Introduction to Cybersecurity

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, such as infrastructure, network and internet security, intrusion detection and prevention, information systems strategy and planning, security risk analysis and risk management, information assurance, and cybersecurity infrastructure.

This cybersecurity intro course will help you identify your areas of interest within cybersecurity and can stack into a degree at MSU Denver. Or, use the skills learned to find a job in cybersecurity in network security, risk management, or security operations.

Approximate return on investment for each cybersecurity academic pathway

After taking the course and earning your cybersecurity certificate of completion, the learner can immediately enter the workforce in a variety of cybersecurity careers, or continue on with additional education to increase earning potential. There are many rewarding and in-demand careers in cybersecurity. From completing our online introduction course to pursuing a master’s program in cybersecurity, learn more about these pathways below and shape your future with MSU Denver. 

Pathway 1: Enter the workforce quickly. Complete the Introduction to Cybersecurity course and immediately enter the workforce with job titles like cybersecurity technician, cybercrime analyst, incident analyst, IT auditor, junior penetration tester, and systems administrator. The (ISC)² Cybersecurity Certification aligns well with this pathway.

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

Pathway 2: 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 security analyst, security analyst, customer security specialist, IT auditor, and security engineer. The CompTIA Security+ or (ISC)² SSCP Cybersecurity Certifications align well with this pathway.

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

Pathway 3: Continue your academic career beyond a bachelor’s degree to become certified and earn one of MSU Denver’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.

Pathway 4: Enhance your earning power with MSU Denver’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. The (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 Cybersecurity certifications available. Start on your path today!