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Both certificate and associate degree programs can connect students with education or skills they are looking for. However, the two learning models have significant differences.

Certificate programs are typically��shorter and less expensive��than associate programs. They teach fundamental skills that today’s employers want. This may allow students to��quickly join the workforce��without accruing significant debt.

Unlike a full degree program, certificate programs focus only on specific knowledge��areas. They are often tailored to prepare students for specific roles and don’t provide the same lesson depth as a full degree program.

Associate degree programs are known to last longer than certificate programs and typically take��two years to complete. These programs provide more comprehensive knowledge of a particular subject and come with a higher price tag. Many are also designed to lead to full bachelor’s degree programs.

Students can obtain a certificate in cybersecurity from several sources. Some students��get a certificate directly from a college or university,��like the ������ý. Others complete��online courses,��boot camps��or��apprenticeship programs��to obtain a cybersecurity certificate.

Some��technical and trade schools��also offer certificates. These programs typically provide certificates alongside��hands-on training, where students can practice what they’ve learned. This combination of virtual and hands-on learning can help make students attractive to hiring managers and potential employers.

Getting a certificate requires several steps. First, students need to choose a certificate program that suits their needs. It should meet their preferences��in cost, length and curriculum. Students should also make sure they meet all program prerequisites before enrolling.

After enrolling, students are responsible for completing coursework. A certificate typically requires��, though the exact number will depend on the program.

Many similar certificate programs offer similar courses. Lessons typically include courses in��cybersecurity and network defense. Depending on the program’s depth, some curricula offer lessons in��advanced cybersecurity.

A cybersecurity certificate may help graduates enhance their IT careers in several ways. It has the potential to expand earning opportunities, depending on the roles they are looking for and had previously. It also provides additional knowledge immediately applicable to a cybersecurity professional's daily routine. Certificates can help improve confidence��in the subject while providing introductions to professionals with similar career interests.

Obtaining a certificate also improves graduates’ professional reputation. It signifies they’ve��earned valuable skills��from a reputable educator. A certificate can be added to a resumé, LinkedIn®��profile or online portfolio to further improve its visibility.

Here are some of the things a cybersecurity certificate has the potential to do.

No matter an individual’s current career, a cybersecurity certificate can aid in��shifting industries. Certificates teach foundational knowledge that can help someone get started in IT or a related field. Many certificates specifically teach entry-level skills. They familiarize students with��basic requirements, regulations and standards.

These programs help build on transferable skills. For example, a certificate program might build on knowledge in computers or project management. It can teach how to use existing skills and newly developed ones to create effective��cybersecurity strategies.

Obtaining a certificate can give a resumé depth during a job search. Even if a candidate already has an IT degree, adding one of these certificates to ��a resumé can indicate they are serious about their career. It shows potential employers that a candidate has invested in��continuous education��to stay on top of��cybersecurity trends.

Cybersecurity is a multifaceted field. Some cybersecurity��strategists focus only on��network defense. Others might specialize in penetration testing, incident response or application security. A certificate can give a resumé depth in a specific cybersecurity field as it can display skills ��learned. It helps demonstrate a candidate has polished their skills in a particular specialization,��

Like most tech fields, cybersecurity changes over time. Cybersecurity specialists need to keep their skills sharp as hackers find new ways to compromise networks. One of the best ways to continually develop them is through a cybersecurity certificate program.

The education to earn these certificates familiarizes students with��new technologies, tools and strategies��for keeping networks safe. They can also connect students with resources — including webinars, research papers and communities — only available to enrolled students. Completing or renewing a certificate program is a way to keep up with industry trends.

Like many certificate programs, those for cybersecurity may help improve earning power. They enhance qualifications for cyber roles, demonstrating to employers a dedication to the field. This can make ��a candidate attractive to employers hiring for higher-level roles.

Employment of information security analysts is , much faster than the average for all occupations. About 17,300 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to , much faster than the average for all occupations. About 140,100 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to ������ý students or graduates.

Has a career in cybersecurity intrigued you? If you enjoy being in a career where you can help others secure their network and you have opportunities for continuous learning, a career in IT or network security may be a good fit for you. ������ý offers a number of online programs:

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• Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator Course Collection��
• Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate
• Cyber and Network Defense Certificate (Undergraduate)

Contact ������ý for more information.