Cybersecurity Degrees and Alternatives: Your 2026 Guide - Coursera

Cybersecurity Degrees and Alternatives: Your 2026 Guide Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on Dec 4, 2025 Share Learn more about the different degrees you can earn when you're interested in working in cybersecurity, as well as educational alternatives to build your knowledge and skills. Cybersecurity careers often require earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant major or advancing your knowledge with a master's degree. Learn more about the requirements for a cybersecurity degree and educational alternatives to consider if you're interested in this field. Afterward, explore whether cybersecurity is the right career for you with the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. 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Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required. 4.8 (67,304 ratings) 1,504,110 already enrolled Beginner level Learn More Average time: 6 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Bash (Scripting Language), Computer Security Incident Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Debugging, Endpoint Detection and Response, Hardening, Incident Response, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Linux, Network Protocols, Network Security, Python Programming, Security Awareness, Security Management, SQL, Threat Management, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Management, Web Presence, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Splunk, TCP/IP, Network Analysis, Event Monitoring, Document Management, Network Monitoring, Continuous Monitoring, Threat Detection, Query Languages, Security Controls, Incident Management, Technical Communication, Data Security, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, AI Workflows, Data Ethics, Operating Systems, Linux Commands, File Management, File Systems, Linux Administration, Authentications, Unix Commands, User Accounts, Command-Line Interface, Relational Databases, Unix Shell, Database Management, Authorization (Computing), AI literacy, Google Gemini, Professional Development, Prompt Engineering Tools, Prompt Engineering, Interviewing Skills, Branding, Cyber Risk, Information Assurance, Security Strategy, Cyber Attacks, Vulnerability Assessments, Data Management, Cyber Security Strategy, Cryptography, Malware Protection, Identity and Access Management, Risk Management Framework, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Risk Management, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Auditing, Risk Analysis, Risk Mitigation, Business Risk Management, Computer Security, Computer Networking, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Model, Cloud Security, Firewall, Network Architecture, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, General Networking, File I/O, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Automation, IT Automation, Maintainability, Scripting Languages, Scripting, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Programming Principles Cybersecurity degrees While a bachelor's degree isn’t always necessary to get an entry-level job in cybersecurity, earning one can provide you with dedicated time to develop core skills, broaden your job opportunities, make you a more competitive candidate when you start looking for jobs, and help you advance in your career. Bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity and other relevant majors take between four and five years to complete when you can attend full-time. However, part-time and online programs can make it easier to navigate your other responsibilities. Once you declare your major, you'll begin taking courses that will introduce you to key cybersecurity concepts and deepen your technical skills. You may also have the chance to take courses in nuanced areas of cybersecurity to build more specialized expertise. Popular majors to begin a cybersecurity career Given the growing popularity of cybersecurity careers and its important business role, it's possible to major in cybersecurity, though not all schools offer this specific focus. In that case, there are other majors you can consider to build critical technical skills and begin your cybersecurity career. Four popular majors when you're interested in studying cybersecurity: Cybersecurity: Not all universities offer cybersecurity degrees, but they are becoming more popular as the need for skilled security professionals increases. A cybersecurity major will offer a combination of coursework and projects to help you gain necessary knowledge and skills in the field. Computer science: A computer science degree ranks among the most popular computer-related bachelor’s degrees. These programs generally cover a wide range of technical skills, including programming, systems engineering, networking, and security. Consider this widely available degree if you’re interested in technology but want to keep your options open beyond cybersecurity. Information technology: Similar to computer science, IT focuses more on using technology to solve problems. If you choose IT as your major, be sure to take a few programming classes to build up your code-writing skills. Computer engineering: A bachelor's degree in computer engineering combines computer science and electrical engineering, with coursework in hardware, software, and computer programming. If you’d like to work with embedded systems security, this path may interest you. Earn Your Degree Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University 100% ONLINE Bachelor of Science in Psychology from O.P. Jindal Global University 100% ONLINE Bachelor of Science in General Business from