent and mitigate these security threats. If you love technology and have a passion for problem solving and helping others, cybersecurity could be a very rewarding career path for you.
"Cybersecurity is one of the few fields where the demand for talent consistently outpaces the supply,” said Rio Salado College STEM Initiatives Faculty Chair Rick Vaughn. “Our program gives students a strong technical foundation in networks, systems, and defense strategies, along with the risk analysis and communication skills employers tell us they need. And because it's built for flexibility, students can start building that career while working full time."
What You’ll Learn
Rio’s cybersecurity program will provide a well-rounded and extensive grounding in the theories and methods of cybersecurity. You’ll learn to understand design principles and how they can be compromised. In addition to learning how to identify security failures you’ll also gain knowledge on how to defend against attacks and safeguard systems from being compromised. You’ll learn about networks and operating systems, forging an understanding on how they can be vulnerable to cyber attacks. You’ll also develop an understanding of compliance, risk analysis methodologies, and communication skills to help you collaborate with others in solving cybersecurity problems. Our coursework can help prepare you for industry certifications like CompTIA Security+.
What Can I Do With A Cybersecurity Degree?
Completing a Cybersecurity degree program at Rio Salado can give you a set of skills and a firm foundation of knowledge to build a career on. This associate degree could be the first big step toward earning one of these roles:
- Information security analyst
- Network security administrator
- Digital forensics analyst
- Cybercrime investigator
- Compliance officer
- Network engineer
- Cloud security engineer
- Security architect
- IT auditor
Please note that many of these positions may require additional education and training. An associate program is a great introduction to the field, but you may have to dig deeper and sharpen your skill set before you’re ready to establish a career in the industry.
What Does a Future in Cybersecurity Look Like?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity roles like information security analysts, compliance officers, and network architects are projected to grow at much faster rates than the average job. With strong starting salaries, these are in-demand skilled careers that need trained and dedicated professionals. For Arizona students, the growing semiconductor manufacturing industry in the Valley (along with other technology industries planting deep roots here) is looking for skilled workers to join the field. Even in the age of AI, human judgment is needed in these roles to ensure that critical security issues aren’t being overlooked.
"Every part of our lives now runs on connected systems — our banks, our hospitals, our power grid, even the factories building the technology of the future here in Arizona,” said Vaughn. “Cybersecurity professionals are the people standing guard over all of it. It's meaningful work, it's in demand, and it needs people who love solving problems."
Save Time and Money
Rio Salado’s course credits are transferable, which means that the progress you made at Rio could be accepted by many universities and colleges across the country. Keep in mind not all colleges take transfer credits, so be sure to check in with the school you’re planning to transfer to in order to make sure your Rio credits will be honored. An added benefit of going to Rio for transfer students is that our tuition rate is much lower than that of a four-year university, so you could complete your general education requirements for your bachelor’s degree at Rio while saving a significant amount of money.
Another benefit to consider for becoming a student at Rio Salado is the flexibility of our online classes. You can take classes on your own schedule as a working adult that works with what’s convenient for you.
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about our Cybersecurity degree program, check out our program page and complete the request for information at the bottom of the page.
Article by Austin Brietta