Cybersecurity vs. Computer Science: Which Degree Is Right for You?
Computer science and cybersecurity degrees are both in high demand, and although they overlap significantly, they focus on distinct areas. The degree you choose can shape your path in today’s rapidly changing tech world, determining whether you want to focus on safeguarding people and organizations from cyberattacks or on designing and building the systems that cybersecurity professionals use.
So which one is right for you? Read on as we examine cybersecurity vs. computer science degrees, considering:
- What they are and how they differ
- The curriculum covered
- Potential career paths
- How to decide between these high-growth fields
What Are Computer Science and Cybersecurity?
Computer Science: The Broad Function
Modern computer science is an ever-evolving field that owes its growth to advancements such as the development of Boolean Algebra in 1847, the garage-based founding of Hewlett-Packard in 1939, and the first-ever computer program consisting of 17 instructions written by Tom Kilburn in 1948. Today’s computers are capable of solving much more complex problems, and they can fit inside our pockets rather than occupying entire warehouses. Despite their size, these computers are based on the same scientific principles as the originals.
A thorough understanding of computer science is essential for the development of software and applications as well as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). To gain a foundational grasp of the principles that govern computer systems (hardware and software), computer science majors study subjects including:
- Computer programming
- Algorithms
- Data structures
- Computational theory
Cybersecurity: The Specialized Shield
The emergence and advancement of computer science led to the necessity for cybersecurity in the 1960s and 1970s, as computers expanded from isolated machines (which required physical locks for security) to connected networks. In 1971, Bob Thomas created the first computer virus (called Creeper) to test the security of the ARPANET network. The virus moved across the network, leaving a trail everywhere it went. The inventor of email, Ray Tomlinson, wrote a program called Reaper to chase and delete Creeper. This was the first example of antivirus software, a self-replicating program, and a computer worm.
Cybersecurity today moves at a considerably faster pace as it aims to stop real cybercriminals by protecting computer networks, systems, and data from cyber threats. It has grown into such a vast field that it encompasses a variety of subspecialties, including ethical hacking, forensics, and risk management.
The Relationship Between the Two
Cybersecurity has evolved alongside computer science as a distinct discipline, building on computational principles while developing its own specialized body of knowledge. Both fields rely on professionals with strong technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Computer science focuses on foundational and theoretical knowledge in programming, algorithms, and theory, while cybersecurity leverages this knowledge to help safeguard computer systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks.
Curriculum and Academic Focus: How They Differ
Core Focus of a Computer Science Degree
Computer science degrees are designed to equip students with a broad foundation of theory and technical knowledge, along with flexibility across tech disciplines. Champlain’s courses commonly focus on:
- Programming
- Programming languages
- Algorithms
- Data structures
- AI
- Mathematics
- Theory
Core Focus of a Cybersecurity Degree
On the other hand, a cybersecurity degree program is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge in computer science while focusing on cybersecurity. Curricula and courses typically focus on:
- Network security
- Cryptography
- Ethical hacking
- Digital forensics
- Ethics and legal issues
- Incident response
Quality cybersecurity degree programs also emphasize the practical application of theory with hands-on, laboratory work and real-world projects. At Champlain, cybersecurity students have the privilege of working alongside industry professionals on real-world research and projects in an agency-like setting through the Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity. They also have an internship opportunity with NuHarbor Security, located at Champlain’s Lakeside campus.
“Our students walk into job interviews with a portfolio of real projects and client work that most entry-level candidates simply don’t have. The Leahy Center is integrated directly into our academic programs, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. Students gain hands-on experience serving actual clients and tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges as part of their coursework—a significant competitive advantage in the job market.”
—Adam Goldstein, Dean, Information Technology & Sciences
Comparing Both: Key Differences at a Glance
| Area | Computer Science | Cybersecurity |
| Scope | Very broad: software, systems, theory, algorithms, and more | Narrow: defense, protection, security of systems and data |
| Math & Theory Emphasis | Strong: calculus, discrete math, proofs | Still technical but often more applied to threats/networks; sometimes less heavy on advanced math |
| Breadth of Career Options | Very broad: software engineer, data scientist, systems analyst, etc. | Focused on roles like security analyst, forensics, incident responder, penetration tester |
| Hands-on Security Focus | May cover security as part of the curriculum, but as one angle among many | Security is central; you’ll do labs, threat detection, and real-world systems from early on |
| Future Flexibility | Offers greater flexibility to pivot into many tech roles | More specialized — gives deep domain expertise but may be narrower in application (though demand is high) |
| Curriculum Typical Pattern | Broad foundations early, specialization later | Security-specific tools/tech earlier; sometimes fewer electives for non-security tracks |
No matter if you aspire to develop your foundational computer science knowledge or expand your cybersecurity skills, Champlain College offers programs tailored to both sets of goals.
