Choosing to become a cyber security analyst may be overwhelming at first with the multitude of education paths. As technology continuously changes, the demand for professionals in the cyber security sector continues to rise. The right certification and education can prepare for any opportunity to embrace the path to your dream job.
A cyber security analyst protects organizations by monitoring systems, preventing breaches, and strengthening security strategies. Accelerated programs help students efficiently build skills, earn certifications, and enter the workforce with confidence and purpose.
Highlights
- Cyber security analysts protect data, systems, and organizational integrity
- Certifications like CompTIA Security+ are commonly required by employers
- Demand is growing due to AI-driven threats and increasing cyber attacks
- Accelerated programs reduce time to entry without sacrificing preparation
- PLNU offers a flexible, certification-integrated pathway into cyber security careers
What does a cybersecurity analyst do?
Someone in the cyber security profession works to plan, manage, and carry out protective measures for brands and companies’ computer systems. Day to day tasks may include the following:
- Prepare, manage and investigate network security breaches
- Maintain and equip companies with software and hardware to protect sensitive information
- Develop strategies to create security standards and practices for an organization
- Help users learn and understand security procedures and platforms
An analyst will understand the latest technologies and implement procedures to help the overall organization to prepare for an IT disaster emergency plan. This essential role helps protect an organization’s overall network security and provide risk management.
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary and Job Outlook
With the increasingly high demand for positions in cybersecurity, an analyst has a median annual salary of $124,910. The lower 10% will make less than $69,660, and the highest 10 percent can make $186,420.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cybersecurity or information analyst positions will have a remarkable 29 percent growth from 2024 to 2034. This means each year, about 16,000 new positions will be open each year, far above the average job outlook. This growing position and professional field is in high demand with the increasing frequency of cyberattacks.
Why are cybersecurity jobs in demand?
CyberSeek, a cybersecurity insight company, found that private sector employers sought over 514,000 cybersecurity jobs from 2024 to 2025. Cybersecurity jobs are on the rise with cyber attacks ever-growing in quantity and effectiveness. The increase in demand for cybersecurity jobs are rising due to:
- Rising cyber attacks such as malware attacks, social engineering scams, zero-day exploits and self-replicating worms
- The increase of hyper-real scams using new AI technology, resulting in individuals and organizations losing billions of dollars per year.
- Maintaining cyber skills gap among educational institutions
- Growing developments in new technologies such as quantum computing or shifting workloads to cloud storage buckets
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Who are you called to be?
Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
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Best Degree Path for Cybersecurity Analysts
Finding the right educational path can be overwhelming with the amount of options. Professionals have gone into cybersecurity through:
- Traditional undergraduate cybersecurity programs
- Accelerated undergraduate programs
- Getting your CompTIA Security+ certification
While in few scenarios a bachelor’s degree is not required, it is highly recommended by employers. A cybersecurity degree can be earned in a four institution curriculum or could be earned with an accelerated-hybrid degree, where learning can be done on your own schedule. Many of these programs also incorporate essential certification tests before you graduate.
How PLNU’s Computer Science Program Prepares You for Cybersecurity Careers
PLNU offers Computer Information Technology: Cyber Security, B.A. Hybrid program for students looking to pursue a career like a cybersecurity analyst and do so with a flexible, hybrid schedule. This program is designed to support students who may be working full time and allow students to continue their education with a partnership at Grossmont College and MiraCosta College. When graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Technology, students are prepared to be an innovate, leading forces by taking classes such as:
- Hardware
- Networking
- Topics in Cyber Security
- Programming
- Security+ Exam Prep
With a supportive network of professionals of professors and advisors, this program will help you get the education and experience employers are looking for. PLNU’s accelerated cyber security program requires the CompTIA Security +, which is a must have when looking to become a certified cyber security analyst.
Find Your Calling at PLNU
Whether you are looking for a cybersecurity program or a more general computer information technology program, PLNU can provide the right path for you. Interested in learning more about which classes you might take or how an accelerated degree is structured? Reach out to an academic advisor today to begin your cyber security journey.