Key takeaways
- A cybersecurity bachelors degree is the most straightforward path to a career in IT security, but there are alternative degrees you can explore.
- Degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology (IT), Computer Engineering, and Information Assurance can also lead to cybersecurity careers and beyond.
- Cybersecurity bachelors programs often offer specializations such as digital forensics, ethical hacking, and incident response.
- A Computer Science degree provides broad knowledge, including coding, networking, and data structures, which can lead to cybersecurity roles.
- Computer Engineering offers flexibility, teaching both hardware and software development with various career paths.
- Information Assurance focuses on data integrity, risk management, and compliance, which are crucial for cybersecurity.
- You can find multiple institutes offering on-campus and online programs for various computer-related degrees, and they also have high acceptance rates.
- Other than a cybersecurity bachelors degree, you can also explore professional certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Most ideally, a cybersecurity bachelors is the ultimate gateway to building a career in this field. However, this does not mean that you are out of options and cannot explore other computer science degrees that can help you achieve the same career path.
In fact, numerous types of bachelors degrees can lead to a successful career in IT security. Moreover, deciding which college major aligns best with your career goals and preferences is an important part of your college planning.
To help you narrow down some options, we have listed down some alternative degrees to cybersecurity bachelors. You can explore these college majors and choose the one that meets your needs and goals. However, make sure you thoroughly research and compare the best colleges with cybersecurity and related degrees.
What degree do you need for cybersecurity?
Here are the cybersecurity bachelors degrees alternatives you don’t want to miss out on.
Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity
If you are looking for a direct and fast route toward cybersecurity degree jobs, then a cybersecurity bachelors is the ideal choice. This degree is offered by numerous colleges around the US, some of which even offer continuation degrees, such as a Master’s in cybersecurity and so on.
Furthermore, as you progress through your cybersecurity bachelors program, you will be able to develop several core competencies and skill sets. There will be a lot to explore and learn about important aspects of the cybersecurity world, such as network security, firewall configuration, and ethical hacking.
In addition to this, colleges typically offer specialization areas within their cybersecurity bachelors programs. These areas may include:
- Digital forensics
- Ethical hacking
- Cybercrime investigation
- Security operations
- Incident response
Some of the skills you can develop during your cyber security bachelor degree are:
- Basic to advanced programming
- Network security configuration
- Communication
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Security auditing
- Problem identification
- Emergency incident response
- Risk management
- Ethical hacking
Lastly, here is a list of the best colleges for cybersecurity that you can explore:
- University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) — Acceptance rate: 84%
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) — Acceptance rate: 88%
- Liberty University — Acceptance rate: 99%
- University of North Dakota — Acceptance rate: 87%
- Regis University — Acceptance rate: 81%
Bachelor’s degree in computer science
If your preference is more towards learning core computer engineering skills and knowledge, and then keep your career options diverse, then look no further. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is the perfect choice here.
Particularly, computer science degrees are thoroughly focused on some important computing knowledge, including coding languages, networking skills, data structures, and data infrastructures. In addition to this, there are colleges that offer CS degrees along with free-of-cost certifications and courses. Resultantly, you can gain a broader knowledge base.
Furthermore, you can opt for online computer science degrees, so that you can learn important things virtually. This is ideal for people who are already working full-time or part-time jobs and need to pursue a formal education.
More interestingly, so many good online computer science degrees offer not only flexibility but also various other benefits like self-paced learning and excellent financial aid options.For example, the computer sciences and technology degrees at Western Governors University allow students to have full control over their degree fees. Some of the best colleges for computer science degrees online are:
- Western Governors University (WGU)
- Arizona State University (ASU Online)
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- Florida State University (FSU)
- Colorado State University
- Old Dominion University
Information Technology (IT) degree with a cybersecurity focus
IT or information technology is an umbrella term for many important computer engineering concepts and practices. If you wish to cover a much bigger area of topics, skills, concepts, and ideas, then an IT degree is best for you.
However, make sure that you choose to specialize or a focus area related to cybersecurity, so that your career direction is sorted. So, an IT degree with a focus on cybersecurity promotes learning in both general IT capacity as well network security and protection.
In addition to this, the foundation of an IT degree lies in understanding how computer systems, networks, and software operate. Students in an IT program learn essential skills such as network administration, systems management, database management, and hardware maintenance.
Some of the most important skills and competencies you can gain with an IT security degree are:
- Programming
- Coding
- Cloud networking
- Risk management
- Incident response
- Penetration testing
Moreover, the career options with a broad degree like IT are also diverse. You can check out job roles such as:
- Penetration tester
- IT manager
- Computer administrator
- Lab assistant
- IT consultant
- Security architect
Finally, you can find many online and traditional colleges with IT security degrees that may be with your time, money, and efforts. These include the following:
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Acceptance rate: 67%
- University of Texas at Dallas – Acceptance rate 79%
- University of Massachusetts Amherst – Acceptance rate: 65%
- Southern New Hampshire University – Acceptance rate: 88%
- Florida State University – Acceptance rate: 66%
- Pace University – Acceptance rate: 83%
- West Virginia University – Acceptance rate: 76%
- Colorado State University Global – Acceptance rate: Open Enrollment Policy
Bachelor of science in computer engineering
For those seeking more flexibility in their career paths, a bachelor of science in computer engineering could be the right choice. While a cybersecurity degree is a more specialized field with a focus on one domain, computer engineering is more diverse.
