Cybersecurity Degrees and Alternatives: Your 2025 Guide

As daily life increasingly moves online and into the digital space, cybersecurity has become critical for just about every business. With more cybersecurity jobs globally than qualified candidates to fill them, launching a career in cybersecurity can be a lucrative choice. Opportunities in cybersecurity can offer good pay and job security, as well as the chance to work in a fast-paced field that’s always evolving.

To start a career in cybersecurity, you’ll need to build the right skills and qualifications. For many cybersecurity professionals, this includes earning a bachelor’s degree or advancing your knowledge with a master’s degree. Learn more about what types of majors can set you up for success in cybersecurity, as well as degree alternatives that might be a better fit when earning an undergraduate degree isn’t feasible.

Cybersecurity undergraduate degrees

An undergraduate degree isn’t always necessary to get a job in cybersecurity; however, earning one can help you develop core skills, qualify for new job opportunities, and position yourself as a more competitive candidate when you start looking for jobs.

Undergraduate degrees take three years to complete when you attend full-time. You’ll likely need to complete a minimum of 360 credits. You’ll take courses that introduce you to key concepts in cybersecurity and deepen your technical skills.

Cybersecurity degrees: Popular subjects

If you know you’re interested in cybersecurity or information technology (IT), you’ll find a few university subjects that cover relevant skills. However, not every university offers a cybersecurity degree. You may decide to major in computer science and specialise in cybersecurity. Four popular majors to consider when you want to study cybersecurity include:

• Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity degrees are becoming increasingly popular as the need for skilled security professionals grows. A cybersecurity major typically offers a combination of coursework and projects to help you gain important knowledge and skills.

• Computer science: Computer science ranks among the most employable computer-related degrees. These programmes generally cover a wide range of technical skills, including programming, systems engineering, networking, and security. You may consider this widely available degree if you’re interested in tech but would like to keep your options open beyond cybersecurity.

• Information technology: Whilst it is similar to computer science, information technology 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: An undergraduate degree in computer engineering combines computer science and 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 programmes will vary among universities. Generally, you can expect to take classes in topics such as:

• Programming

• Networking

• Cryptography

• Penetration testing

• Digital forensics

• Secure software development

Is a cybersecurity degree worth it? Facts to consider

A cybersecurity degree may be worth earning if you are prepared to invest the time and money necessary. It’s something to consider carefully before deciding whether it is right for you. A few things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing the learning path that best fits your needs include:

Cybersecurity professionals with degrees are in demand.

Holding a degree helps you to stand out from other candidates and may make you more competitive as you enter the cybersecurity field. According to a recent government-sponsored labour report, the UK cybersecurity sector will need to hire 21,600 new professionals annually [1]. Additionally, the supply of applicants with cybersecurity skills is low. If you have the necessary qualifications, chances are good that you can find a job in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity jobs may pay more for degrees.

Whilst salaries vary by role, company, experience level, location, and a variety of other factors, cybersecurity professionals tend to have high earning potential, especially if you hold a degree. Degrees make it easier to potentially negotiate higher salaries. The UK Cyber Security Council reports an average annual salary of £62,500 [2].

Online cybersecurity degrees can save time and money.

You’ll often find that online degree options make it easier to study whilst working, raising a family, or managing other life obligations.

A degree can help you earn relevant certifications.

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 towards part of that experience requirement.

A degree is not necessary to work in cybersecurity.

A degree can help you get ahead in the field, but in the UK, it’s not a requirement to earn a degree before gaining a cybersecurity role. You can develop needed skills through apprenticeships, work experience, or volunteering.

Alternatives to a cybersecurity degree

If you choose not to earn a diploma, a degree isn’t the only path to a career in cybersecurity. Some other options for developing essential skills are as follows:

• Certification: Earning a cybersecurity certification can show recruiters and hiring managers that you have the skills necessary for a job in cybersecurity. Preparing for a certification exam gives you a framework for what you need to learn to succeed on the job, and many top organisations 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. As you gain experience in the real world, you may be able to move into a more specialised cybersecurity role.

• Self-teaching: You’ll find 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 CV stand out.

Get started in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity degrees, whilst not required, are a great opportunity to develop the qualifications you need for your career. You may also consider alternate paths such as online courses, certifications, or certificates. Gain foundational cybersecurity skills and practical experience with top industry tools when you complete the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera. This programme covers topics like network security, cloud computing security, penetration testing, and more—no experience is necessary.