Is Cybersecurity a Major or Minor? Everything You Need to Know

As organizations rely on technology for communication, business operations, and data storage, the risk of cyber threats continues to grow. This has created a high demand for professionals skilled in securing networks, systems, and sensitive information.

For students interested in entering this field, one common question arises: Is cybersecurity a major or minor? Some universities offer a BS in Cybersecurity as a full degree program, while others provide it as a minor to complement majors like computer science, IT, or business.

Understanding the distinction between cybersecurity as a major and minor can help students make informed decisions about their education and career path.

In this article, we will explore the scope of cybersecurity education, its classification under computer science and IT, required coursework, career opportunities, and whether it is best pursued as a major or minor.

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Is Cybersecurity a Major or Minor?: Comparison Table

Feature	Cybersecurity Major	Cybersecurity Minor
Degree Type	Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BS Cyber Security)	Supplementary program (16-24 credit hours)
Classification	Often under Computer Science, IT, or Business	Usually part of Computer Science, IT, or Business programs
Main Focus	Comprehensive training in security, risk management, and network defense	Basic security skills, risk awareness, and cyber hygiene
Coursework	Ethical hacking, cryptography, network security, compliance, forensics	Cybersecurity fundamentals, network security, risk management
Best For	Students looking for a dedicated career in cybersecurity	Students majoring in Computer Science, IT, Business, Law, or Engineering
Career Opportunities	High-level roles like Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Cybersecurity Engineer	Enhances job opportunities in related fields like IT, business, and law
Cyber Security Salary	$70,000 to $140,000+ depending on experience	Boosts salary potential but depends on major field
Certifications	CISSP, CEH, Security+, CCSP	Security+ (entry-level), other basic security certifications
Job Market Demand	Extremely high demand with 33% job growth (2020-2030)	Growing demand for security skills in all industries

Is Cybersecurity a Major or Minor?: Comparison Table

What is Cybersecurity?

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Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, systems, and data from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and attacks. It encompasses a range of disciplines, including risk management, encryption, ethical hacking, and compliance with security regulations.

Organizations across industries, from finance to healthcare, rely on cybersecurity professionals to safeguard sensitive information and prevent breaches.

Is Cybersecurity Under Computer Science or IT?

One of the most debated questions in academia is whether cybersecurity falls under computer science or IT. The answer varies depending on the university and how the curriculum is structured:

Computer Science: Some institutions place cybersecurity within their computer science department, as it involves programming, network security, and cryptography, areas closely related to software development and system architecture.
IT (Information Technology): Other schools classify cybersecurity under IT, as it deals with system administration, security policies, and network defense, focusing on the practical application of technology rather than its theoretical foundations.

While cybersecurity shares elements with both fields, it has improved into a standalone discipline in many universities, offering a dedicated BS in Cybersecurity and specialized courses.

BS Cyber Security: What Does It Cover?

A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BS Cyber Security) is a specialized degree program that focuses on securing digital assets, preventing cyber attacks, and ensuring compliance with security regulations.

Unlike a general IT or computer science degree, a cybersecurity major is more about risk management, ethical hacking, cryptography, and security policies.

What Classes Are Required for a Cybersecurity Degree?

Students pursuing a BS in Cybersecurity take a mix of technical and theoretical courses. While the exact curriculum varies by institution, common required classes for a cybersecurity degree include:

Introduction to Cybersecurity – Fundamentals of information security, threats, and countermeasures.
Network Security – Securing computer networks, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing – Offensive security techniques used to test system vulnerabilities.
Cryptography – Techniques for encrypting and securing sensitive information.
Cyber Law & Compliance – Regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
Incident Response & Forensics – Identifying, analyzing, and mitigating security breaches.

Many universities also integrate hands-on lab work, giving students practical experience in security operations.

Is Cybersecurity a Good Course for Undergraduates?

For students interested in technology, problem-solving, and digital security, cybersecurity is an excellent course to pursue.

The job market for cybersecurity professionals is growing fast, with increasing demand across industries. Organizations need skilled professionals to combat cyber threats, making a degree in cybersecurity highly valuable.

Moreover, cybersecurity offers strong career stability, high salaries, and opportunities for continuous learning through certifications like CISSP, Security+, and CEH.

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Is Cybersecurity a Minor?

When Is Cybersecurity Offered as a Minor?

While some universities offer cybersecurity as a full-fledged major, others provide it as a minor for students pursuing degrees in related fields. A cybersecurity minor allows students to gain essential security skills without committing to a full cybersecurity degree.

It is particularly beneficial for students majoring in computer science, IT, business, or engineering, as cybersecurity knowledge enhances their career prospects.

Good Minors for Cybersecurity Majors

For students majoring in cybersecurity, choosing the right minor can provide a competitive edge. Some of the best minors for cybersecurity majors include:

Computer Science – Strengthens programming, algorithms, and software security skills.
Business Administration – Helps cybersecurity professionals understand risk management and business strategy.
Digital Forensics – Focuses on investigating cybercrimes and analyzing digital evidence.
Mathematics/Statistics – Useful for cryptography, threat modeling, and risk analysis.
Political Science/Law – Valuable for those interested in cybersecurity policy, compliance, and governance.

Who Should Minor in Cybersecurity?

Students from various backgrounds can benefit from a cybersecurity minor. Even if a student majors in an unrelated field, adding a cybersecurity minor can:

Improve job opportunities by demonstrating technical proficiency.
Enhance personal cybersecurity awareness and data protection skills.
Provide a foundation for certifications like Security+ or CISSP for those looking to enter the field.

