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Careers in Cybercrime and Homeland Security

Preparing You for Professional Success

Launched in the fall of 2020, the cybercrime and homeland security program prepares students for careers with government agencies -- such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its Cybersecurity and Information Security Agency -- as well as private sector jobs in cybercrime.

You can learn more about careers in this field at Cybersecurity Guide, an online resource that lists career options for graduates with a cybercrime and homeland security degree.

Here are a few examples from Cybersecurity Guide:

  • Information security analysts
    The focus of a security analyst is to find loopholes and ways to knock down firewalls to prevent security breaches that may happen in the future. Security analysts encrypt data, monitor computer software, and develop plans on how to deal with security breaches. Programming and analytical experience are necessary skills.
    Security analysts report a median salary of $93,250, and those with more training and expertise will see advancements throughout their career. Learn more about security analysts
  • Digital forensic investigators
    When information is stolen from a digital device, a digital forensic investigator examines the crime and repairs the damages. The investigators also develop reports based on analytical findings and identify the tactics and procedures used to get unauthorized access. Organizational and analytical skills help them track, recover, and manage data. Almost every type of organization and legal investigation requires a professional for digital elements. The median salary for people in this high demand profession is $72,000. Learn more about digital forensic investigators
  • Security engineers
    A security engineer proactively protects a company’s computer network. The goal is try to figure out a way to hack the system before any hackers are able to do so. Skills in risk assessments and computer forensics helps a security engineer find vulnerabilities in the system. The average salary earned is $96,000. Learn more about security engineers
  • Cryptographers
    Depending on what agency you work for, a cryptographer’s job will vary. For example, if you will be working for the National Security Agency, your job will be to decode documents that protect national security. Cryptographers often use mathematics and other skills to prevent credit card numbers from being hacked, for instance, or to break encryptions created by terrorists. The employment rate for cryptographers is expected to grow 30% by 2028, and the salary ranges from $51,000 and $197,500. Learn more about cryptographers
  • Security Software Developers
    These professionals design and test security software to prevent against future attacks. Working well with a team, communicating effectively, and thinking creatively are some of the traits necessary for this job. Security software developers must be able to think outside the box and anticipate new ways that attacks on a system can happen. On average, people in this field earn between $73,000 and $110,000. Learn more about security software developers

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