Cybersecurity Pathway
Is your student a problem-solver who loves puzzles and riddles? Do they have a knack for seeing hidden patterns in numbers and images? Then a career in cybersecurity may be a good fit!
Even in times of economic insecurity, demand for cybersecurity professionals remains high—it typically takes companies 21 percent longer to fill cybersecurity roles. Cybersecurity professionals work in a variety of organizations, from government to banks to tech companies. They investigate cybercrimes, protect sensitive national intelligence and military assets, and safeguard the privacy and security of company data, including employee and customer information, intellectual property, and proprietary information.
Stride Career Prep offers a rigorous, project-based learning curriculum designed to hone your student’s problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and team collaboration skills. This curriculum is taught by experienced IT professionals and includes a foundation in computer science principles and two semesters of in-depth cybersecurity study.
Our Cybersecurity Pathway prepares students to take the exams for the necessary credentials to embark on a career as computer support specialist right after graduation, making upwards of $40,000 per year††—without the hassle or expense of additional training or degrees. The curriculum includes exam prep for the NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals certification exam, a highly regarded industry credential. We also jumpstart students’ job search by helping them create a professional résumé, cover letter, and profile on Tallo—the leading professional networking platform for Gen Z. Plus, they can connect virtually to IT professionals through Nepris.*
Our Cybersecurity Curriculum in Detail
All of our students take the core courses required for high school graduation in their state. The chart below shows the additional classes they take as part of the Cybersecurity Pathway, and the industry-recognized certification exams they can prepare to take. You can see the rest of the curriculum by viewing the full course list.
Great News
Stride Career Prep programs with the Cybersecruity Pathway are available in our tuition-free Stride K12-powered, fully accredited, public online schools in the following states: Arkansas, California, Minnesota.
Don’t see your state? Check out the tuition-based option here in Cybersecurity. There are also tuition-free options in related fields like Networking, Game Design, and Programming!
Occupational Spotlight
Computer Support Specialist
Computer network support specialists, also called (also known as technical support specialists), analyze, troubleshoot, and evaluate computer network problems. They play an important role in the routine maintenance of their organization’s networks, such as performing file backups on the network. They may also staff help desks that document and resolve users’ IT-related issues.
2020 Median Starting Starting Salary1
$43,947
Projected New Jobs, 2019-20292
673,000
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019-20292
8% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Certification such as NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts safeguard their employers’ IT systems by monitoring the organization’s networks for security breaches and limiting the risk of unauthorized access and security breaches by performing security testing and installing firewalls, data encryption systems, and other security measures. They also document and assess any security breaches that do occur, developing and implementing IT security standards and protocols and training and assisting staff with IT security issues.
2020 Median Starting Starting Salary1
$58,822
Projected New Jobs, 2019-20292
40,900
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019-20292
31% (average)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Network and computer systems administrators install, manage, and support their employers’ computer networks, hardware, and software. They make necessary upgrades or repairs, evaluate and optimize network performance, manage user accounts and permissions, and train users.
2020 Median Starting Starting Salary1
$58,822
Projected New Jobs, 2019-20292
40,900
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019-20292
31% (average)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree; some employers may accept relevant certifications in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
FAQs
Do you need a college degree to get a job in cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity careers generally require a bachelor’s degree. For network and computer systems administrator jobs, however, some employers may accept relevant certifications and on-the-job experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
Our Cybersecurity Pathway provides an excellent foundation for bachelor’s level cybersecurity studies.
Can you get a job in cybersecurity with only a high school degree?
Generally speaking, it is difficult to get a job in cybersecurity with only a high school diploma. At a minimum, to become a network and computer systems administrator, you would need to study and pass relevant industry exams. A bachelor’s degree is necessary to get a job as an information security analyst.
That said, students who graduate from our Cybersecurity Pathway program may be able to go right into a job as a computer support specialist after graduation.
How can you prepare for a job in cybersecurity while still in high school? What classes should you take?
Classes in computer science, computer networking, and cybersecurity are helpful. In addition, you can compete in hackathons, participate in IT-related student clubs, and take relevant industry certification exams. And if possible, get an internship! While it may be difficult to secure an internship in cybersecurity while in high school, you may be able to secure an internship as a software tester, which is excellent preparation for a career in cybersecurity.
Those who enroll in our Cybersecurity Pathway study computer science and cybersecurity. We’ll also prepare students to take the NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals certification exam. Plus, a membership to Business Professionals of America (BPA), the leading CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) for students pursuing careers in IT and business, is included in our tuition-free program.* BPA’s Workplace Skills Assessment Program (WSAP) allows students to develop and demonstrate their IT and other problem-solving skills at regional, state, and national conferences, including specific competitions dedicated to computer security, network design, systems administration, and network administration. BPA also offers students the ability to assume leadership positions and compete for scholarships.
Learn more about course offerings in the other Stride Career Prep career fields.
Hear How Stride Career Prep Can Work for Your Teen
Thinking this might be a good fit for your student and interested in learning more from current Stride Career Prep students, families, and teachers? Submit questions to people that experience our program firsthand and get direct answers!
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Website last modified date: Wednesday, September 1, 2020.
2Burning Glass Labor Insights, accessed October 16, 2020. Data is median salary for job postings with that job title, with typical minimum education requirements for that job title (as shown in chart on this page) and 0-2 years of experience, from October 1, 2019, to September 20, 2020.
*Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.
**Stride Career Prep is a program for grades 9–12. At some schools, career exploration is offered in middle school.
†Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
