Top 8 Best Degrees For a Career in Cybersecurity

This protection includes all aspects of unauthorized access, theft, and damage to software, hardware, or data.
Cybersecurity is a critical and growing field. Enterprises around the world are investing in technology, digital transformation is now like never before, and computer systems and networks have become much more valuable and common.
Furthermore, cloud computing is a growing trend. These have made organizations develop strong cybersecurity practices to ensure business continuity.
Cybersecurity is an in-demand job having constant issues and challenges to overcome. That means there will be no shortage of work in the future as a cybersecurity expert, both in the public and private sectors. Moreover, high demand in a highly technical field also means high pay with job security. So, let us discuss the top degrees required to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

Best Degrees For a Career in Cybersecurity

- Computer Science

When you start to explore degree programs with a view toward cybersecurity, the first option you will most likely bump into is computer science. It is the most common bachelor's degree program related to computing. You will have no difficulty getting a school that offers the degree program.
A computer science degree program is a curriculum that introduces beginners/learners to all areas of computing. It teaches both the theory and principles of computer science, including certain technical skills. There is no doubt that students that take the degree program will get a comprehensive understanding of computing systems.
As a computer science student, you will learn about devices, networks, programming languages, systems, and architecture, including many more. The standard courses offered in computer science programs include Mathematics, Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Programming, and Systems Engineering.
Many computer science programs also offer specializations in order to dig deeper into certain areas, and those distinct sub-groups of computer science are cybersecurity, software development, machine learning, cloud computing, etc.
If, as a student, you are interested in cybersecurity, a computer science degree will give you a brilliant foundation because you will get the knowledge and skills needed to apply to a variety of concerns in cybersecurity.

- Computer Programming

This is also known as software development or software engineering. Computer programming is a high-demand skill, irrespective of the industry you wish to be in. For instance, if you're interested in the software part of cybersecurity, this program is worth studying as you will learn how to write, debug, and compile codes.
Your programs will be sets of instructions for the computer to carry out specific tasks. You will also learn about solving problems and algorithms, as well as troubleshooting bugs and teamwork.
Some standard courses you will offer include Python, Java, Algorithms, C#, Data Structures, and C++. As a software developer, you will write programs to help fight malevolent activities in computer systems, you will also have the same knowledge that hackers have when writing malicious software such as malware or viruses. The knowledge of these will give you an edge in the protection of networks since you will know the means and methods they will employ to attack.

- Database Management

Databases include data and information that companies gather and store. This information is critical and of value to the success of the business. Meanwhile, it also means it's a significant attack vector to protect in cybersecurity. If a hacker wants to steal, modify or destroy data and information, as the case may be, they typically do so from databases.
Cybersecurity software also makes use of databases to keep logs and other data. Therefore, implementing, configuring, and maintaining databases is essential in the cybersecurity field.
With a degree in database administration, you will gain the experience and skills needed to manage databases securely, you will learn about encryption at rest and in transit, and you will also learn about authorization and access protocols. Additionally, you will learn about various databases such as Oracle, MongoDB, MySQL, Cassandra, and PostgreSQL.
Some common courses for this database management degree include Database Administration, Data Analysis, Structured Query Language (SQL), and Database Security.
PostgreSQL.
Some common courses for this database management degree include Database Administration, Data Analysis, Structured Query Language (SQL), and Database Security.

- Computer Hardware Engineering

Hardware engineers design, test, and also evaluate computer hardware. As a computer hardware student, you will learn about the different types of hardware that comprise computer systems. Device hardware consists of CPUs, adapters, memory, and circuit boards. There's also network hardware, and it includes routers and switches.
As a computer hardware student, you will be taught how to build and test hardware, how to make recommendations and carry out diagnostics, and how to excellently work with peripherals like mice, keyboards, routers, and printers. Additionally, you will learn about assemblies and electronic circuits.
Some hardware engineering courses include Circuits, Microprocessors, Software Development, Mathematics, and Computational Structures. Hardware is an essential part of a computing system. Without hardware, the software cannot run, and communication would not be possible. Hence, the protection of hardware is critical in cybersecurity.

- Network Administration

What network administrators do is that they oversee the connections between devices, software, and functions. As a network administrator, you will be responsible for the daily operation of these systems, you will determine system needs, install, and support software and hardware aspects.
In a network administration program, you will learn how to carry out upgrades and repairs, how to evaluate performance, maintain security, manage users and their permissions, as well as how to troubleshoot and solve problems existing on the network.
As a network admin, you will provide technical oversight to network users and research new technologies with making recommendations for improvements. Some courses you will take in network administration include Application Deployment and Security, Infrastructure, Local Area Networks, Router Configuration, Cloud Computing, and VPN Technologies.
A degree in network administration will grant you the knowledge and skills needed to create, protect, and maintain networks.

- Cloud Computing

This refers to on-demand computing services that can be accessed through the internet. These services access computing, software, analytics, storage, etc. Several organizations keep moving to cloud computing to innovate and expand their businesses.
The demand for cloud computing administrators is high, so getting a degree in this field will help you manage cloud computing systems. The three cloud providers are Google Cloud Platform, Amazon AWS, and Microsoft Azure.
The standard courses you will be privileged to take include Cloud Development and Operations, Scripting and Programming, Network Security, and Linux.
Since cloud computing services can be accessed through the internet, security is critical because hackers from all over the globe can access these computing systems if not correctly configured. Moreover, as companies move from on-premise networks to the cloud, cybersecurity will be at the leading edge.

- Machine Learning

This is a branch of artificial intelligence that uses massive data sets and makes use of data to train algorithms and improve prediction models. Machine learning is every day in businesses today, and you will get to learn about regression algorithms, neural networks, and decision trees in the program. You will also learn what supervised, unsupervised, and semi-supervised learning means.
The typical degree program courses in machine learning include Python, Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning Algorithms. In cybersecurity, machine learning discovers and analyses threats in real-time. If you are aware of how to develop or train models, you will be able to improve the security of your computer networks to a great extent.

- Computer Forensics

This degree program is the branch that deals with digital proof in media and computers. This will primarily be a good one for you if you are the investigative type.
As a computer forensics analyst, you will learn to collect, analyze, and preserve data from computing systems. You will also learn about data, metadata, and how to extract them from different media formats. You will be like a crime scene investigator that uncovers all pieces of evidence.
You will also be taught law and court proceedings. You may even have the privilege of getting called in as a professional witness in a high-profile white-collar crime case. In a cybersecurity program, this analysis is critical to gather proof about data leaks or intruders. You will be able to help your company detect bad actors and supply proof of their crimes.

Get Your Degree Now!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2020-2030, the field of cybersecurity will grow by 33%. And as evident in this article, there are several aspects of cybersecurity you can choose from, as well as various degree programs based on your interests. So, it will be a great decision if you decide to get your degree in cybersecurity now.