A cybersecurity minor is particularly beneficial for business, law, and engineering students who want to specialize in security-related roles within their industries.

READ: CCST Cybersecurity Vs Security+: A Complete Analysis

Comparing Cybersecurity and Computer Science

What Is Harder: Computer Science or Cybersecurity?

One common question among students is: What is harder—computer science or cybersecurity? The answer depends on individual strengths and interests.

Computer Science is heavily focused on programming, algorithms, data structures, and theoretical computing concepts. It requires proficiency in multiple programming languages like Python, Java, and C++.
Cybersecurity, while still technical, places more emphasis on security protocols, ethical hacking, risk management, and network defense. While some cybersecurity roles require coding, many focus on policy enforcement, compliance, and risk assessment rather than software development.

For students who enjoy mathematics, coding, and software development, computer science may be the better choice. However, for those interested in problem-solving, security policies, and protecting systems from cyber threats, cybersecurity can be a more engaging field.

Is Cybersecurity Under Computer Science?

While cybersecurity is often classified as a branch of computer science, many universities now offer it as a separate major due to its growing importance.

Cybersecurity involves elements of computer science, but it also integrates law, risk management, business strategy, and policy enforcement, making it a more specialized discipline.

In contrast, computer science covers a broader range of topics, including software development, artificial intelligence, data science, and computer engineering. Cybersecurity falls under the applied security domain, whereas computer science provides a more general foundation in computing.

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Is Cybersecurity a Good Career Choice?

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Is Cybersecurity a Course in the US?

Cybersecurity is widely offered as a degree program in universities across the United States. Many institutions provide a BS in Cybersecurity, while others integrate cybersecurity as a concentration within computer science or IT programs.

Additionally, students can pursue cybersecurity minors or graduate programs like a Master’s in Cybersecurity or MBA with a cybersecurity focus.

Some of the top US universities offering cybersecurity programs include:

University of Maryland (Global Campus Cybersecurity Program)
Carnegie Mellon University (CyLab Security & Privacy Institute)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Cybersecurity and Internet Policy)
University of Texas at San Antonio (National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense)

Many of these universities have been designated Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Cyber Security Salary and Job Market Outlook

Cybersecurity offers high-paying jobs with strong job security. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median cyber security salary for an Information Security Analyst was $102,600 in 2021, with job growth expected to rise 33% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the national average.

Here’s a breakdown of salaries for key cybersecurity roles:

Entry-Level Security Analyst – $70,000 to $90,000
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker) – $90,000 to $120,000
Cybersecurity Engineer – $110,000 to $140,000
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – $150,000 to $250,000

As cyber threats continue to grow, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals remains extremely high, making it one of the best career choices in tech.

Certifications and Career Pathways

In addition to a BS in Cybersecurity, students can boost their job prospects by earning professional certifications, which validate expertise in cybersecurity roles. Some of the most respected certifications include:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – Advanced certification for experienced professionals.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking.
CompTIA Security+ – Ideal for entry-level cybersecurity roles.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – Specializes in cloud security.

These certifications, along with hands-on experience, help cybersecurity graduates stand out in the job market and increase earning potential.

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Conclusion

Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field with high demand across industries. Whether pursued as a major or minor, it provides valuable skills in protecting digital assets, preventing cyber threats, and ensuring data security.

For students looking to build a career in cybersecurity, a BS in Cybersecurity offers a structured pathway with in-depth coursework, hands-on training, and strong job prospects. Cybersecurity professionals earn competitive salaries, with job opportunities spanning government agencies, finance, healthcare, and tech industries.

For those majoring in related fields like computer science, IT, or business, a cybersecurity minor can be a strategic career move. It enhances technical expertise and expands job opportunities in security-focused roles.

Ultimately, whether to major or minor in cybersecurity depends on individual career goals. Students passionate about cybersecurity should consider it as a primary major, while those in other disciplines can benefit from adding a cybersecurity minor to strengthen their professional profile.

As cyber threats continue to increase, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals will only grow. Whether choosing cybersecurity as a major or minor, the field offers exciting opportunities, high salaries, and strong job security in the years ahead.

FAQ

Is Cybersecurity a Major?

Cybersecurity is offered as a major at many universities, typically as a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BS Cyber Security). This degree focuses on network security, ethical hacking, cryptography, risk management, and compliance. Some institutions also offer cybersecurity as a specialization within computer science or IT programs.

What Is a Cybersecurity Degree Under?

A cybersecurity degree is often classified under computer science, information technology (IT), or business depending on the university. Some schools offer it as a standalone major, while others place it under:
Computer Science – Emphasizing programming, algorithms, and software security.
Information Technology (IT) – Focusing on system administration, security policies, and practical applications.
Business – Covering risk management, compliance, and cybersecurity governance.

What Category Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity falls under the category of Information Security and Computer Science/IT. It is a multidisciplinary field that incorporates:
Technology & Engineering – Network security, cryptography, ethical hacking.
Risk Management & Compliance – Cyber laws, regulatory frameworks, and security governance.
Business & Policy – Managing security risks in organizations.
Forensics & Cybercrime Investigation – Analyzing digital evidence and responding to breaches.

What Is a Minor in Cybersecurity?

A minor in cybersecurity is a supplementary program that provides foundational cybersecurity knowledge to students majoring in other fields. It typically consists of 16-24 credit hours and covers topics like:
Cybersecurity fundamentals
Network security
Risk management
Digital forensics
A cybersecurity minor is beneficial for students majoring in computer science, business, engineering, or law, as it enhances job prospects in security-related roles.

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