Cybersecurity major: courses, careers, and certifications explained

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Key takeaways about a cybersecurity major

A cybersecurity major teaches you how to protect digital systems from attacks.
You’ll study computer science, networking, and digital forensics.
Certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP boost your career options.
Cybersecurity careers include security analyst, ethical hacker, and CISO.
Salaries are strong, and the field is growing fast worldwide.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stop hackers, protect data, or keep big organizations safe online, a cybersecurity major might be the path for you. Think of it as being the digital bodyguard for people, companies, and even entire countries. Here’s everything you need to know about what it means to major in cybersecurity, from classes to career paths—and how to know if it’s right for you.

What is a cybersecurity major?

A cybersecurity major is all about learning how to defend against cyber threats. You’ll dive into topics like malware, cryptography, and risk management while also building strong technical foundations in programming and networking. Unlike a pure computer science degree, cybersecurity zeros in on how to protect and secure systems, not just how to build them.

Cybersecurity vs. computer science

Computer science majors focus on the theory of computing, software development, and algorithms. A cybersecurity major takes that base knowledge but layers on defense strategies, ethical hacking, and system resilience. If you like puzzles and problem-solving, cybersecurity might feel more interactive than traditional computer science. Still, both majors overlap heavily, and some schools even allow you to switch between them with shared core classes.

Common courses and specializations for cybersecurity majors

Your classes might include:

Network security
Cryptography
Digital forensics
Cyber law and policy
Ethical hacking

Many programs let you specialize in areas like cloud security, artificial intelligence defense, or penetration testing. If you’re into the idea of “thinking like a hacker,” you’ll probably gravitate toward ethical hacking courses. If you’re into law or business, risk management might be your track.

Popular double majors or minors

Pairing cybersecurity with something else can make you stand out. Popular combinations include:

Cybersecurity + business: Prepares you for leadership roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Cybersecurity + psychology: Great for those interested in social engineering and human behavior in security.
Cybersecurity + data science: Perfect for jobs in threat detection using big data.

Certifications available for cybersecurity

Certifications are huge in this field, and many programs encourage or even pay for you to earn them. Some of the most popular include:

CompTIA Security+
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Adding certifications to your degree shows employers you can apply your knowledge in real-world settings.

Careers in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity analyst
Penetration tester (ethical hacker)
Digital forensics investigator
Security architect
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Cybersecurity careers are in demand because threats are always evolving. If you want job security, this is one of the best fields to be in.

How much can I earn with a cybersecurity degree?

Cybersecurity is one of the best-paying tech careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for Information Security Analysts was about $120,000 in 2023. Entry-level roles often start around $70,000–$100,000, and experienced professionals can earn well into the six figures.

Is cybersecurity right for me?

If you’re curious, love problem-solving, and get satisfaction from protecting others, cybersecurity could be your calling. You don’t need to be a coding genius right away—most programs start with the basics. What matters most is persistence and an interest in learning how systems work (and how they can break).

Notable schools for cybersecurity majors

University of Maryland – Known for its Cybersecurity Center and proximity to federal agencies
Georgia Institute of Technology – Offers top-tier programs in information security and technology
Purdue University – Recognized for strong research and hands-on cybersecurity training
Arizona State University – Offers flexible on-campus and online cybersecurity degrees
University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) – Consistently ranked among the best for cybersecurity

Use Scout College Search to explore even more schools offering cybersecurity programs.

Scholarships for cybersecurity majors

If you're interested in a degree in cybersecurity, we have tools and resources to help. Use Scout College Search to find schools that match your goals and Scholly Scholarships to find scholarships based on your skills and interests. You can also explore a range of scholarships by major, including scholarships for cybersecurity majors—and easily apply for Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.