The Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Experts: Why College of Business, Security and Intelligence Graduates Are in High Demand
Ashley Mueller
In today's world, the demand for cybersecurity experts is increasing like never before. As organizations start to depend on more technological advancements, the risks associated with cyber threats have grown exponentially — resulting in a strong job market for cybersecurity professionals.
Getting Started with Embry-Riddle
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott’s College of Business, Security and Intelligence (CBSI) stands as the nation’s first comprehensive degree-granting college of its kind. CBSI is dedicated to training future professionals in business, security and intelligence at both national and international levels while addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges.
What sets Embry-Riddle's CBSI apart is its unique interdisciplinary approach. It leverages the university’s various multidisciplinary connections, including cybersecurity in the aerospace and aviation industry, fraud investigations in forensic accounting, global security in business, supply chain management and business analytics with machine learning.
Some of our CBSI programs include:
- B.S. in Cyber Intelligence and Security
- B.S. in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
- B.S. in Global Business and Supply Chain Management
- B.S. in Global Security and Intelligence Studies
- M.S. in Cyber Intelligence & Security
- M.S in Security & Intelligence
The Rising Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
The demand for cybersecurity experts is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. In fact, information security analysts are one of the fifth fastest-growing occupations in the United States. The rising number of cyberattacks and rigorous data protection regulations have led businesses and government agencies to prioritize cybersecurity. This means more job opportunities across various sectors, including business, finance, healthcare and defense.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment in the cybersecurity field will grow by 33% from 2023 to 2033 — much faster than the average for all occupations. This highlights the urgent need for skilled professionals capable of safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of digital systems.
How CBSI Prepares Students for Success
Embry-Riddle's CBSI programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this fast-evolving field. The curriculum covers everything from risk management and security protocols to ethical hacking and incident response. This ensures that graduates are prepared to tackle the diverse challenges they will face in the real world.
A unique feature of our CBSI programs is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Students participate in labs and simulations replicating real-world cybersecurity scenarios, allowing them to apply their knowledge practically. These hands-on experiences are taken further through initiatives like the Cyber Gym Makerspace and participation in competitions such as Capture the Flag (CTF).
Cyber Gym Makerspace
This cutting-edge facility allows students to design and test their security systems, engage in ethical hacking exercises, participate in collaborative cybersecurity workshops and further develop their skills through undergraduate and graduate research projects. By building and breaking into various systems in a controlled, real-world environment, students gain practical experience that prepares them to face the evolving threats of today's digital landscape.
The Cyber Gym has played a prominent role in numerous student-led initiatives, including the Aviation Cyber Capture-The-Flag (CTF) competition featuring an array of immersive cyber challenges set within the context of aviation.
Capture the Flag
The CTF Competition is an exciting event designed to challenge students to solve real-world cybersecurity issues within the aviation industry. The competition assigns teams of three participants to defend a fictitious major airport, Terminus, from a cyberattack. Students will tackle various challenges, including securing airline kiosks, baggage handling systems and avionics protocols.
With physical and virtual challenges, the event provides a unique opportunity for students to sharpen their cyber-defense and aviation skills. The competition is open to students of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, and offers cash prizes for the top teams.
Students also have the opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary projects that draw on business, security and intelligence expertise to solve complex, real-world problems. For example, students may collaborate with peers in aviation or engineering programs to devise cybersecurity strategies specific to aerospace applications. They could also partner with business majors to develop intelligence-driven solutions for global security challenges. This collaborative approach enhances problem-solving skills and creates the ability to think critically under pressure — essential in today's industry.
To further prepare students for success, Embry-Riddle's close connections with industry leaders offer students valuable networking opportunities. Through expert faculty, internships, guest lectures and Career Expos, students can build relationships with top companies seeking to hire cybersecurity graduates.
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research is a key component of the CBSI experience, offering students the chance to engage in research from the very beginning of their academic journey. As one of the few programs in the nation to offer such opportunities at the undergraduate level, CBSI encourages students to work alongside faculty members on cutting-edge research projects to find solutions that tackle real-world issues. Students are encouraged to present their research findings at academic conferences, contribute to publications in respected journals and engage in collaborative projects, all of which contribute to their academic development and professional growth.
This experiential learning builds confidence and enhances problem-solving skills, making CBSI graduates attractive candidates to top employers, including:
- Amazon
- American Express
- The Boeing Company
- Collins Aerospace
- Department of Defense
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Lockheed Martin
- Microsoft
- NASA
- Northrop Grumman
- Public or Private Sector Organizations
By offering hands-on opportunities, CBSI ensures that students are not only prepared for the challenges of tomorrow but also positioned for advancement in the rapidly evolving fields of business, security and intelligence.
Salary Expectations in the Cybersecurity Job Market
With growing cybersecurity career opportunities, Embry-Riddle provides the opportunity for competitive salaries, with alumni averaging $74,800 annually with one year of graduation as of 2022, with opportunities for rapid advancement. Salaries can soar as graduates gain experience and expertise, with many cybersecurity experts earning well over $100,000 within a few years.
The high salary potential reflects the critical role that cybersecurity experts play in protecting organizations from cyber threats. Employers recognize the value of investing in skilled professionals, and CBSI graduates are positioned to earn competitive salaries.
Graduates looking to work in cybersecurity often secure roles such as:
- Cyber Defense Technologist
- Cyber Engineer
- Cyber Forensics and Threat Analyst
- Cyber Incident Response Manager
- Red/Blue Team Pen Tester
- And more!
Explore Embry-Riddle
Embry-Riddle's CBSI graduates often benefit from a curriculum that combines hands-on learning, industry connections and an innovative approach, equipping them to meet the challenges of today’s cybersecurity industry.
If you're considering a cybersecurity career, then Embry-Riddle's CBSI programs are your pathway to a fulfilling and financially rewarding future.