the University of North Texas 100% ONLINE 1 2 You are Currently on slide 1 Cybersecurity coursework Coursework in cybersecurity programs will vary from school to school. Generally, you can expect to take classes in topics like: Programming Networking Cryptography Penetration testing Digital forensics Security law and ethics Master's degrees in cybersecurity A master's degree in cybersecurity provides advanced knowledge in network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and security policy development. When you're able to attend full-time, these degrees take around two years to earn. They also provide the opportunity to specialize in an area of cybersecurity to develop more specialized knowledge. This additional education can often lead to higher-level positions and increased earning potential. Earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity may not be necessary in the early stages of your career, but it can be advantageous as you seek to advance, or if you began in another line of work and want to pivot into cybersecurity. Master of Science in Cyber Security University of London DEGREE Learn More Is a cybersecurity degree worth it? Earning a bachelor's degree takes time and money. You should consider it carefully before deciding whether it’s right for you. Consider the following factors when deciding what learning path best fits your needs. Cybersecurity professionals are in demand. There are 514,359 cybersecurity job openings in the US alone as of June 2025, according to Cyberseek [1]. The supply of applicants with cybersecurity skills is also low. If you have the right skills and qualifications, chances are good that you can find a job in the cybersecurity field. Cybersecurity jobs pay well. While salaries vary by role, company, experience level, location, and other factors, cybersecurity professionals tend to have high earning potential. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $124,910 for information security analysts in the US, as of June 2025 [2]. Read more: Cybersecurity Analyst Salary Guide: How Much Can You Make? A bachelor's degree is the most common entry-level requirement. While it is possible to get a job in cybersecurity without a degree, many employers still require one and you may be a more competitive candidate with this type of credential. According to Zippia, 61.1 percent of cybersecurity analysts hold a bachelor's degree [3]. As you consider your options, research the types of companies you’d like to work for and look at openings they have in cybersecurity. What are their degree requirements? Do they put a higher priority on skills or certifications? Degrees can open up more advanced job opportunities. Generally speaking, higher-level cybersecurity positions, particularly at the management and executive level, are more likely to require a bachelor's or graduate degree. Roles like cybersecurity engineer, cybersecurity architect, cybersecurity manager, and penetration tester come with a requested education level or at least a bachelor’s degree. A degree can help you earn a top certification. Some of the most popular cybersecurity certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), require several years of work experience to qualify for the exam. A degree often counts toward part of that experience requirement. Read more: Should You Go Back to School? 7 Things to Consider No, you don't need a bachelor's degree to get started in cybersecurity. While a degree can be helpful, many people enter the field through alternative paths, such as certifications, on-the-job training, and self-study. Learn how to get started in cybersecurity without a degree. Alternatives to a cybersecurity degree If earning a cybersecurity or computer security degree is not for you, a degree isn’t the only career path in cybersecurity. Consider these options for developing the skills needed to get a security job: Certification: Earning a cybersecurity certification can show recruiters and hiring managers that you have the skills needed for a job in cybersecurity. Preparing for a certification exam gives you a framework for what you need to learn to succeed on the job, and many top organizations offer certifications for entry-level, mid-career, and advanced practitioners. Job experience: Another option is to start off in an entry-level IT position, like an IT support specialist, where a degree isn’t always required. As you gain experience in the real world, you may be able to move into a more specialized cybersecurity role. Self-teaching: There is no shortage of free or inexpensive online courses. If you’re self-motivated and enjoy learning independently, developing key cybersecurity skills on your own is possible. If you choose this route, remember that a certificate or other credential may help your resume stand out. 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You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses.  Build essential skills with one of our best deals Save now Frequently asked questions (FAQs) What can I do with a cybersecurity degree?‎ Is studying cybersecurity hard?‎ Article sources 1.  Cyber Seek. “Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map, https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html.” Accessed June 17, 2025. View all sources Updated on Dec 4, 2025 Share Written by: Coursera Staff Editorial Team Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact... This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals. Opt-Out Request Honored Cookies Preference Center Cookies are small text files downloaded to your device via your web browser when you interact with the Site. 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