What Degrees Will Land You a Cybersecurity Role?

Cybersecurity is a fantastic field to get into, but it can be challenging at first. Not only do you have a lot of skills and knowledge to acquire, but most cybersecurity jobs are not entry-level and require a certain level of expertise, including a degree as a prerequisite.

You can still begin your cybersecurity journey and gain experience without a degree, but consider earning one if you genuinely want to advance your career.

Now, what degree should you get? Multiple types of degrees can help you land a cybersecurity role. Below, we identified the ones that would have the best impact on your cybersecurity career.

Cybersecurity Degree

An obvious choice is a degree in cybersecurity itself. These programs cover:

• Security fundamentals and best practices
   
• Network defense and incident response
   
• Risk management and compliance
   
• Ethical hacking and penetration testing
  
  

If your ultimate goal is to work in security-specific roles such as SOC analyst, penetration tester, or security engineer, this is a strong choice.

Computer Science

A degree in computer science is another excellent option. You will gain a solid foundation in technology. Every program is different, but you will primarily gain knowledge and skills such as:

• Programming basics
   
• Data structures
   
• Operating systems
   
• Systems design and architecture
  
  

This degree opens doors to numerous IT roles while providing you with the depth to specialize later in cybersecurity. These programs may offer a higher skill level than a degree in cybersecurity because of the wide variety of topics and projects you will learn from.

Computer Programming

While not as broad as computer science, a degree in computer programming can also be valuable. Cybersecurity often requires automation, scripting, and the development of tools to test or secure systems. This degree strengthens your skills in:

• Coding in multiple languages
   
• Developing and debugging applications
   
• Understanding secure coding practices
  
  

It pairs exceptionally well with certifications and hands-on labs. This type of skill can help you become an application tester specializing in identifying security vulnerabilities.

Database Management

Many cyberattacks target databases to exfiltrate, modify, or delete data. A degree in database management will provide you wth skills on how to build and maintain secure databases. These skills include:

• Database design
   
• Structured Query Language (SQL)
   
• Data integrity and access controls
   
• Backup and recovery strategies
  
  

These skills are valuable in roles such as data security and database engineering.

Cloud Computing

In today’s technology environments, the cloud is a crucial part for organizations. Cloud environments present new security challenges and a demand for cloud computing experts. A cloud computing degree will prepare you with:

• Virtualization and containerization concepts
   
• Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
   
• Identity and access management in the cloud
   
• Securing cloud applications and infrastructure
  
  

With this knowledge, you can pursue roles in cloud security architecture and cloud governance.

Computer Forensics

A computer forensics degree teaches how to investigate cybercrime and analyze digital evidence. Students in this program typically learn:

• Evidence collection and preservation
   
• Malware and intrusion analysis
   
• Legal and ethical considerations
   
• Reporting and documentation
  
  

This degree is recommended if you are interested in a career in law enforcement.

Final Thoughts

Earning a degree can have its benefits and help cut through the HR obstacles, but it does not have to be your first path when starting your cybersecurity career. Before pursuing a degree (which is expensive), explore low-level IT jobs to ensure the IT career is something you love. 

You can gain hands-on experience without a degree and pursue certifications to further your career. You may also find an employer who can help cover the costs of your education. You have options, and this is just one path to achieving your goals.