Cybersecurity Degrees and Alternatives: Your 2024 Guide

As more and more of our lives move online and into the digital space, cybersecurity has become critical for just about every business. There are more cybersecurity jobs than there are qualified candidates to fill them, which means launching a career in cybersecurity can be a lucrative choice. Finding an opportunity in cybersecurity can mean good pay and job security, as well as the chance to work in a fast-paced field that’s always evolving.

Getting started in cybersecurity often means building the right skills and qualifications. For many cybersecurity professionals, this means earning a bachelor's degree or advancing your knowledge with a master's degree. In this article, we’ll discuss what types of majors set you up for success in cybersecurity, as well as degree alternatives that might be a better fit when earning a four-year degree isn't feasible.

Cybersecurity bachelor's degrees

While an undergraduate degree isn’t always necessary to get a job in cybersecurity, earning one can help you develop core skills, open up new job opportunities, and make you a more competitive candidate when you start looking for jobs.

Bachelor's degrees take between four and five years to complete when you're able to attend full-time. You'll likely be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credits, with around half focused on your core curriculum requirements. Once you declare your major, you'll begin taking courses that introduce you to key concepts in cybersecurity and deepen your technical skills.

Cybersecurity degrees: popular majors

If you know you’re interested in cybersecurity or information technology (IT), there are a few college majors that cover relevant skills. However, not every school offers a cybersecurity major. Instead, you may end up majoring in computer science and specializing—or focusing—in cybersecurity. Here are four popular majors to consider when you're interested in studying cybersecurity:

• Cybersecurity: Not all universities offer cybersecurity degrees, but they are becoming more popular as the need for skilled security professionals increases. A cybersecurity major will offer a combination of coursework and projects to help you gain important knowledge and skills in the field.

• Computer science: Computer science ranks among the most popular computer-related bachelor’s degrees. These programs generally cover a wide range of technical skills, including programming, systems engineering, networking, and security. Consider this widely-available degree if you’re interested in technology but want to keep your options open beyond cybersecurity.

• Information technology: While similar to computer science, IT focuses more on using technology to solve problems. If you choose IT as your major, be sure to take a few programming classes to build up your code-writing skills.

• Computer engineering: A Bachelor of Science in computer engineering combines computer science with electrical engineering, with coursework in hardware, software, and computer programming. This path may interest you if you’d like to work with embedded systems security.

Cybersecurity coursework

Coursework in cybersecurity programs will vary from school to school. Generally, you can expect to take classes in topics like:

• Programming

• Networking

• Cryptography

• Penetration testing

• Digital forensics

• Security law and ethics

Should I get a master’s degree in cybersecurity?

Nearly a quarter of cybersecurity job listings require a graduate degree, so earning one can open up new opportunities in your career [1]. Some universities offer master’s degrees in cybersecurity. Others, like the Online Master of Computer Science from Arizona State University, offer the option to concentrate in cybersecurity.  

Is a cybersecurity degree worth it? Facts to consider

Earning a bachelor's degree takes time and money. It’s something you should consider carefully before deciding whether it’s right for you. These are a few things you should keep in mind when deciding what learning path best fits your needs.

Cybersecurity professionals are in demand.

There are some 755,743 cybersecurity job openings in the US alone as of February 2023, according to Cyberseek [2]. The supply of applicants with cybersecurity skills is also low. If you have the right skills and qualifications, chances are good that you can find a job in the cybersecurity field.

Cybersecurity jobs pay well.

While salaries vary by role, company, experience level, location, and a variety of other factors, cybersecurity professionals tend to have high earning potential. The BLS reports a median annual salary of $102,600 for information security analysts in the US, as of September 2022 [3]. That works out to just under $50 an hour.

Read more: Cybersecurity Analyst Salary Guide: How Much Can You Make?

Degrees cost time and money.

Paychecks and job openings aside, earning a degree still represents an investment of both time and money. Online degree options make it easier to earn a degree while working, raising a family, or managing other life obligations.  

A bachelor's degree is the most common entry-level requirement.

While it is possible to get a job in cybersecurity without a degree, many employers still require one. As you consider your options, do some research on the types of companies you’d like to work for. What are their degree requirements? Do they put a higher priority on skills or certifications?

Degrees can open up more advanced job opportunities.

Generally speaking, higher-level cybersecurity positions, particularly at the management and executive level, are more likely to require a bachelor's or graduate degree. Roles like cybersecurity engineer, cybersecurity architect, cybersecurity manager, and penetration tester come with a requested education level or at least a bachelor’s degree.

A degree can help you earn a top certification.

Some of the most popular cybersecurity certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), require several years of work experience to qualify for the exam. A degree often counts toward part of that experience requirement.

Read more: Going Back to School: 7 Things to Consider

Do I need a degree to work in cybersecurity?

Most cybersecurity professionals enter the field with a bachelor’s degree, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [3]. According to CompTIA, 89 percent of cybersecurity job postings specifically request higher education [4]. 

While the most common path toward a career in cybersecurity involves earning a degree, you don’t have to have one to find a job in the field. In fact, just over 30 percent of those working in information security do not have a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the BLS [5].

Alternatives to a cybersecurity degree

If earning a school diploma is not for you, a degree isn’t the only career path in cybersecurity. Here are some other options for developing the skills needed to get a security job:

• Certification: Earning a cybersecurity certification can show recruiters and hiring managers that you have the skills needed for a job in cybersecurity. In fact, 59 percent of job listings request at least one certification [1]. Preparing for a certification exam gives you a framework for what you need to learn to succeed on the job, and many top organizations offer certifications for entry-level, mid-career, and advanced practitioners.

• Job experience: Another option is to start off in an entry-level IT position, like an IT support specialist, where a degree isn’t always required. As you gain experience in the real world, you may be able to move into a more specialized cybersecurity role.

Read more: How to Get a Job in IT: 7 Steps

• Self-teaching: There is no shortage of free or inexpensive online courses on the internet. If you’re self-motivated and enjoy learning independently, it’s possible to develop key cybersecurity skills on your own. If you choose this route, keep in mind that a certificate or other credential may help your resume stand out.

Get started in cybersecurity

Gain foundational cybersecurity skills and hands-on experience with top industry tools when you complete the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate. This program covers topics like network security, cloud computing security, penetration testing, and more—no experience is required.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)