Cybersecurity
What you'll do in college
Cybersecurity majors study how to defend networks, systems, and data from attack.
Coursework blends computer science fundamentals — networking, operating systems, programming — with security-specific topics like cryptography, penetration testing, digital forensics, secure software design, and risk management. Programs lean heavily on hands-on labs, capture-the-flag exercises, and industry certifications (Security+, CISSP, CEH).
What you'll do after college
Grads move into roles like security analyst, penetration tester, incident responder, security engineer, and digital forensics investigator. Demand is intense and broad — every organization that runs on technology needs people to keep it secure — and the talent shortage keeps pay high and growth fast.
Clear specialization paths open up into areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, security architecture, and governance, with a strong pipeline into government, defense, and finance.
Selectivity vs. earnings
By acceptance rate
By SAT median
Earnings by acceptance rate and institution category
Majors in this category
| Major | Colleges | Degrees ▼ | Male/Female | Intl | Earnings | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity | 314 | 8,281 | 79% / 21% | 5% | $87,858 | 96% |
| Cybersecurity | 278 | 7,497 | 79% / 21% | 5% | $87,443 | 96% |
| Cyber Forensics | 11 | 146 | 73% / 27% | 2% | $72,181 | 97% |
| Cyber Security Engineering | 1 | 115 | 77% / 23% | 10% | $135,991 | 100% |
| Digital Forensics | 4 | 91 | 78% / 22% | 1% | $75,490 | 97% |
| Business Cybersecurity | 1 | 82 | 88% / 12% | 0% | $90,183 | 100% |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance | 2 | 76 | 59% / 41% | 3% | $91,961 | |
| Cybersecurity Science & Operations | 1 | 55 | 87% / 13% | 2% | $96,155 | |
| Cyber Forensics and Security | 1 | 54 | 83% / 17% | 13% | $98,069 | 100% |
| Cyber Operations | 7 | 50 | 80% / 20% | 2% | $75,229 | |
| Computer and Information Systems Security | 6 | 33 | 85% / 15% | 0% | $81,896 | 96% |
| Cyber Security | 2 | 18 | 78% / 22% | 11% | $110,068 | 94% |
| Cybersecurity & Network Administration | 1 | 13 | 92% / 8% | 8% | $78,024 | |
| Cybersecurity Management | 2 | 11 | 73% / 27% | 0% | $87,322 | |
| Computer Forensics | 1 | 11 | 91% / 9% | 0% | $94,873 | |
| Cyber and Electronic Warfare | 1 | 9 | 89% / 11% | 0% | $118,111 | |
| Cyber and Digital Forensics | 1 | 8 | 50% / 50% | 12% | $68,056 | 97% |
| Cyber Forensics and Counterterrorism | 1 | 3 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $89,694 | |
| Cybersecurity Defense Strategy | 1 | 3 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $56,913 | 100% |
| Maritime Cybersecurity | 2 | 2 | 50% / 50% | 0% | $76,537 | |
| Cybersecurity & Intelligence | 1 | 2 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $90,001 | |
| Cybersecurity Strategy | 1 | 2 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $66,355 | |
| Information Systems and Cybersecurity Management | 1 | 0 | $104,669 |