Career Outcomes, Demand, and Salary Potential
Both computer science and cybersecurity experts are in high demand, as individuals with experience in both fields are needed in just about every sector and industry. These fields are also at the forefront of AI development and security, meaning graduates will be positioned to leverage AI as a powerful tool in their work. As a result, most of these jobs are experiencing rapid growth and demanding respectable incomes.
For example, according to the 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Information Security Analysts earn a median annual salary of $124,910, with 29% occupational growth expected between 2024 and 2034.
- Computer Information Research Scientists earn median annual wages of $140,910, with 20% occupational growth projected.
- Computer Hardware Engineers earn a median annual salary of $155,020, with 7% occupational growth expected.
- Data Scientists earn a median annual wage of $112,590, with a projected 34% occupational growth.
- Computer Programmers earn a median annual salary of $98,670. (This occupation, however, is actually expected to shrink by 6% between 2024 and 2034.)
Examples of common job titles held by computer science graduates include:
- Software developer
- Data scientist
- Web developer
- Systems analyst
- Network engineer
- Database administrator
- Machine learning engineer
- Mobile app developer
- User experience/interface (UX/UI) designer
- Computer hardware engineer
- Digital forensics investigator
- Computer and information systems manager
- Information technology (IT) project manager
Common positions for cybersecurity graduates include:
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Information security analyst
- Security operations center (SOC) analyst
- Security administrator
- Digital forensics analyst
- Threat hunter
- Security engineer
- Network security engineer
- DevSecOps engineer
- Security architect
- Cloud security engineer
- Penetration tester (ethical hacker)
- Incident responder
- Malware analyst
Understanding how systems work is essential to defending them, and understanding threats is essential to building secure systems. Whether students choose computer science or cybersecurity, they’re learning both sides of this equation. That cross-disciplinary foundation makes them more effective professionals regardless of which path they ultimately pursue.
Which Degree Should You Choose?
While computer science and cybersecurity are similar educational paths, they can lead to different professional futures. Prospective students should evaluate their personal interests, strengths, and professional goals to determine which degree program best aligns with their passions.
Consider the following tips to help you decide:
- List your interests.
- Try a sample course or lab.
- Evaluate the cybersecurity and computer science curriculum offerings.
- Weigh career versatility against specialization.
- Research industry demand and your local market.
- Consider the program’s fit and its reputation.
Ask Yourself These Questions:
- Do I enjoy exploring how things (like systems, algorithms, and languages) work, or do I prefer defending and protecting systems from threats?
- Do I like theoretical challenges in math, data structures, and algorithms, or am I more excited about hands-on practical work like hacking, forensics, and incident response?
- How flexible do I want my career path to be? Do I want the option to pivot into multiple tech roles, or do I want to become a domain expert in a specific area, such as security?
- Am I comfortable with a heavy mathematics foundation, which is often required for computer science?
- Do I find fast-moving threats thrilling and thrive in situations of uncertainty, defense, and investigation (all characteristic of cybersecurity)?
- Where do I see myself in five or 10 years? Writing new software, innovating new systems, or leading efforts to secure the digital world?
Why Choose Champlain College? A Strategic Fit
In its nationally recognized programs, Champlain College integrates both disciplines into the computer science and cybersecurity degree curricula. Our programs are designed to challenge students while providing opportunities to enhance their knowledge, hone their skills, and gain practical experience through:
- Professional portfolio development
- Opportunities to compete
- Collaborative learning
- Hands-on projects
- Internships and real-world experience at the Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity and NuHarbor Security
Choose Your Path and Pursue Your Goals at Champlain College
Although computer science and cybersecurity programs overlap, they can lead graduates to distinct career paths. At Champlain College, we offer a dynamic selection of programs designed to help learners develop, expand, and deepen their skills while gaining real-world, hands-on experience. Students interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity may follow the path to a Computer Networking & Cybersecurity degree, while those looking to develop a broader, more theoretical foundation can opt for a Computer Science & Innovation degree.
To learn more about these nationally recognized programs, check out our website or request more information today.
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