Introduction to Cybersecurity

Learn how to safeguard data and systems from today’s threats

Cybersecurity is an exciting, complex, and diverse field that is critical to all industries. As our lives become more dependent on internet-based tools and services, the demand has grown for cybersecurity experts. The security field in Colorado continues to grow and is expected to have over 13,000 job openings in 2025.

The Introduction to Cybersecurity course explores a wide range of fields within Cybersecurity, 比如基础设施, network and internet security, intrusion detection and prevention, information systems strategy and planning, security risk analysis and 风险管理, 信息安全保障, and cybersecurity infrastructure.

This cybersecurity intro course will help you identify your areas of interest within cybersecurity and can stack into a degree at 密歇根州立大学丹佛. Or, use the skills learned to find a job in cybersecurity in network security, 风险管理, 或者安全操作.

职业生涯路径 in Cybersecurity

Approximate return on investment for each academic pathway

课程结束后, the learner can immediately enter the workforce, or continue on academic career to increase earning potential. There are many rewarding and in-demand careers in cybersecurity. From completing our online introduction courses, to pursuing a masters in cybersecurity, learn more about these pathways below and shape your future with 密歇根州立大学丹佛. 

路径1: Enter the workforce quickly. Complete the Introduction to Cybersecurity course and immediately enter the workforce with job titles like cybersecurity technician, 网络犯罪分析师, 事件分析, 它审计师, junior penetration tester, and systems administrator. (ISC)² Cybersecurity Certification aligns well with this pathway.

• The median salary is $52,700 a year.

途径二: Continue your academic career to earn a degree in Cybersecurity, which will allow you to increase your earning potential. The Introduction to Cybersecurity class can count toward the degree’s required courses. Job titles include information 安全分析师, 安全分析师, customer security specialist, 它审计师, 安全工程师. The CompTIA Security+ or (ISC)² SSCP Certifications align well with this pathway.

• The median salary is $70,100 a year.

途径三: Continue your academic career beyond a bachelor’s degree to earn one of 密歇根州立大学丹佛’s Cybersecurity certificates in cyber defense, cybersecurity leadership, and cybercrime investigation. The CompTIA CYSA+ or CompTIA Pentest+ Certifications align well with this pathway.

• The median salary is $96,600 a year.

途径四: Enhance your earning power with 密歇根州立大学丹佛’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity. The Introduction to Cybersecurity class can count toward the degree’s required courses. With a Master’s in cybersecurity, potential job titles include cybersecurity case manager, senior cybersecurity engineer, senior network security operations engineer, application security architect, and director of IT security. (ISC)² CISSP or CompTIA CASP+ Certifications align well with this pathway.

• The median salary is $120,600 a year.

Note: In addition to the ones noted, there are 600+ industry specific certifications available in Cybersecurity. Start on your path today!