Moreover, this degree prepares students to work on developing new software and hardware, along with analyzing network systems based on various factors. Furthermore, the degree is multi-disciplinary, touching upon various principles of electrical engineering and computer science.
Particularly, this degree is highly recommended to people who are computer science enthusiasts. If you have a love for computer sciences and want to learn the technicalities of this field, choose a bachelor of science in computer engineering from a reputable institute.
Some of the skills and knowledge you will gain with this degree are:
- Project management
- Analytical skills
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Robotics
- Programming
- Circuit design
- Computer architecture
- Microprocessor systems
- Hardware-software integration
Here are the best colleges for computer engineering degrees:
- University of Toledo – Acceptance rate: 96%
- Wright State University – Acceptance rate: 96%
- Southern Illinois University, Carbondale – Acceptance rate: 95%
- University of North Texas – Acceptance rate: 84%
- Florida International University (FIU) – Acceptance rate: 64%
- Missouri University of Science and Technology – Acceptance rate: 85%
- Old Dominion University – Acceptance rate: 95%
- University of Colorado Denver – Acceptance rate: 67%
Bachelor’s in information assurance
Many people often confuse information security and cybersecurity as one. However, there is a significant difference between the two that also sets the career paths apart. Firstly, information security has to do more with the protection, accessibility, and integrity of information than electronic systems and devices.
Secondly, a bachelor in information assurance is a specialized field that thoroughly focuses on protecting and managing data across numerous systems. Moreover, specialists in this field safeguard the integrity of data and information, ensuring protection from cyber threats like data breaches.
Furthermore, some of the core areas of knowledge in this degree are:
- Risk management
- Network security
- Cryptography
- Data privacy
- Incident response
- Compliance and security regulations
So, some of the skills you can gain during and after your degree in information assurance are:
- Risk Assessment and management
- Network security management
- Incident detection and response
- Data encryption and cryptography
- Vulnerability assessment
- Compliance with security regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA)
- Ethical hacking and penetration testing
- Security policy development
- Disaster recovery planning
- Communication skills
Lastly, here is a list of colleges that offer comprehensive degrees in information assurance:
- Capella University – Acceptance rate: 100%
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Acceptance rate: 88%
- Purdue University Global – Acceptance rate: 100%
- Bellevue University – Acceptance rate: 100%
- University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) – Acceptance rate: 100%
Professional certifications
Now that you know about the best cyber security bachelor alternatives, it is important to discuss the worth of certifications and courses. Firstly, professional certifications are not a replacement for formal education and bachelor degrees. However, these are extremely important for your professional growth and personal knowledge.
Secondly, professional certifications are highly appreciated in the professional industry. These are vouched for, and are rigorously tested to ensure they meet high quality standards. In addition to this, professional certifications have a shorter time span than 4-year degrees and other forms of higher education.
Yet, keep in mind that these certifications must be added to your resume and professional profile as additions, but not replacements to a higher education degree. Furthermore, it is crucial that you handpick certifications and courses that are accepted nationwide and offer some value. To help you get started, here is a short list of the best professional certifications and courses you can enroll yourself in:
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Exploring cybersecurity colleges and schools
You should not hold back from researching and comparing colleges on the basis of many factors. Moreover, you can explore colleges by program, or colleges by state to find the most feasible options. Additionally, make sure when you are choosing colleges for a cybersecurity degree, you look into factors like college accreditations, financial aid, and cost of attendance.
Here is a quick list of top schools for a cybersecurity degree.
- Alfred State College, SUNY
- Anderson University
- Ball State University
- St. Philip’s College
- Arizona State University
Colleges for online cybersecurity programs
If you can’t find good colleges for cybersecurity in your state, you can also look into online cyber security programs. Some of the most reputable colleges for online programs are:
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Western Governors University
- Capella University.
- Purdue Global
- University of Maryland Global Campus
Get a cybersecurity degree now!
In conclusion, while a cybersecurity bachelors degree is the most direct route to launching a career in IT security, it’s not the only option. Various other degrees such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, and Information Assurance can open doors to cybersecurity roles and more.
Lastly, there are unique benefits to each alternative degree. You must explore and compare the benefits offered by various college majors. Follow the latest data and trends to see which college major is the right choice for you.
Other than cybersecurity, you can also explore degree options such as bachelors in criminology and an undergrad degree in sociology.