Computer Science vs. Cybersecurity: Which Is Best for You?
Companies typically benefit from being seen as trustworthy to conduct business and keep private information safe. However, they can potentially lose this trust if they fall prey to hackers who exploit their vulnerabilities. Data breaches impact not only an organization’s reputation but also its bottom line. Furthermore, the customers or patients affected by cybersecurity breaches may suffer significant consequences as a result of having their sensitive personal information exposed, including financial consequences.
If you have a knack for computers and are passionate about pursuing a STEM career, you might be weighing whether to pursue a major in computer science vs. cybersecurity. But what’s the difference? And is cybersecurity harder than computer science? Let’s take a closer look.
In This Article:
- What Is Cybersecurity?
- What Degree Do I Need for Cybersecurity?
- What Is Computer Science?
- What Degree Do I Need for Computer Science?
- Is Cybersecurity Computer Science?
- Are Courses Similar for Computer Science vs. Cybersecurity?
- Salary Potential: Computer Science vs. Cybersecurity
- GCU Degree Options: Cybersecurity and Computer Science
What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is when professionals, technology and processes come together to improve the safety of computer networks, devices and data by guarding against digital attacks. There are many types of risks to protect against, such as:
- Malware infecting an entire network
- A hacker breaking into a database that houses sensitive information
- Confidentiality of patient data
- Preventing access by unauthorized employees
- Protect and Defend (PD): Identify, analyze and mitigate potential threats
- Cybersecurity crimes, such as data breaches
What Degree Do I Need for Cybersecurity?
There are a few different degree options you might consider when thinking about pursuing a career in cybersecurity. For instance, it’s possible to pursue this career with a degree in computer science. However, a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity may be more appropriate for this discipline.1
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity offers a curriculum designed to help you prepare yourself to address and prevent cybersecurity attacks. In this program, you will be taught how to use various programming languages and software to monitor and defend sensitive data, along with different methodologies to defend computer systems.
In today’s increasingly digital world, a cybersecurity degree is essential for equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge to protect sensitive information, prevent cyber threats and safeguard the integrity of systems and networks across industries.
Is Cybersecurity Difficult?
Cybersecurity students are introduced to complex concepts that require critical thinking and a problem-solving mindset. While grasping the theoretical aspects can be straightforward, applying these principles to practical scenarios often involves overcoming challenges. Troubleshooting and adapting solutions to diverse situations are essential skills that will be developed as you navigate the field.
Although cybersecurity can be a challenging field at times, information security analysts are needed to protect computer networks and devices from outside threats.2 Additionally, about 17,300 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on average, from 2023 to 2033.2
What Is Computer Science?
Computer science is a very broad and interdisciplinary field that involves the study and use of computers and computer systems. Computer science encompasses hardware and software. It involves both theory and application, as well as both design and implementation.
Within the computer science field, there are many opportunities for specialization, such as:
- Computer programming
- Network systems administration
- Hardware engineering
- Video game design
What Degree Do I Need for Computer Science?
A degree in computer science can open the door to pursuing a number of different job opportunities in the field.3 You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with different emphases, including big data analytics. Computer science degree programs generally include the same core courses, and it is the computer science core — not the emphasis — that can help prepare you for careers in encryption and other types of cybersecurity work.
A computer science graduate may also pursue a career in cybersecurity, although there may not be a direct path from the degree to a job. Because the computer science bachelor’s degree does not focus solely on information security, a person who holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science may need additional training and certification for a career in cybersecurity. Computer science graduates have many opportunities available, such as software development, research and development, software engineering and more.
A computer science degree may be closely related to your desired career path. In addition to big data analytics, other emphases may appeal to you, such as in business entrepreneurship. They teach theoretical and applied skills in mathematics, science and critical thinking. When you graduate with your computer science degree, you may go on to solve complex and evolving problems in the field.
Is Computer Science Difficult?
Your academic journey will be unique, based partially on your individual strengths. What makes this degree stand out from other science degrees is that you have greater flexibility in deciding whether you want to apply your knowledge to solving problems or focus more on theoretical aspects of computer science.
Much of the coursework for a computer science degree is similar to other STEM degrees, particularly those involving information technology and computing. You will be required to work with higher-level concepts in math and science to meet your course objectives.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for computer and IT occupations to be much faster than average, with the expected addition of about 356,700 job openings each year from 2023 to 2033.4
Is Cybersecurity Computer Science?
Computer science is a broad and diverse field with numerous opportunities for specialization. Cybersecurity is one specialization possibility — it’s a branch or subfield of computer science.5
Computer science professionals typically focus on theoretical research or application in a broad range of areas. For example, they may work on database administration or developing new software features. In contrast, cybersecurity professionals focus sharply on security issues on digital networks and devices.4
Are Courses Similar for Computer Science vs. Cybersecurity?
Courses for computer science and cybersecurity majors will depend on the school and program. However, it’s likely there will be some overlap, as well as many differences. For instance, a computer science major at Grand Canyon University will teach courses in:
- Programming languages
- Information security
- Database design
- Digital logic and design
- Statistics and probability
Similarly, a cybersecurity major might take courses in statistics and probability, as well as programming languages. However, the focus will be on cybersecurity, including topics such as:
- Analysis of malware
- Ethical hacking
- Algorithms and discrete mathematics
- Digital forensics investigations
- Design and management of secure networks
Salary Potential: Computer Science vs. Cybersecurity
It’s difficult to draw comparisons between the earning potential of those in computer science vs. cybersecurity, as there are many different job titles within each career field. However, according to the BLS, the median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $145,0806 and for information security analysts were $120,360 as of May 2023, which are interchangeable with cybersecurity and computer science careers.7
GCU Degree Options: Cybersecurity and Computer Science
There are many degree options to consider. If your goal is cybersecurity, then you may want to pursue a degree in that field. A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of protecting digital networks, systems and devices. You may also have opportunities to begin building a portfolio of work during hands-on projects for work experience.
Grand Canyon University offers numerous technology and computing degrees to students who are passionate about innovation and technology. If you are still uncertain of what jobs in technology you want to pursue, a bachelor's in computer science can provide a wide variety of emphases. Various computer science programs like big data analytics, business entrepreneurship and game and simulation development can lead to different types of job opportunities.
1 Indeed Editorial Team. (2023, Oct. 2). Guide to Entry-Level Cybersecurity Job Requirements. Indeed. Retrieved Nov. 20, 2024.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective Sept. 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts. Retrieved Jan. 29, 2025.
3 Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, July 30). Everything You Need to Know About Majoring in Computer Science. Indeed. Retrieved Nov. 20, 2024.
4 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective Sept. 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations, retrieved Nov. 21, 2024.
5 Master’s in Data Science with edX. (2021, July). Cyber Security vs. Computer Science. Retrieved Nov. 21, 2024.
6 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and Information Research Scientists as of May 2023, retrieved on Nov. 21, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as computer and information research scientists, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
7 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Information Security Analysts as of May 2023, retrieved on Nov. 21, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as information security analysts, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on Jan. 7, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
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