Chief Information Security Officers

High School

Enroll in as many computer science classes as possible—especially those that focus on computer security, database and network management, programming, and artificial intelligence. Join your school’s technology club and get involved with any other IT-related activities that are available. English and speech courses will be useful because you’ll need to write detailed reports, present information or your recommendations to large groups, and otherwise communicate effectively. Other recommended classes include business, mathematics, social studies, general science, psychology, and foreign languages.

Postsecondary Education

Chief information security officers typically have bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity, information assurance, computer science, information technology, or another specialized IT field. Many also have master’s degrees in IT management or business management. Degrees are offered by traditional colleges and universities, as well as by cybersecurity organizations such as the SANS Technology Institute (https://www.sans.edu).

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificates in cybersecurity, information assurance, general computer science, and emerging technology fields such as artificial intelligence. Contact schools in your area for more information.

The SANS Technology Institute offers undergraduate certificates in applied cybersecurity and cybersecurity fundamentals.It also offers graduate certificates in the following areas: cloud security, cyber defense operations, cybersecurity engineering, cybersecurity leadership, incident response, industrial control systems security, penetration testing and ethical hacking, purple team operations, and software supply chain security.

The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute offers a chief information security officer certificate and other cybersecurity-related certificate programs. Visit https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/credentials for more information.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education opportunities are offered via webinars, in-person classes, and conference sessions. Providers include professional associations, colleges and universities, online learning platforms, and software development companies.