Cybersecurity Is Booming—and Hiring
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand industries today. With an estimated 33% growth over the next decade, planning for a cybersecurity career is an excellent step toward job security in a flourishing field. Cybersecurity professionals play a vital role in keeping data and information safe by developing, testing, and implementing secure systems; assessing and fixing software vulnerabilities; identifying potential threats; and actively combating cyberattacks.
You Don’t Need a Tech Background to Get Started
You may think you need a computer science degree or years of tech experience to pursue a career in cybersecurity, but this is a common misconception. It’s not too late to make your dream of a job in cybersecurity a reality. Southern Nazarene University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program provides a practical, supportive way for anyone to enter the field.
Why Cybersecurity Is a Smart Career Choice
There are many reasons to consider entering the cybersecurity sector. It’s predicted to be the fifth fastest-growing occupation between 2023 and 2033. With an estimated 750,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the United States and 3.5 million globally, the need for cybersecurity professionals is critical. This growing demand—paired with a national average salary of $104,239 annually for cybersecurity analysts—makes for a stable, secure, and lucrative career path.
You Can Make a Real Impact
In addition to the strong job outlook and salary potential, many professionals are drawn to cybersecurity because of the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The ability to help protect governments, companies, and individuals from data breaches and other threats is deeply satisfying for mission-minded professionals. It’s also one of the reasons the cybersecurity sector benefits from individuals with diverse backgrounds. Understanding how people, businesses, financial institutions, schools, and governments operate helps cybersecurity professionals design more effective protections.
It’s About More Than Just Tech Skills
Cybersecurity roles rely not only on technical skills but also on transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, attention to detail, and integrity. Soft skills like risk assessment, collaboration, and ethical judgment are just as essential as technical knowledge. To pursue a cybersecurity degree, you do not have to be a “coder” or computer whiz. Many of SNU’s Cybersecurity graduates come from other fields entirely.
Real Stories from SNU Cybersecurity Students and Graduates
2023 Cybersecurity graduate Jessica Whisenhunt worked in the healthcare industry as a pharmacy technician and then a DME (Durable Medical Equipment) coordinator before pursuing her cybersecurity degree. “I realized the workforce is changing and becoming more digital,” Jessica said. “Going after a cybersecurity [degree] was to secure my future and be progressive with technology.”
Mark Baughman, who also graduated from the Cybersecurity program in 2023, had a 21-year military career before retiring from the United States Air Force and transitioning into the private sector, working for a leading consulting firm known for its technology and government services expertise. He worked as an IT project manager and communication program manager before earning his degree. “This degree allowed me to upskill my capabilities,” Mark explains. “I got CompTIA Security+ certified, resulting in a new position with one of our cybersecurity teams within the firm.”
Current Cybersecurity student Brad Robbins works in sales and previously owned his own small business before pursuing his degree. An experience with that small business first ignited his interest in the field. “My website had a security problem and was eventually compromised, which first stirred my interest in cybersecurity,” he recalls. “I wanted to learn what was and wasn't possible in this realm, even though it wasn't something that came as naturally to me as business or finance.”
How to Start the Transition—Even Without a Tech Background
If you’re interested in cybersecurity but feel uncertain about how to begin, here are a few practical steps to help guide your journey:
- Start Small
Begin exploring the world of cybersecurity through free or low-cost resources. Podcasts, blogs, and beginner courses can help you understand the landscape and where your interests lie. - Get the Right Education
A degree can give you structure, support, and a well-rounded foundation. SNU’s Cybersecurity program is specifically designed for working adults and career changers. With no prior tech experience required, students receive the knowledge and training necessary to break into the field, including preparation for industry certifications like CompTIA Security+. - Gain Hands-On Experience
Through courses like Penetration Testing and Advanced Intrusion Detection, SNU’s program includes opportunities to work with real-world scenarios through labs, simulations, and projects that mirror what cybersecurity professionals face daily. These practical skills are essential for building confidence and career readiness. - Connect with the Community
Whether you join online forums, attend cybersecurity meetups, or become a member of professional associations like CompTIA or ISC2, networking can open doors and help you stay current with industry trends.
Why Choose SNU for Cybersecurity?
At Southern Nazarene University, we understand that many students are balancing school with full-time jobs, family responsibilities, or other commitments. That’s why our Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program is built with flexibility and support in mind.
- No tech background required
- Online, adult-focused format
- Supportive instructors with real-world cybersecurity experience
- Financial aid and prior learning credit options are available
Whether you're a parent, a veteran, a healthcare worker, or a business owner, SNU offers a welcoming path into this critical and fast-moving industry.
What Can You Do with a Cybersecurity Degree?
Graduates of SNU’s Cybersecurity program pursue a wide range of roles across sectors, including:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Network Administrator
- Risk Assessor
- Information Security Specialist
- Compliance and Governance Analyst
The broad and evolving field offers room to grow and specialize based on your interests and strengths.
You Belong in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity isn’t just for tech geniuses. It’s for problem-solvers, ethical thinkers, and people who want to make a difference. If you’re curious, driven, and ready for a new challenge, there’s a place for you in this field.
SNU’s Cybersecurity degree program is designed to help you succeed, even starting from scratch: your background, story, and motivation to protect others all matter here.
Take the first step toward a career in cybersecurity today. Learn more about SNU’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.
