Everything You Need To Know About A Cybersecurity Career in Ohio

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This free informational guide is a resource designed for anyone interested in entering the cybersecurity field. East Ohio College has created an exclusive guide that provides everything you need to know about a career in cybersecurity, including an overview of the industry, the skills you’ll need, valuable industry certifications*, frequently asked questions, and more.

You won’t want to miss out on this valuable resource! Download your copy of our free guide by filling out the form below. 

*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding certification exam.

About East Ohio College

East Ohio College (EOC), formerly Ohio Valley College of Technology, was founded in 1886 in East Liverpool, Ohio. For over a century, the institution has been a reliable educator, meeting the needs of regional employers in the healthcare and professional service industries. 

In 2022, East Ohio College expanded its reach by developing an online platform to offer students online and hybrid training programs in several fields of study. By shifting its focus to virtual learning in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, we can offer students the added flexibility of hybrid education, allowing them to balance family, work, and education. East Ohio College takes pride in providing high-quality education to its students, both residentially and online. 

East Ohio College’s unique approach to education provides each student with personalized support that enhances their career training and overall educational experience. Each team member at EOC is held to the highest standards and embodies the institution’s core values, Work Ethic, Exemplary, Caring, Accountability, Responsibility, and Excellence (WE CARE). Our staff and faculty’s commitment to our student’s success allows East Ohio College to fulfill its mission of empowering change by creating opportunity. 

In This Guide

• East Ohio College Accreditation & Licensing
• What Is Cybersecurity?
• The East Ohio College Academic Process
• Earning Your Associate of Applied Business Cybersecurity Degree
• Cybersecurity Certifications
• Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
• Working In Cybersecurity
• Why Choose East Ohio College?
• Frequently Asked Questions

East Ohio College Accreditation & Licensing

East Ohio College is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, 6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852 (ABHES). Phone: (301) 291-7550.

The College is registered with, and its degree programs are authorized by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, 30 East Broad Street, Suite 2481, Columbus, Ohio 43215-3138, Phone (614) 466-2752, John Ware, J.D., Executive Director. Registration #1555B. The Boardman Training Center is also registered with and its programs are authorized by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. Programs offered at the Boardman Training Center are NOT ABHES accredited.

Each state and US territory has its own standards to sit for the professional certification/licensure exam and/or to transfer a license from one state/territory into its state/territory.  The document linked HERE provides you a list of those states and territories where this institution has made the determination that its curriculum either meets the educational requirements for certification/licensure or does not meet the educational requirements for certification/licensure.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is not just a growing industry, but a crucial one in today’s digital world. It practices data defense, digital protection, and network safety. As the use of technology continues to grow, the importance of qualified cybersecurity professionals trained to prevent, assess, and recover threats to data cannot be overstated. 

A career in cybersecurity involves a combined knowledge of technologies, processes, and policies to prevent or mitigate cyber threats, such as hacking, malware, and data breaches. Cybersecurity professionals identify risks, develop strategies to address them, implement security measures, and continually monitor security incidents. Hacking, ransomware, malware, phishing, and other threats are just a few threats that cybersecurity professionals can protect companies and individuals against.

Cybersecurity, in its most basic form, can be broken down into three main concepts: Protection, Detection, and Recovery. A well-trained cybersecurity professional can identify areas of weakness through gap assessment, defend their organization’s data in the event of a cyber-attack, and recover crucial data if it is lost in an attack. 

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is an expansive field that is continuously growing and offering significant opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics*, Computer and Information Technology occupations are expected to have an average of 356,700 position openings per year. With training, skills, and knowledge, the career possibilities of a cybersecurity professional are seemingly endless. 

*BLS statistics are national averages. Employment growth will vary by state and region and should be considered before making an enrollment decision.

East Ohio College’s Academic Process

In the years since its establishment, EOC has developed and refined its academic process to guide students from their first contact through graduation. The six-step academic process consists of the phases: Plan, Equip, Learn, Enhance, Apply, and Succeed. 

Step One: Plan

When potential students reach out to East Ohio College for information, they are connected with an admissions team member who will guide them through the admissions process. The admissions team member provides essential information about the institution and program, helps them fill out their application, and assists in completing any necessary admissions requirements. They work with the student to create a personalized plan to help them achieve their educational, career, and financial goals.

