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Data security analyst education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a data security analyst. Data security analysts usually study business, computer science, or computer information systems. 56% of data security analysts hold a bachelor's degree, and 25% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 641 real data security analyst resumes to see exactly what data security analyst education sections show.
The most common colleges for data security analysts are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.
There are also many online data security analyst courses to help get the education required to be a data security analyst.
There are certain data security analyst certifications that you should consider. These data security analyst certifications include Security 5 Certification and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
What education do you need to become a data security analyst?
What degree do you need to be a data security analyst?
- Bachelor's, 56%
- Associate, 25%
- Master's, 12%
- High School Diploma, 3%
- Other Degrees, 4%
What should I major in to become a data security analyst?
- Business, 23%
- Computer Science, 12%
- Other Majors, 47%
Most common colleges for data security analysts
| Data security analyst common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Phoenix | 16.67% |
| DeVry University | 11.11% |
| Strayer University | 8.33% |
| University of Maryland - College Park | 5.56% |
| American InterContinental University | 5.56% |
Best majors for data security analysts
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business | 22.9% |
| 2 | Computer Science | 12.2% |
| 3 | Computer Information Systems | 9.9% |
| 4 | Information Technology | 7.8% |
| 5 | Finance | 5.5% |
Best colleges for data security analysts
The best colleges for data security analysts are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
A data security analyst with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for data security analysts. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become data security analysts.
1. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
2. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
3. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
4. Maine Maritime Academy
Castine, ME • Private
In-state tuition
$13,478
Enrollment
979
5. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
6. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Enrollment
9,142
7. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,808
Enrollment
13,990
8. Villanova University
Villanova, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,308
Enrollment
6,819
9. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
10. Bentley University
Waltham, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$49,880
Enrollment
4,177
20 best online courses for data security analysts
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1. Ethical Hacker
Meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals by gaining the offensive security skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems...
2. Security Engineer
Gain the highly sought-after skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems from security threats or attacks...
3. Data Security
If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this course will help you explore data type categories in context to network security analytics. By the end of the course, you will be able to: • Explain the data that is available to the network security analysis •Describe the various types of data used in monitoring network security • Describe the deployment and use of SIEMs to collect, sort, process, prioritize, store, and report alarms •...
4. Managing Network Security
Almost every organization uses computer networks to share their information and to support their business operations. When we allow network access to data it is exposed to threats from inside and outside of the organization. This course examines the threats associated with using internal and external networks and how to manage the protection of information when it’s accessible via networks. In this course, a learner will be able to: ● Describe the threats to data from information communication...
5. Information Security Basics for IT Support Technicians
Learn the basics of information security and what you need to know to be compliant with data protection regulations...
6. Information Security Fundamentals - Cyber Security Bootcamp
A Beginners Awareness Guide on Information Security & Cyber Security to Keep Online and Offline Devices Safe!...
7. Intro to Cybersecurity
Get your start in the high growth field of Cybersecurity by building foundational skills in how to evaluate, maintain, and monitor the security of computer systems...
8. Security Analyst
Meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals by gaining the skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems...
9. Network Security Support Fundamentals
Explore network security with the Network Security Support Fundamentals online course. Designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of network security, this course is crucial in today's digital world. By the end of this course, you will be able to describe the role of enterprise networks, explain enterprise network security basics, and understand network security operations. Perfect for beginners aiming for a cybersecurity career or professionals looking to enhance their skill set, this...
10. ISO/IEC 27005:2022. Information security risk management
Understand the framework proposed by ISO for managing information security risks in an organization...
11. Build Security Incident Response for GDPR data protection
CIPT, CIPM FREE GDPR and Incident Response Templates & Documentation - Practical GDPR and Incident Response Blueprint...
12. Security Architect
Meet the growing demand for security architects and learn the skills required to advance your cybersecurity career. You will master the skills necessary to become a successful security architect. Learn core strategies and implementation elements of security infrastructure design and management at an enterprise level...
13. Enterprise Security
Meet the growing demand for enterprise security engineers and learn the foundational skills of security engineering within an enterprise setting...
14. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)...
15. 4x1 Data Management/Governance/Security/Ethics Masterclass
You'll learn about data literacy, Data Quality operations, Data Governance policies and Data Security/Privacy controls...
16. Cybersecurity for Business Leaders
Learn to leverage the capabilities of cybersecurity best practices to protect your organization and unlock next-level results...
17. Zero Trust Security
Companies around the world are facing constant and evolving cyber attacks, so it’s imperative that they find talent with the dynamic skills to address these pressing issues...
18. Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)
Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO) Certification Exam Prep Course...
19. ISACA CISM Certified Information Security Manager
One of the highest paid certifications! Become a Certified Information Security Manager!...
20. Securing Windows Server 2016
Learn to harden and secure Windows Server 2016 for a more secure server and a more secure enterprise...
Top 10 most affordable universities for data security analysts
The most affordable schools for data security analysts are SUNY Farmingdale, california state university - bakersfield, and baruch college of the city university of new york.
If the best universities for data security analysts are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for data security analysts.
1. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
2. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
3. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
4. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
5. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
6. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
7. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,238
Cost of attendance
21,567
8. USF Sarasota-Manatee
Sarasota, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,587
Cost of attendance
13,043
9. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Cost of attendance
22,990
10. Clayton State University
Morrow, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$5,419
Cost of attendance
17,697
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for data security analysts
The hardest universities for data security analysts to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
Some great schools for data security analysts are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for data security analysts based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
3. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
4. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
5. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
6. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
7. Villanova University
Villanova, PA • Private
Admissions rate
29%
SAT average
1,407
8. Bentley University
Waltham, MA • Private
Admissions rate
43%
SAT average
1,338
9. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
Admissions rate
40%
SAT average
1,376
10. Brandeis University
Waltham, MA • Private
Admissions rate
31%
SAT average
1,398
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for data security analysts
The easiest schools for data security analysts to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, notre dame de namur university, and holy names university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a data security analyst without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for data security analysts.
1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions rate
68%
SAT average
964
2. Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA • Private
Admissions rate
82%
SAT average
983
3. Holy Names University
Oakland, CA • Private
Admissions rate
70%
SAT average
849
4. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
5. LIM College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
1,061
6. Nyack College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
999
7. Life University
Marietta, GA • Private
Admissions rate
94%
SAT average
979
8. D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,072
9. Presentation College
Aberdeen, SD • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,050
10. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,139
Average data security analyst salary by education level
| Data security analyst education level | Data security analyst salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $96,226 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $87,842 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $75,266 |
Data security analyst education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025