Information technology and cybersecurity represent fast growing, opportunity-filled fields that attract today’s most passionate and ambitious professionals. However, there are many pathways to entering these fields, and choosing the right degree program can be difficult.
In this article, we’ve provided helpful details about two of the most compelling educational opportunities: information technology degrees and cybersecurity degrees. We’ll reveal their similarities, their opportunities for integration, and, precisely, the benefits aligned with cybersecurity training.
Understanding Information Technology and Cybersecurity Degrees
Information technology and cybersecurity are closely aligned fields reflected in their degree programs. These degrees hold much in common, including a strong technical emphasis underscored by soft skill development and experiential learning. These fields can be pursued separately through specific degree programs or integrated into a powerful undergraduate program, known as the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity.
What Is an Information Technology Degree?
A degree in information technology provides a deep dive into fundamental tech-driven concepts, such as internet architecture, operating systems, programming languages, and network topologies. Technical skill development is strongly emphasized, with students encouraged to apply new skill sets while building scripts and participating in targeted work experiences.
What Is a Cybersecurity Degree?
Similar to an information technology degree, a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity places a greater emphasis on protecting systems and networks. It’s also a more focused program designed to prepare students for success as cybersecurity analysts and in other security-centric roles. Many fundamental IT topics are explored along the way, but in the context of cybersecurity. Critical courses delve into ethical hacking, computer forensics, and incident response.
Does Cybersecurity Fall Under Information Technology?
Cybersecurity and information technology may be closely aligned, but they are not one and the same. While information technology encompasses a broad array of technological tools and methodologies, cybersecurity is more focused on prevention and mitigation. It has a primary goal of minimizing the risk of breaches or attacks, and responding effectively if these attacks are successfully carried out.
Which Is Better: Cybersecurity or Information Technology?
There is no simple answer to this question, as it heavily depends on specific interests, skills, and career aspirations. Aspiring tech-oriented professionals deeply committed to protecting vulnerable systems and individuals may be drawn to cybersecurity, but these goals can also be pursued under the broader scope of information technology. For this reason, a middle-ground approach can be appealing. That consists of degree programs that cover the broad spectrum of IT but also take a deep dive into relevant cybersecurity concepts and concerns.
12 Reasons to Pursue a Cybersecurity Degree
There is no single path to success in cybersecurity, but targeted training and experience like added knowledge in cybersecurity infrastructure, can provide a solid foundation for professional growth. That said, we’ve highlighted some of the most compelling advantages of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity:
1. High Demand and Job Security
The field of cybersecurity is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing frequency and complexity of cyber threats. Organizations across all sectors are investing heavily in security measures to protect sensitive data and maintain trust with customers and stakeholders. This escalating demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals translates into excellent job security and a wealth of opportunities for those entering or advancing in the field.
2. Competitive Salaries and Financial Stability
Cybersecurity and IT professionals often enjoy competitive salaries that reflect the critical importance of their roles. As these experts develop niche skills, obtain certifications, and pursue advanced degrees, their earning potential can increase significantly. High-level positions such as information security analysts, computer and information research scientists, or IT managers offer substantial financial rewards. Starting as entry-level analysts and advancing through continued education and experience can lead to a stable and lucrative career path in this dynamic industry.
3. Versatile Career Paths
Cybersecurity may seem like a targeted pursuit, but it actually represents an increasingly diverse field that includes numerous opportunities for specialization. Many cybersecurity analysts focus on emerging tools and technologies, while others hold strong domain knowledge that they can apply in sector-specific roles. Examples of compelling career opportunities include:
- Ethical hacker
- Cybersecurity project manager
- Cybersecurity enterprise architect
- Cloud cybersecurity analyst
- Cybersecurity research consultant
4. Growing Industry
Significant growth is anticipated for the cybersecurity industry and within the broader field of information technology. This growth spurs short-term demand, but also a variety of career opportunities that will remain relevant in years to come. These increasingly relate to artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain technology, and other emerging opportunities.
Cybersecurity students gain exposure to cutting-edge concepts that will be in high demand in the near future. They also develop the agility and adaptability needed to shift their focus as new opportunities continue to emerge.