Step Two: Equip

After meeting with their admissions team member and deciding to move forward in the enrollment process, students will virtually meet with a financial aid team member to discuss financing their education. The EOC financial aid^ team will assess the individual’s financial situation, help them fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and provide additional resources to fund their education, including institutional grants*, external scholarships, and student loans. 

Step Three: Learn

Once the financial aid process has been completed, their admissions team member will help the student finalize their enrollment and register them for New Student Orientation (NSO), where they will learn further information about the institution, their chosen program, and the resources available to them as East Ohio College students. Upon completing the NSO course, students will be prepared to enter classes directly related to their field of study. 

Step Four: Enhance

At this stage in their education, students will have completed the learning requirements for their program and will be prepared to sit for industry-specific certification** exams. Successfully passing the certification examination proves to potential employers that a student meets nationally recognized standards for skills and knowledge in their industry.

Step Five: Apply

Students will then put their skills and knowledge into practice during an externship experience organized by the East Ohio College career management department. This experience will provide valuable insight into the professional world, develop relationships with regional employers, and broaden a student’s skill set before entering their careers.

Step Six: Succeed

The culmination of learning, industry-specific certification**, and the externship experience fully prepares students for their professional careers. Graduates will be qualified to enter the workforce by earning their associate degree or diploma. 

^For those who qualify.                                                                                                                             
*For those who qualify. See catalog for detailed eligibility requirements.                                       
**Certification is contingent on passing this industry certification exam.

Earning Your Associate of Applied Business Cybersecurity Degree

East Ohio College’s online Cybersecurity program is uniquely designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the cybersecurity industry in two years or less. The 18-month program is completed virtually, except for a required in-person externship experience that the career services department organizes in conjunction with the student. 

EOC’s cybersecurity training program is an excellent option for students interested in computers and technology, but prior knowledge is not required to enter the program. The program’s curriculum includes virtual lecture courses that teach the fundamentals of technology, cybersecurity, and data protection. EOC implements virtual cybersecurity simulations to enhance the education a student receives, where students practice applying techniques they will use in their careers. For a complete list of classes students in the Cybersecurity program will complete, visit page 6 of our free downloadable guide!

At the end of the program, students will have been exposed to essential cybersecurity skills and concepts, including the following:

• Incident Response
• Gap Assessment
• Data Configuration
• Security Architecture
• Tool Sets
• Threat Management
• Vulnerability Management
• Virtual Infrastructure

Additionally, they will be prepared to sit for valuable industry CompTIA certification* examinations that solidify their knowledge to potential employers. Upon completion of their training, graduates will be conferred a Specialized Associate of Applied Business – Cybersecurity degree, opening doors for careers within the cybersecurity field.

*Certification is contingent on passing this industry certification exam.

Cybersecurity Certifications

East Ohio College knows the importance of entering the workforce with practical experience and certifications*. According to CompTIA, cybersecurity certifications are valuable because they ensure that a potential employee has met industry standards of knowledge and skill. In some industries, like government and defense contracting, certifications are required. 

EOC’s online Cybersecurity program prepares students to sit for several CompTIA certification* exams: 

• Network+ Certification*
• Security+ Certification*
• Cybersecurity Analyst+ (CySA+)*
• IT Fundamentals+*

The combination of an associate degree from East Ohio College and CompTIA certifications proves to employers that you possess essential skills and knowledge and are committed to lifelong learning about the cybersecurity industry, expanding potential career opportunities.

*Certification is contingent on passing this industry certification exam. Included in Tuition/Fees.

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is an industry leader in providing information technology education, certification, and training. CompTIA is an independent certifying entity. It is not affiliated with or connected to East Ohio College in any manner.Since its establishment in 1982, CompTIA has awarded over 2.5 million certifications for professionals in cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing, and technical support industries. 

As the industry evolves, cybersecurity professionals must also stay current with their skills and training. Every three years, certifications* must be updated by completing one of two pathways: a single training activity or multiple continuing education training activities through CompTIA. 

CompTIA also offers resources for individuals who are considering a career change to the information technology industry. Their career path planning tool provides an overview of five common positions: IT Support Specialist, Network Specialist, Cybersecurity Specialist, Data Specialist, and Software & Web Developer.

*Certification is contingent on passing this industry certification exam. 

