Cybersecurity Career Paths: Choosing the Right Track in UMO’s Online B.S. Program

Across a number of industries, the need for knowledgeable and skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to rise. In fact, according to the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for information security analysts is projected to grow 29 percent between 2024 and 2034 — faster than the national average for all occupations.

Of course, cybersecurity is a broad field, with a growing number of specializations and niches to explore. If you’ve been considering cybersecurity career paths, the University of Mount Olive’s (UMO) online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science allows students the unique opportunity to tailor their education through two distinct pathways: an Applied Track and a Software Engineering Track.

No matter which path you may choose, our programs are designed to prepare graduates for high-growth job markets while supporting the needs of adult and online learners.

Inside UMO’s Cybersecurity & Applied Computer Science Program

Our online bachelor’s in Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science at the University of Mount Olive (UMO) is a 100% online program that blends cybersecurity foundations with hands-on coursework in computer science — all with the end goal of preparing students to skillfully defend networks, analyze threats, and build secure digital systems against unauthorized access.

With its convenient online format, adult learners and career changers benefit from added flexibility to accommodate work, military service, and family responsibilities.

What Makes This Program Stand Out

Compared to other cybersecurity programs out there, UMO’s security strategy sets itself apart with its career-ready curriculum that’s regularly updated to ensure coursework is meeting the real needs of the job market. This includes dedicated coursework in such emerging areas of the field as:

• Ethical hacking
• Network defense
• Programming
• Database design
• Operating system security

Meanwhile, the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum aims to prepare graduates for a wide range of cybersecurity career paths.

Plus, if you plan to pursue any specialized certifications within the field (such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker, or SAS Analytics Certification), many of our courses map directly to professional certificates. Some of these courses even include preparation and simulations using live, online, virtual servers to create a real-world experience for students. Some examples of the courses that may translate directly to certification prep include:

• Cloud Computing
• Server Administration
• Advanced Cybersecurity
• Ethical Hacking & Presentation
• Introduction to Python
• Business Data Communications & Networking

Track Option 1 — The Applied Track

UMO’s cybersecurity degree online is offered with two different specialization options to suit your needs. The first option is an Applied Track, which is designed for students who want to combine cybersecurity expertise with professional knowledge in business, finance, accounting, law, security engineering and risk assessment.

This pathway prepares students for security-driven roles across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors.

Who This Track Is For

The Applied Track may be right for you if you want to connect cybersecurity decision-making with big-picture business strategy, risk management, and network security compliance. If you’re a career changer who already works in business, administration, or organizational leadership, this path may also be a good fit for you.

Skills You Develop

In UMO’s Applied Track, students can build foundational skills needed in the modern workplace, including an understanding of:

• How cybersecurity impacts budgets.
• Regulatory compliance standards.
• Business operations and cybersecurity skills for business.
• Legal frameworks related to cybersecurity and business.

With these competencies, future leaders can prepare to bridge the gap between IT security and executive-level decision-making.

Careers Aligned with the Applied Track

While a degree alone doesn’t guarantee a specific job in the field, some examples of the common job titles graduates from UMO’s Applied Track have secured include:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Compliance & Risk Management Specialist
• Business Information Security Officer (BISO)
• IT Governance & Audit Professional
• Security Operations Manager

Track Option 2 — The Software Engineering Track

Another specialization option to consider as part of UMO’s online bachelor’s in Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science is the Software Engineering Track. This track prepares students for advanced, technical cybersecurity roles that require deep programming knowledge, mathematical foundations, and proficiency in building secure software at scale.

Who This Track Is For

The Software Engineering Track could be right for you if you’re interested in pursuing artificial intelligence (AI), mobile development, gaming, full-stack engineering, or high-level security architecture roles. Likewise, those planning to advance their education with a master’s in computer science or engineering may be served well by this path.

Skills You Develop

In this applied computer science degree track, students may:

• Master the advanced math behind today’s complex algorithms and AI.
• Explore software architecture.
• Learn secure coding practices.
• Build real-world projects involving mobile apps, games, and distributed systems.

