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 vs. selectivity rank
Majors in this category
| Major | Colleges | Degrees ▼ | Male/Female | Intl | 5yr Earn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity | 265 | 6,667 | 78% / 22% | 4% | $91,676 |
| Cybersecurity | 240 | 6,106 | 79% / 21% | 4% | $91,521 |
| Cyber Forensics | 12 | 185 | 66% / 34% | 1% | $65,695 |
| Cyber Security Engineering | 1 | 114 | 78% / 22% | 15% | $162,005 |
| Digital Forensics | 4 | 89 | 80% / 20% | 1% | $69,804 |
| Cyber Operations | 8 | 72 | 75% / 25% | 1% | |
| Cyber Forensics and Security | 1 | 61 | 89% / 11% | 16% | $90,607 |
| Cyber Security | 2 | 13 | 100% / 0% | 0% | |
| Cyber and Digital Forensics | 1 | 11 | 91% / 9% | 9% | $68,410 |
| Cyber and Electronic Warfare | 1 | 9 | 89% / 11% | 11% | |
| Cybersecurity & Intelligence | 1 | 4 | 75% / 25% | 0% | |
| Cyber Forensics and Counterterrorism | 1 | 2 | 100% / 0% | 0% | |
| Cybersecurity Strategy | 1 | 1 | 100% / 0% | 0% |