Working In Cybersecurity

A career in cybersecurity may look different for each individual because of the immense need for professionals in every industry. Graduates of the East Ohio College cybersecurity training program will be valuable assets to private, non-profit, and government entities in the cybersecurity field. Organizations are continually working to protect themselves from cyber threats and attacks, creating career opportunities for professionals with the appropriate training. 

The accelerated Cybersecurity program equips students with an in-demand skill set to prepare them for potential careers in the following positions, but not limited to: 

• Security Analyst
• Cyber Operations Specialist
• Data Recovery Specialist
• Incident Responder
• Malware Analyst
• Pen Tester
• Computer Support Analyst
• Help Desk Analyst

The BLS* estimates a 33% growth of cybersecurity professionals from 2023 to 2033, which is more significant than any other industry. A career in cybersecurity offers vast opportunities, job security, and the potential for financial stability. 

*BLS statistics are national averages. Employment growth will vary by state and region and should be considered before making an enrollment decision.

Why Choose East Ohio College?

East Ohio College offers a unique educational experience in a supportive environment where students complete their degrees or diplomas. East Ohio Online’s combination of online lectures, virtual simulations, and real-world externship opportunities provides students with the skills, knowledge, and experience for successful careers. The EOC team recognizes that students often must balance school, work, and family, so we prioritize providing exceptional support and essential resources to each student. 

One of the key benefits of East Ohio College is our accelerated and direct admission class structure. Once accepted, students will begin taking courses immediately, allowing them to save both time and money by avoiding unnecessary prerequisites. Students will complete their program requirements in less time than a traditional university by following a 6-week course schedule rather than semesters with lengthy breaks. This allows students to learn more information in a shorter period, earning their degree or diploma in two years or less. Attending a college that offers accelerated training can present academic challenges, but with ample support from the EOC team, graduates will be prepared to enter the fast-paced workforce. 

East Ohio College students have access to valuable support resources as students and beyond. The EOC Career Management Department works closely with each online and residential student to develop their professional objectives, provide academic support, and organize the externship experience. Some of the assistance the career management team provides includes resume writing, interview preparation, tutoring, job placement, career planning, and more. The career management department also has access to numerous outside resources and can provide students with contact information if they need support in their personal lives. From day one, the East Ohio College team has every student’s best interest in mind.

Additionally, alums of East Ohio College will have continued access to the career management team for career development and refresher courses^ at no additional tuition cost.

East Ohio College students benefit from hands-on training and personalized instruction. Through lectures, students will acquire fundamental knowledge and essential skills they will apply to virtual simulations provided by their instructors. Students will prepare for several Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) certification* exams as part of the program curriculum. Toward the end of their program, students will complete an externship in the cybersecurity field, where they will apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting working with regional employers.

East Ohio College knows the importance of high-quality education. We aim to provide each student with exceptional support, resources, and training from the first day of their academic journey through graduation and into their careers. 

Get started on your educational path with online cybersecurity classes at East Ohio College today!

^Career Management Services are subject to specific conditions and requirements and continued campus operations. Please see the campus catalog for complete details. 
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is cybersecurity?
A: At its core, cybersecurity is the practice of data defense, digital protection, and network safety. Malware, ransomware, and phishing are just a few threats cybersecurity professionals can protect against.

Q: How to get started in cybersecurity?
A: Step one in starting your cybersecurity career is to choose a program that offers comprehensive training, like East Ohio College’s Cybersecurity program, which includes virtual courses, custom simulations, an externship, and certification* preparation.

Q: Do you need certifications for cybersecurity jobs?
A: According to CompTIA, an industry leader in cybersecurity certification*, cybersecurity certifications are required for some industries but always add value to a candidate’s resume and solidify their skills and knowledge to employers.

Q: Is cybersecurity a good career?
A: A career in cybersecurity is an excellent option for individuals interested in technology and data protection. According to the BLS^, openings for computer-related occupations are expected to grow 11% in the next ten years.

Do you still have questions about East Ohio College’s online cybersecurity training program? Our admissions team members are here to help answer any specific questions you may have. Contact us by calling 833-EASTOHIO or Requesting Information today!

*Certification is contingent upon passing this industry certification exam. Included in Tuition/Fees.
^BLS statistics are national averages. Employment growth will vary by state and region and should be considered before making an enrollment decision.

Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to East Ohio College in any manner.