What Is the Benefit of a Cybersecurity Education?

Military personnel at bases around the world recently faced delays in getting their medications due to a cyber attack at one of the largest military pharmacies. That’s just one in a spate of upheavals to computer systems caused by hackers and other bad actors. FBI leadership has warned Congress about the threat of Chinese hackers intent on harming Americans and disrupting the electric supply in the U.S. Skilled cybersecurity professionals are needed to thwart cyber threats across the public and private sector.

An associate degree in cybersecurity provides the knowledge to:

• Make a difference by keeping the online world safer
  
• Foil sophisticated cyber crimes
  
• Tackle new security challenges on a daily basis 

Cyber Defense Needs

These skill sets are needed across a multitude of industries. A few of the areas this fast-paced discipline is in use include:

• Military. As adversaries increase their attacks on U.S. and military assets, the need for cybersecurity skills continues to grow. Cybersecurity officers secure and defend network security and other infrastructure essential for military and national security operations.
• Public sector. The U.S. government relies on sophisticated technology to operate all kinds of critical infrastructure such as water and power grids. While this brings efficiency, it also makes our nation more vulnerable to disruption from hackers. That’s why government agencies are seeking out cybersecurity talent to protect these critical assets. 
• Criminal justice. State and local law enforcement need to not only secure their own computer systems but also help protect citizens against scams, identity theft, and other cyber threats. Additionally, widespread use of digital devices like phones and security cameras means these devices have become crucial for many criminal investigations. This means police chiefs, police officers, prosecutors, and others in the field need to understand computer forensics, which is the investigative techniques used to identify and understand evidence from digital devices. 
• Healthcare. Computer breaches can cause delays in medical procedures and difficulties delivering care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called cyber attacks the largest threat to hospitals, due to the potential impact on patients’ lives. This is driving a need for cybersecurity talent. 
• Finance. The lure of easy money draws cyber criminals to try to infiltrate financial computer systems. A recent Congressional Research Service report found nearly 25% of malware attacks are against financial services companies. High-profile data breaches at major financial institutions have increased worries about this problem.
  

Why Attend American Military University?

Military friendly. The Council of College and Military Educators tapped American Military University as the 2024 Institution of the Year, recognizing our commitment to active-duty servicemembers and their families. The University supports military families in many ways through:

• Preferred Military Tuition rates
  
• Education managers available at military installations across the U.S. for academic advising and personal guided pathways to help you stay on track 
  
• Career services, career coaching, and virtual career fairs
  
• Online job board and resume-building platform
  
• Connections to scholarships for active-duty military, veterans, and their families

Academic excellence: As part of American Public University System, American Military University has been designated by the National Security Agency as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. And with cybersecurity being the cornerstone of much of today’s information technology, American Public University System formed the Center for Cyber Defense, which provides educational program guidance, cyber defense research, as well as outreach opportunities for students and faculty. 

American Public University System is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Work/life/school balance: Whether you’re deployed afar, have a career elsewhere, are caring for a loved one, or have other obligations, getting a degree is possible with our flexible approach. You can log in to courses anytime to complete your weekly assignments and join discussions with faculty and peers.

Affordability: Between Preferred Military Rates for U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families; no-cost ebooks; no-cost admissions applications; and no-cost transfer credit evaluations, our classes are very affordable. 

Supportive: Our faculty and staff are steeped in military and civilian experiences, and they are dedicated to helping you succeed in academic life. Through 24/7 mental health support services, peer mentoring programs, and academic support, we’re there for you from day one through graduation and beyond.

Explore our Online Student Experience 

We offer part-time and full-time classes you can attend from anywhere, so you can choose what works best for you. Throughout the curriculum, you’ll meet students and faculty who are working across cyber in a variety of industries. This exposure can help you with choosing your future career paths.

Earning an online associate degree also doesn’t mean you have to give up on student life. In fact, with more than 70 student clubs, as well as one-on-one and group mentoring programs and service opportunities, there are countless ways you can connect with students, alumni, faculty, and other community members who share your interests. 

Gain Hands-on Experience in Cybersecurity

Research shows that online labs help students to remember what they learned in class. That’s why we provide hands-on experience throughout the curriculum. By simulating scenarios you may encounter in the real world, these programs create an exciting and memorable learning experience.

Through our courses, you’ll learn firsthand how to:

• Break into computer systems in a safe environment to understand how hackers operate
• Recognize all types of cyber threats to networks
• Use information security tools to identify vulnerabilities and deploy access controls

Gain Exposure to a Range of Information

Through our courses, cybersecurity students gain familiarity in information technology and information systems security tools, including:

• Operating systems such as Windows and Linux as well as mobile operating systems such as iOS
• Scripting languages such as Python, Microsoft PowerShell, and potentially Java
• Security tools like Kali Linux, Snort, and OpenVAS
• Network security devices and simulation tools, including Cisco Packet Tracer as well as Windows firewall software

Prepare for Industry Certifications

Many program graduates seek industry certifications, since often cybersecurity jobs require certifications in addition to a cybersecurity degree. Our curriculum helps prepare for information technology and cybersecurity certifications, such as:

• Certified Ethical Hacker® (CEH®) — Demonstrates your ability to think like a hacker; use ethical hacking techniques; and show your strength in penetration testing, network threat assessment, and countermeasures.
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals® — Tests your awareness of information systems, such as setting up and troubleshooting computer systems. 
• CompTIA Net+® — Verifies your ability to understand information technology at the next level, such as configuring and managing networks.
• CompTIA A+® — Shows your skills in performance testing, technical support, and end-to-end point management.

NOTE: Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications.

Certified Ethical Hacker® and CEH® are registered trademarks of EC-Council.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals®, CompTIA A+® and CompTIA Net+® are registered trademarks of the Computing Technology Industry Association.

Gain Transfer Credits in our Cybersecurity Program

You may be further along toward your associate degree in cybersecurity than you think. We award course credits towards your degree for:

• College/university courses (including community college classes) you have completed
• Military service and education
• Professional training and certifications
• Demonstration of previous learning through college-level exam programs
• Government training
• Public safety training
• Knowledge gained through real-world experience such as professional or volunteer work

Visit our website to learn about transfer credits. There’s no cost to you to have a transfer credit evaluation.