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Students and professionals just starting out in the cybersecurity field can jumpstart or advance their technology careers with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. This bachelor’s degree helps students build a solid foundation in the theory, principles, and practices of information technology (IT) and information security.
Explore what you can expect from a cybersecurity degree program in this helpful guide, including typical courses and career opportunities for graduates.
What to expect from a degree in cybersecurity
If you’re wondering how to get into the cybersecurity field, a bachelor’s degree in this field is a good place to start. This bachelor’s degree typically requires students to complete around 120 credits, which typically involves four years of full-time study. Some schools and programs offer accelerated cybersecurity degree options, which require less time to complete.
Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity Curriculum
Throughout a cybersecurity degree program, students learn fundamental theories and strategies related to computer science, information security, and IT. The curriculum develops students’ fundamental computer science skills and their knowledge of information security, data analysis, and risk management.
Courses typically include general education, core, and concentration courses. Some programs may also require students to complete a capstone project, practicum, or internship. Common course topics include:
- Cloud-based security
- Computer forensics or digital computing
- Cyber Defense
- Networks and data communications
- Ethics, law and politics
- Information technologies and systems
- Programming
- Security systems
Bachelor’s Degree Options in Cybersecurity
Students who wish to study cybersecurity can choose from a variety of bachelor’s degree programs and degree types. Options include:
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity.
It’s important to research which programs and schools offer study models that best fit your learning needs and preferences. Cybersecurity degrees are typically offered in online, in-person, and hybrid formats.
Should you get a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity?
Whether or not you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity depends on your career and employment goals. Students with strong analytical skills who enjoy math, problem-solving, and developing creative solutions may be a good fit for this major. Keep in mind that cybersecurity curricula tend to be rigorous and focus on computer and technical skills.
Bootcamp vs. Traditional grade
Considering the investment of time and money required, is a cybersecurity degree worth it? Some students might prefer direct training rather than a traditional degree program.
If you are looking for cybersecurity educational training options, you may want to consider enrolling in a bootcamp instead of pursuing a traditional degree program. Cybersecurity bootcamps are intensive, accelerated programs that provide students with the basic knowledge, fundamental skills, and practical training needed to enter the field.
Students can choose a bootcamp that fits their schedule, learning style, and career goals. Bootcamps are faster and cost less than traditional bachelor’s degrees. However, they are often time-consuming, and students who participate in bootcamps may not have enough flexibility to work around their studies.
Common Courses in a Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Program
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs’ curricula, course titles, and courses can vary as each school sets a unique curriculum. Below you’ll find an overview of sample courses that are common among cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs.
Ethical Hacking
In ethical hacking courses, students learn about approaches to address cyberattacks on information systems. Students review assessment methodologies, threat detection techniques, and incident responses.
Fundamentals of information security
Students explore fundamental information security theory, procedures, policies, and practices. Course topics typically include network vulnerabilities, mitigation techniques, and physical media protection.
Network Security
Network security courses provide an overview of industry-wide practices for developing reliable and secure code and digital infrastructure that protects and defends against cyberattacks and threats. Students learn about the core components of cryptography, cryptanalysis, and system security.
Course topics may also include application security measures, mandatory compliance regulations, customer data protection, and risk mitigation.
Fundamentals of web development
The course covers the design and development of robust web-based software and secure online applications. Students gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to place cybersecurity at the center of design considerations. They learn to address various challenges in software application development.
How to get into a cybersecurity degree program
Admission requirements for cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees vary by school and program. Below are some standard admission requirements for cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs.
- Admission essay or letter of intent
- High school diploma, GED® credential or global equivalent
- High school transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Minimum required scores on the SAT or ACT
What can you do with a degree in cybersecurity?
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can qualify you for a variety of positions and careers in the field. However, it’s essential to remember that qualifications can vary by company and job role. Some organizations may ask for additional credentials, such as certifications or graduate degrees, to ensure their candidates can meet the demands of the position.
Below we list some possible career paths for cybersecurity graduates. We have obtained salary data from Pay scale.
Cybersecurity Engineer
Average annual salary: Around $102,000
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science, IT, cybersecurity or a related field.
Work description: Cybersecurity engineers design and implement secure network solutions to protect an organization’s networks, systems, and data from cyberattacks, hackers, and other major threats.
These professionals test, monitor, and troubleshoot systems to ensure all defenses are up to date and working efficiently. Cybersecurity engineers regularly perform penetration testing to identify network and system vulnerabilities and assist with security breaches. Check out our guide on how to become a cybersecurity engineer.
Information Security Analyst
Average annual salary: Around $77,000
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information security, computer science, programming or a closely related field
Work description: Information security analysts protect an organization’s computer networks, systems, and databases from cyberattacks, data breaches, and other threats. These professionals monitor information networks and computer infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities in digital security systems, keeping sensitive information and data safe.
Network engineer
Average annual salary: Around $80,000
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science or related field.
Work description: Network engineers often work within systems engineering teams to design, implement, and maintain an organization’s network infrastructure.
These professionals help develop scalable and highly available network architectures. They maintain and improve the efficiency of current computer networks to help meet business needs and objectives. Network engineers may also troubleshoot, diagnose, and find solutions for hardware, software, and other network and system issues.
Frequently asked questions about the Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Is a degree in cybersecurity difficult?
As with any degree, earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can be challenging. The curriculum and core courses focus on rigorous technical disciplines, including mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity?
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can open the way to a variety of career opportunities. Various industries across many sectors, including corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits, rely on cybersecurity professionals to keep their organizations digitally safe and secure.
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