Careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are evolving and computer science and cyber security are two fields with many job opportunities. If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in computer science or cyber security, you may be wondering which discipline is the best option for you.
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Computer science is a broad field that involves the study of computers and computing. Cyber security can be considered a new subfield of computer science since cyber security specialists require a deep understanding of computers and networks to analyze and prevent data breaches and attacks, monitor systems, and create solutions.
Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between computer science and cyber security, education requirements, and potential career options.
Course Comparison of Cyber Security vs Computer Science Degree
When researching the differences between cyber security and computer science, you may want to compare the courses. Computer science and cyber security programs have different core curriculums, but there is some overlap depending on the school and program. Both degrees may require knowledge on cloud computing and networks, but generally, computer science programs broadly focus on computing, theory and application and cyber security programs are more focused on security. Below is a summary on each degree option.
Cyber Security Courses
- Cyber Policy, Law, and Privacy Compliance: This course typically teaches students the legal requirements related to cyber security and privacy and how to implement these requirements while designing an organization’s security.
- Database Design and Security: This course usually covers database design, which run on the backend of almost all software and how flaws in a database could lead to security breaches.
- Cryptography: This course typically teaches students about cryptography algorithms, authentication, and public keys and how to transfer data safely.
- Network Security: This course provides students with skills in designing a secure network, including protocols, privacy, and access control.
Computer Science Courses
- Introduction to Computer Systems: This course teaches students the principles of engineering computer hardware and software, including virtual memory, threading, and file systems.
- Data Structures and Algorithms: This course covers the theory and application of algorithms to create efficient solutions to computing problems, including greedy algorithms and search algorithms.
- Software Engineering: This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of computer systems to design and test software systems including information engineering and path testing.
- Data Analysis: This course covers probability and statistics and topics typically include distributions, hypothesis testing, and modeling.
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Roles and Responsibilities with Cyber Security vs Computer Science Degree
After completing a computer science or cyber security program, you may be wondering what your role and responsibilities might be. Successful professionals in either role rely on technical skills as well as soft skills.
Similarities
Computer scientists and cyber security professionals professionals are typically very detail oriented, they log every change and update stakeholders on every project they work on. They also tend to be highly analytical and examine problems from different angles to come up with unique and creative solutions. Finally, these professionals are aware of best practices so their work is consistent and it’s easy for their peers to understand their work.
Differences
The main differences between these two fields is typically their primary responsibilities. A cyber security specialist’s day to day may include auditing security systems, setting up firewalls, analyzing networks, and reporting on data breaches. A professional in the computer science field may focus on building out new features in software, database administration, or web development.
Potential Career Options
There are many career opportunities for professionals with a background in computer science or cyber security. Because of some overlap in their education backgrounds, it may be easy to switch from a career in cyber security from computer science and vice versa. Here is some information on career options from 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics data:
Cyber Security Careers
- Computer Network Architect:
- Salary range: $64,770 to over $168,390
- Includes: network engineers
- Advancement: can become computer and information systems managers
- Computer Systems Analyst:
- Salary range: $90,920 to over $147,670
- Includes: QA analysts and programmer analysts
- Advancement: can become IT directors or chief technology officers
- Information Security Analyst:
- Salary range: $57,810 to over $158,860
- Advancement: can become chief security officers
- Network and Computer System Administrator:
- Salary range: $52,370 to over $132,520
- Advancement: can become computer network architects
Computer Science Careers
- Computer and Information Research Scientists:
- Salary range: $69,990 to over $189,780
- Includes: data scientists, programmers
- Advancement: can become computer and information systems managers
- Database Administrator:
- Salary range: $51,800 to over $148,060
- Includes: Systems DBAs and Application DBAs
- Advancement: can become computer and information systems managers
- Software Developer:
- Salary range: $61,660 to over $161,290
- Includes: back-end developers, front-end developers, webmasters
- Advancement: can become project managers and lead teams
Masters in Cyber Security or Computer Science – Which One is Right for Me?
Is it worth getting your master’s in computer science or master’s in cyber security? Although a bachelor’s degree is typically the only requirement for some careers in these fields, you may earn a higher salary with a master’s degree in computer science or cyber security. In order to make this decision, it’s important to consider your interests, education background, and account for your strengths and weaknesses.
If you’re interested in learning new programming languages, artificial intelligence, and robotics, a master’s in computer science might be the right choice. If you’re interested in data privacy, digital forensics, and cyber law and policy, a master’s in cyber security might be right for you.
You may also want to consider the type of company you see yourself working at. A master’s in computer science or cyber security may set you up for success at a variety of tech companies or industries including finance, healthcare, or entertainment.
Top Cyber Security Certifications vs Top Computer Science Certifications
Another great way to specialize your career in computer science or cyber security is obtaining certifications. Here are some certifications in each field that may help you gain in demand skills for each field:
Cyber Security Certifications
- CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA): CCNA certification covers topics including network access, IP connectivity and services, security fundamentals, network fundamentals, and automation and programmability.
- CISCO Certified Design Professional (CCDP): CCDP certification involves designing network solutions for large enterprises with scalability and optimized performance.
- CompTIA A+: CompTIA A+ certification covers basic network security, infrastructure, best practices, and device configuration.
- Certified Informations Systems Security Professional (CISSP): The CISSP certification certifies seasoned cyber security professionals in areas including business continuity planning, cryptography, and ethics.
Computer Science Certifications
- Oracle Database Administration Certification: This certification covers the benefits of multitenant architecture, upgrading databases, and increasing performance.
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer: This certification includes technologies such as Azure, C#, Office Client, .Net, and HTML5.
- Professional Software Engineering Master Certification: This master certification covers software requirements, design, construction, testing, configuration, maintenance, and more.
- CISCO Certified Network Professional (CCNP): The CCNP certification is geared towards individuals with at least one year of professional experience. There are three exams needed to earn this certification: routing, switching, and troubleshooting.
- Certified ScrumMaster: The ScrumMaster certification prepares professionals to lead agile development teams, managing how information is processed.
Last updated: June 2020