Careers Aligned With the Software Engineering Track

Pursuing a Software Engineering Track may be the right choice if you’re seeking such roles as:

• Cybersecurity Engineer
• Software Developer / Full-Stack Engineer
• AI/ML Security Specialist
• Penetration Tester
• Cloud Security Architect

Shared Cybersecurity Foundations: What Both Tracks Teach

In comparing cybersecurity vs. software engineering, there are some foundational cybersecurity skills that apply across all industries and that can be learned in either track in UMO’s online applied cybersecurity program.

Network and System Security

In both tracks, students can learn how to secure networks against different types of threats, identify potential vulnerabilities, and defend against cyberattacks through hands-on labs and real-world scenarios.

Digital Forensics & Threat Analysis

Both tracks also include dedicated coursework in digital forensics, malware analysis, and incident response frameworks aligned with modern security operations centers (SOCs), emphasizing cybersecurity best practices. This understanding of digital forensics and threat analysis can prepare students for any number of roles in the field.

Ethical & Legal Responsibilities

Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly regulated, so professionals entering the field need to have a solid understanding of the ethical frameworks and legal responsibilities of this line of work. In both tracks at UMO, students will explore coursework in cyber law, digital ethics, privacy, and responsible data management to prepare them for these critical responsibilities in every sector.

Which Cybersecurity Track Should You Choose?

Not sure which pathway in UMO’s online bachelor’s Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science is right for you? Ultimately, this decision boils down to your unique interests, strengths, and long-term career goals in threat detection.

Choose the Applied Track If You Want…

A blend of business, leadership, risk management, and organizational strategy alongside cybersecurity fundamentals that will serve you in nearly any role.

Choose the Software Engineering Track If You Want…

More specialized and hands-on development with high-level engineering skills to prepare for roles working with AI-driven systems, advanced technical security, or opportunities to pursue graduate study.

Why Cybersecurity Professionals Are in High Demand

The need for knowledgeable and skilled cybersecurity specialists is rising — and for good reason. More than ever, organizations need secure digital systems to safeguard information as cyber threats evolve across the board. Today, hospitals, banks, government agencies, and even global corporations rely on cybersecurity professionals to enhance security, analyze threats, maintain compliance standards, and much more.

Rising Employer Demand

In addition to strong growth projections over the next decade, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics also finds that professionals in many cybersecurity roles can enjoy competitive salaries and long-term job stability.

The median annual wage for information security analysts in 2024, for example, was $124,910 — with the highest 10 percent of earners making more than $186,420. That’s higher than the average salary of $105,990 for all computer-related occupations, and significantly higher than the average salary of $49,500 for all occupations based on 2024 BLS data.

How UMO Supports Adult & Online Learners

If you’re ready to advance your cybersecurity knowledge through UMO’s online bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science, you can rest assured that this program is specifically structured to support adult learners as they balance coursework with their professional and personal commitments.

Flexible Course Delivery

Through a 100% online and asynchronous format, students can complete coursework on their own schedule and without the need to commute to a physical campus or attend live sessions. At the same time, students can enjoy the support and guidance they need from our dedicated faculty members when they need it.

Credit for Experience & Transfer-Friendly Structure

UMO also evaluates prior college credits, military training, and other professional experience to apply any applicable transfer credits, helping students accelerate their time-to-completion while reducing the number of credits needed.

Take the Next Step Toward a Cybersecurity Career

If you’re serious about a career in leadership, business, or even highly technical software engineering, UMO’s online B.S. in Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science offers a flexible pathway to your goals. Get in touch to request more information about this program (or any of our other programs offered). Our team would be happy to answer any questions you have about this program or the different tracks available to suit your professional goals. If you’re eager to take the next step, you can learn more about the admissions process or get started with your application here

Sources

https://umo.edu/online-bs-cybersecurity-and-computer-science/

https://umo.edu/cybersecurity-and-applied-computer-science-faculty/

https://umo.edu/online-bachelor-of-business-administration/

https://umo.edu/online-bs-business-management

https://umo.edu/online-bs-cybersecurity-and-computer-science/#1674059787948-f5215dca-2103

https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications

https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3757318

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772918423000188