Computer Science vs. Cyber Security: Choosing the Right Degree For You

You love computers. There's something so satisfying about the ever-increasing complexity of technology. You know you want to get into this fast-evolving industry, and you're pretty sure a bachelor's degree in something like computer science or cybersecurity could be the right next step for you—but you're not sure which area to focus on.

When it comes to choosing between computer science and cybersecurity, there's a lot to consider. The good news is that you can't go wrong, but you can find the best fit for you.

Here's a comparison of computer science vs. cyber security, including what each field is, what each type of professional does and the typical pathways for getting into these industries.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices and data from unauthorized access or criminal use. It's also the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability of information, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).¹

Cybersecurity focuses on maximizing network security and minimizing cyber threats, protecting the important information of both individuals and organizations.

What do cybersecurity professionals do?

Most cybersecurity roles fall under the greater umbrella of information security. Generally speaking, their job is to plan and execute security measures that protect an organization’s computer networks and systems, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).²

Typical job duties for an entry-level information security analyst include things like monitoring their organization’s networks for security breaches (and investigating when one occurs), using and maintaining software (such as firewalls and data encryption programs) to protect sensitive information, checking for vulnerabilities in computer and network systems and researching the latest information technology (IT) security trends to stay up to date.³

They'll also need to do some more administrative tasks like preparing reports that document general metrics, attempted attacks and security breaches, as well as developing security standards and best practices for their organization.

Cybersecurity professionals will typically be responsible for recommending security enhancements to management or senior IT staff, and they'll also help colleagues or customers when they need to install or learn about new security products and procedures.

What are some common cybersecurity careers?

As we mentioned above, a role as an information security analyst is a common place for a cybersecurity professional to start their career. But this job can look different at different types of organizations. In today's world, pretty much every business runs on technology—and has sensitive data to protect. All kinds of companies need help tackling their data security, and because of this, cybersecurity professionals work in a wide range of settings.

Some of the largest employers of information security analysts include computer systems design and related services, finance and insurance organizations, information companies, company and enterprise management organizations and management, scientific and technical consulting services.²

Finding your ideal setting for a cybersecurity career and discovering what your eventual specialty may be—whether that's digital forensics, cyber law, application security, governance, risk management, compliance or anything else—is all about discovering your personal interests and strengths.⁴

How do you become a cybersecurity professional?

Information security analysts and other entry-level cybersecurity professionals typically need a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field. Given the growing prominence of IT, some programs may even offer a specific information security, information assurance or cyber security degree. For more on what that's like, check out Why Study Cyber Security? 8 Reasons to Remember.

While many cyber security professionals have bachelor's degrees, some workers do enter the field with high school diplomas and relevant industry training and certifications. Ultimately, any education requirements will vary by employer and role.⁴

What is computer science?

Computer science is the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software design, their applications and their impact on society.

In simpler words? Computer science is the study of why and how computers work.

What do computer scientists do?

Computer scientists design innovative uses for new and existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for organizations across industries—from business to science to medicine and more, according to the BLS.⁵

In fact, most computer scientist experts will likely agree that a better name for computer scientists is simply "problem-solvers."

Day-to-day, computer and information research scientists create and improve computer software and hardware. They'll typically explore problems in computing and develop theories and models to address those problems, collaborating with other scientists and engineers as needed. They work to determine computing needs and system requirements and may even develop new computing languages, software systems and other tools to improve how people and organizations work with computers.⁵

Computer scientists design and conduct experiments to test software system operations—frequently using techniques from data science and machine learning—and then analyze the results of their experiments. Like any other types of scientists, they may also write papers for publication and present their research findings at computer science conferences.

What are some common computer science careers?

As you can probably tell from the above, computer science is a broad field with many different areas and specializations within it. Many people will even argue that cybersecurity itself falls under the greater computer science umbrella. Some additional computer science related jobs include...

Data quality assurance analysts and testers

Data quality assurance testers design and execute tests to identify problems and asses the value of data and data collection systems. As they identify problems with applications or programs, it's their job to report those defects.

Software developers

Software developers create the computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks, and the underlying systems that run devices or control networks.

Computer and information systems managers

Computer and information systems managers (often called IT managers or IT project managers), plan, coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing and managing computer systems to meet those goals.

Additional education beyond a bachelor’s degree and years of relevant work experience may be required to become a Computer or Information Systems Manager. It is important to check with employers regarding the specific education credential (s) and amount of work experience that is required.

Computer systems analysts

Computer systems analysts (sometimes called systems architects) study an organization’s computer systems and procedures, and design improvements to them. Ultimately, their goal is to continue to improve these systems to help the organization run more efficiently.

Additional education beyond a bachelor’s degree and/or relevant work experience may be required to obtain a position as a Computer Systems Analyst.

How do you become a computer scientist?

While each of these careers has its own unique pathway, computer science professionals—regardless of their specialization—typically have a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer and information technology or a related field.

Though some employers may prefer to hire computer science majors, others may look for professionals who have master’s degrees and some may hire those with high school diplomas and relevant industry training and computer science certifications. Just like with cybersecurity, any requirements will come down to the specific employer and role.

Given the variety of specializations available, certain types of computer scientists may need specialized knowledge in other fields outside of computer science. For example, computer and information research scientists who work on biomedical applications may need to have studied biology.⁶

Computer science vs. cyber security: Which degree sounds right for you?

Both cybersecurity and computer science can lead you to many different roles in technology and beyond.

If you are leaning toward a computer science degree program, get more details on how long they take, how much they cost and what courses your take at Rasmussen University's Computer Science Online Bachelor’s Degree page.

If you are leaning more toward cyber security, a cyber security degree program would offer you a solid foundation in the exact areas of study you're looking for. See more details at Rasmussen's Online Cyber Security Degree page.

¹Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, What is Cybersecurity?, (Feb.1, 2021), What is Cybersecurity? | CISA

²Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Systems Analysts, (accessed December, 2024), Information Security Analysts : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)

³Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, (accessed December, 2024), Information Security Analysts : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)

⁴Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, (accessed December, 2024), Information Security Analysts : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)

⁵Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Handbook, Computer and Information Research Scientists, (accessed December, 2024), Computer and Information Research Scientists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)

⁶Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Research Scientists, (accessed December, 2024), Computer and Information Research Scientists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics