New research suggests that the cyber security market will grow greatly in the coming years, which could create job opportunities for individuals who have earned campus-based or online college degrees in the field.

San Francisco-based consultancy Market Research Media has released a report that indicates the government will increase its funding for cyber security and information technology (IT) programs in response to recent cyber attacks, according to Government Technology.

Researchers expect that federal IT and cyber security spending will reach more than $55 billion over the next five years to bolster areas such as national security, mission area support, office automation and communications.

The report states that the Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Treasury, Transportation, Veterans Affairs and Justice Departments will receive the bulk of this funding.

As a result, those who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a campus-based or online college to pursue a degree in a related field may increase their chances of landing jobs with the government or in the private sector.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for computer and information systems managers is expected to grow by 17 percent over the next eight years.