How important is a college degree for cleared veterans? That depends on the employer. Surveys show that in a tight job market, hiring managers tend to get choosy, meaning many lean toward candidates who have the big three: Military service, a clearance and a degree.
If you want to capitalize on your clearance and further your education, consider getting choosy yourself. The business landscape is changing and so are hiring practices. Anymore, it’s not so much about what the company does as it’s about how they do it and how they protect what they do. Cleared veterans may want to keep two objectives in mind: Degrees that align with your clearance and skills, and those that are projected to grow in demand. Currently, the top five college degrees for cleared career goals:
Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security
What you learn:
- It’s all about the protection of data assets. The curriculum focuses on technologies, policies and operational procedures that secure the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of information. The take-away is the ability to protect information and assets throughout an enterprise, integrating cybersecurity risk management and business best practices. The classes instruct in network monitoring, real-time security solutions, threat analysis, countermeasures, risk assessments, forensics and recovery of information. You’ll be required to complete 120 credit hours, 33 of which are specific to the major. A great option is the University of Maryland’s cyber education program, ranked number one in the nation due to its collaboration with the Department of Defense Cyber Command in Maryland, and Virginia’s Cyber Corridor.
What you earn:
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand is expected to grow 22 percent by 2020. Salary breakdowns provided by Robert Half Technology, show data security analysts earn $89,000 to $121,500; systems security administrators earn $85,250 to $117,750, and network security administrators earn $85,000 to $116,750.
Bachelor of Business Administration – Information Assurance & Security
What you learn:
- This degree plan ensures you develop proficiency in both technology and business information security. Classes concentrate on applying policy, education and technology solutions to protect information assets from all threats and manage the security risks associated with that information. Look for schools with certifications that meet the National Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professionals (NSTISSI), and those that collaborate with the Committee on National Security Systems and National Security Agency. Georgia’s Kennesaw State University is now in the top 10 for this 123-credit hour degree, and is recognized by both NSA and the Department of Homeland Security.
What you earn:
- Information security managers who develop systems and software earn $103,500 to $143,500. Systems/application security analysts earn averages of $89,200 to $125,000.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Security and Management
What you learn:
- This degree plan addresses technical and management competence in national and international organizational security, including courses in terrorism and homeland security. Students receive courses in loss prevention, risk management, modern security management and technologies, legal and ethical issues and vulnerability assessments.
What you earn:
- Your clearance along with this degree provide a definite advantage in both salary and employer preference. According to Security Management Magazine, those in charge of company security departments earn $104,000. Those in charge of security at multiple facilities average $133,000. Interestingly, Navy veterans earn average salaries of $124,000, and Air Force veterans in top-level security earn $111,000.
Bachelor’s Degree in Information Sciences and Technology
What you learn:
- This is one of the best degrees for cleared veterans who already have IT skills, with or without college credits. It’s a 125-credit hour program, 45 of which are required for the major. The curriculum focuses on developing theoretical foundations and skills for incorporating IT into different systems to enhance performance. The emphasis is the theoretical frameworks needed to use information technology, but the courses also include application-oriented skills. Pennsylvania State University’s online program is ranked among the highest in the nation for this degree, and offers a master’s degree in both homeland security and professional studies in information sciences.
What you earn:
- The earnings range is a wide one and depends on the company, the level in which you’re hired and years of experience. According to CNN Money, information technology careers average around $71,000 on the low end, up to the six figure range.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology-Security
What you learn:
- This degree provides the skills and knowledge for 14 industry certifications, including Cisco’s CCNA certification, all CompTIA certifications and three Microsoft technology associate certifications. WGU Texas has an online program considered one of the nation’s best for this degree. Cleared veterans who have some college credits or applicable military experience can expect to spend about 15 or more hours per week on studies that include web and software development, network devices, programming, databases and technical writing – 123 credit-hours in all, with the cost of certification exams included in tuition.
What you earn:
- With this degree, computer and information systems managers earn $80,000 to $140,000; computer network architects can earn starting salaries of $70,000 in the government, up to $125,000 in the private sector.