5. Opportunities in Multiple Sectors
These days, every sector imaginable has a clear digital presence. As such, every sector needs strong support from cybersecurity systems, initiatives, and professionals. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cybersecurity. Solutions must be designed with sector-specific concerns in mind. As such, cybersecurity professionals are often drawn to targeted roles in healthcare, finance, eCommerce, and beyond.
6. Competitive Edge in the Job Market
As we’ve mentioned, there is a strong demand for cybersecurity professionals. Having said that, employers also want to feel confident that their cybersecurity strategies are developed and implemented by the industry’s most skilled and passionate individuals. A targeted cybersecurity degree can instantly convey this passion and dedication, thereby granting graduates a competitive edge as they pursue today’s hottest cybersecurity opportunities.
7. Global Career Opportunities
Cybersecurity concerns span not only entire industries, but also global initiatives. This international demand sparks unique opportunities for highly trained cybersecurity professionals who may find themselves collaborating with teams from all around the world.
Remote work facilitates many of these opportunities, but some cybersecurity professionals thrive as they travel to meet with experts in other regions or even other nations. The ideal degree program will provide a strong foundation not only in technical essentials, but also in soft skills that shape cross-cultural collaboration.
8. Opportunities for Remote Work and Work/Life Balance
Cybersecurity is uniquely well-suited to remote work, as professionals can develop and implement numerous impactful security solutions from afar. This became especially evident during pandemic lockdowns, but work-from-home opportunities have since remained popular among cybersecurity professionals and employers alike. Hybrid options are also available and may be appealing to those who crave flexibility and autonomy but still enjoy in-person interactions.
9. Intellectually Challenging Work
Cybersecurity professionals thrive on challenge and the constantly changing world of Cybersecurity ensures there is no shortage of this. As strong problem-solvers, cybersecurity professionals get a unique sense of satisfaction from detecting vulnerabilities and implementing effective solutions.
There are always new problems to be solved and new tools and technologies to be explored, so intellectual boredom is never a risk in this field. Cybersecurity students get a sneak peek at this level of challenge through their dynamic coursework, which places a strong emphasis on problem-solving through case studies, class projects, and work experiences.
10. Opportunities for Government Clearance Jobs
While corporate opportunities abound, many cybersecurity graduates aspire to work in high-level government roles, which often call for security clearance. Cybersecurity degrees can provide a solid start on the complex journey to achieving clearance. While primary considerations include personal conduct and financial concerns, cybersecurity degrees can expedite the path to obtaining a conditional offer of employment, which kick-starts the clearance process.
Accreditations and other distinctions can play into program selection, especially among students with government agency aspirations. For example, Baker College’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity program has influenced the college’s status as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) for Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) administered by the National Security Agency (NSA).
Baker College partners with the Department of Defense to offer the DoD Cyber Service Academy which provides students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through structured internships with DoD components. Selected scholars receive full tuition and required fees, a stipend to cover room and board, and consideration for full-time employment after graduation.
11. Eligibility for Higher Education and Research
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can open the door to a wealth of professional opportunities, but it also prepares students for the challenges of graduate school. This can be an especially compelling path for those who want to contribute to the rapidly growing body of cybersecurity research. Through undergraduate skill development, students gain the foundational tools needed for success in rigorous master’s and PhD programs.
12. Certification and Training Opportunities
While employers cite a strong preference for hiring cybersecurity professionals with relevant degrees, there is also a clear move toward credentialing and certification within the field at large. Thankfully, cybersecurity degrees provide powerful preparation for these certification efforts.
For instance, foundational coursework prepares students to take and pass the CompTIA A+ Essentials Exam. From there, students may pursue increasingly specialized certifications that correspond to specific interests or skills uncovered through cybersecurity coursework. Examples include:
- Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The Importance of Cybersecurity Education
Given the benefits highlighted above, you may have formulated your own answer to the question, “Which is better cybersecurity or information technology?” In truth, the correct answer lies with you, the student, but it is increasingly evident that cybersecurity training matters.
With the right degree program, this need not feel like an either-or situation. A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity should provide comprehensive coverage, but also, targeted skill development in cybersecurity. This knowledge is critical for addressing and mitigating cyber risks but will also prove relevant across a range of AI and IT jobs.
Get Started with Baker’s IT and Cybersecurity Degree
Do you envision a future in IT or cybersecurity? You can explore these fields and develop a powerful technical foundation with Baker College’s BS in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. Reach out today to learn more.