Cybersecurity is a lucrative career pathway that requires talented and skilled professionals.
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With the world becoming increasingly digital, cybersecurity is becoming more and more important. According to Statista, the global revenue of the cybersecurity market is expected to surge at a CAGR of 7.92% by 2029. In India, the revenue generated from the cybersecurity market is expected to show a CAGR 13.01% by 2029.
Skills and roles
In line with these developments, the cybersecurity workforce worldwide must grow by nearly 3.5 million in 2025. With the domain set to surge both in India and globally, there is a bright future for aspirants in this field. But picking the right qualification, which aligns best with one’s goals, can be a little daunting. A common question that students often face is between an MBA in Cybersecurity Management and an M.Sc. in Cybersecurity. Let’s take a look at what they entail
An MBA in Cybersecurity Management offers a range of business skills. Its curriculum includes business fundamentals, cybersecurity strategy and leadership concepts, risk and compliance, and data privacy and governance. After graduating, it leads to roles such as Cybersecurity Consultant, Information Security Analyst, Project Manager, and Network Administrator.
Conversely, an MSc in Cybersecurity focuses on core technical skills relevant to protecting people and organisations against cyber threats. Some key skills involve network security, ethical hacking and penetration testing, threat analysis and various other advanced topics. This leads to job roles such as Security Engineer, Penetration Tester, Cybersecurity Analyst and Administrator.
In addition, the MBA helps one apply to a broader set of jobs or management positions whereas the M.Sc, being a highly specialised degree, opens avenues for multiple technical roles.
Factors to consider
While choosing between the two, one must also consider the time and financial investment involved. An MBA in Cybersecurity Management from prestigious institutions is expensive, not to mention the additional costs of living, books, and other fees. However, its opens the doors to high-paying jobs and is widely recognised across industries and countries. Typically, this degree requires a student to spend two years.
On the other hand, an MSc in Cybersecurity is of a shorter duration with many institutions offering a one-year programme. It is also more affordable and is suitable for those who want to become part of the workforce soon. While it may not include business management, it equips one with technical know-how and promises a quicker return on investment.
In sum, cybersecurity is a lucrative career pathway that requires talented and skilled professionals. Given its surge, students should pick a degree that best aligns with their skills, interests, and long-term goals, as this will enable them step up the corporate ladder.
The writer is the CEO of Intellipaat.
Published – February 02, 2025 03:30 pm IST