Do You Need a Degree for Cybersecurity Jobs?

The cybersecurity industry is vast, offering a range of positions from entry-level to C-level. While many positions require at least a bachelor's degree, entering the field with the right amount of experience is possible. In such a fast-paced industry, where technology moves quickly and the need for certain skills outweighs available candidates, you’ll find opportunities whether you have a degree or not.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for someone in this field is expected to grow significantly by 2032 while also offering above-average salaries, even for entry-level jobs [1]. 

In this article, learn more about working in the cybersecurity industry and gain insights to help you weigh the pros of working toward a degree versus trying to enter the field without one. 

Read more: What Is Cybersecurity? Definition + Industry Guide

What does a cybersecurity professional do?

As a cybersecurity professional, you will help protect computer systems, networks, and data from threats and cyberattacks. In cybersecurity, you’ll find a range of jobs and disciplines and a variety of required skills and experience. You might work as one of the following:

• Cybersecurity analyst: Analyzes cybersecurity threats and finds solutions

• Cybersecurity auditor: Audits and reports on companies’ security systems

• Ethical hacker: A penetration tester spotting potential security weaknesses

• Cybersecurity architect: Senior position that designs and maintains network security infrastructure

Read more: 10 Cybersecurity Jobs: Entry-Level and Beyond

Salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for information security analyst in the US is $140,367 per year [2]. This figure includes an average base salary of $112,002 and $28,365 in additional pay. Additional pay may represent profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses.

The job outlook for cybersecurity positions is also excellent, as skilled workers are in very high demand. According to the BLS, this industry will grow by 32 percent between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 16,800 job openings projected each year during that period [1].

Do you need a degree for cybersecurity jobs?

Whether or not you need a degree to work in cybersecurity is an often-debated subject with conflicting advice; in the end, it comes down to the job you want to apply for, your level of experience, relevant skills, and whether you hold any certifications.

Employers report a skills gap in the industry as the demand for cybersecurity professionals grows. While a degree is important to some employers, it is possible to enter the field of cybersecurity without a degree. However, this isn’t an industry for those with no experience. You must have relevant skills, experience, and credentials if you don't have a degree. A degree is also a way of helping you stand out and position yourself for the most in-demand jobs.

It’s important to note that not all cybersecurity jobs are technical, and a cybersecurity degree isn’t always relevant for these jobs. Professionals from disciplines such as law, education, management, and other areas are moving into cybersecurity. That said, many of these jobs still require significant experience or a degree in a different field. 

Possible degree options

When you're considering a cybersecurity career, first think about the type of role you would like and make sure you align your degree choice. You can study for degrees specifically in cybersecurity, but other degrees are also highly useful. 

Examples include:

• Security engineering

• Computer engineering

• Computer programming

• Computer science 

• Information technology

As you’ll have noted above, not all cybersecurity roles are technical, so if a nontechnical position is your aim, you'll study your related field instead of a technical subject.

Entry-level positions in cybersecurity without a degree

If you’re just starting in cybersecurity, an entry-level position is a great way of gaining experience. In the world of cybersecurity, even entry-level positions are usually well-paid.

Below you’ll find some examples of entry-level cybersecurity jobs you may be able to score without a degree, along with their average annual base salaries in the United States. Note that these jobs still require relevant experience and demonstration of essential skills:

• Security auditor: $91,214

• Cybersecurity analyst: $94,431

• Junior penetration tester: $92,181

• Software developer: $108,067

• Malware analyst: $80,820

• Computer programmer: $84,709

• Security operations center analyst: $76,272

• Incident responder: $47,818 

*All salary information is sourced from Glassdoor as of October 2024.

Read more: 15 Essential Skills for Cybersecurity Analysts

Management and specialist positions in cybersecurity requiring a degree

As with any industry, a certain level of position usually stipulates a bachelor's or even a master’s degree as essential criteria. Within the field of cybersecurity, these positions include:

• Chief information security officer (CISO): $186,153

• Cybersecurity architect: $134,761

• Cybersecurity consultant: $113,553 

• Information security manager: $148,976

• Cybersecurity manager: $133,420

• Lead software security engineer: $140,606

• Cybersecurity director: $132,999

• Principal network security engineer: $144,121

*All salary information is sourced from Glassdoor as of May 2024. 

Pros of studying for a cybersecurity degree

As you decide whether to study for a cybersecurity degree, looking at some of the benefits of doing so can be helpful. These include higher pay, access to high-level positions, and a way of learning cybersecurity skills and knowledge, giving you expertise in the field. Let’s take a look.

1. Can work at management level 

It's possible to enter the cybersecurity industry without a degree. However, certain management-level, executive-level, and specialist positions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, so moving into these positions at a later date will require you to go to college. 

2. Fast-track career path

Having a degree in cybersecurity sets you apart from candidates who don’t, even if it is not a requirement for the role. In such a fast-paced emerging industry, having a degree to demonstrate your credentials can help you secure a job and fast-track your career path. 

3. Higher salary

The cybersecurity industry is one of the highest-paying in the technology sector. To reach the best-paying jobs, you’ll usually need to hold a degree, especially at the management level. 

4. Gain experience and knowledge 

Earning a degree is a way to learn specialist skills and knowledge that you apply through practical assessments and experience during your degree course. Having three to four years of studying and practicing cybersecurity arms you with a solid skills base to start out in this career. 

Pros of starting in cybersecurity without a degree

While earning a degree offers some advantages, some people in the cybersecurity industry may think degrees aren’t necessary and that it’s skills that really count. This is great news if you are not looking to pursue a degree and have other means to learn your skills, such as relevant certifications or experience from a similar role. Some pros of getting started without a degree are below.

Read more: How to Get Into Cybersecurity Without a Degree

1. Quick start

A degree can be a significant time commitment, typically taking three to four years to complete. Other options such as certifications, bootcamps, volunteer experience, or self-study all count in gaining valuable skills and experience but are a lot quicker. 

Read more: Is Cybersecurity Hard to Learn? 9 Tips for Success

2. No tuition fees or student loans

Pursuing your cybersecurity career without a degree means you don’t start your working life with debt or a big cost outlay. By opting not to obtain a degree, you will likely save thousands of dollars. 

3. Learn on the job

If your skills prove enough to help you secure an entry-level job in cybersecurity without a degree, you’ll benefit from valuable on-the-job training. You’ll focus on the skills that make you adaptable and exciting to employers. This places you in an environment where you meet people with pertinent experience to share, making useful professional connections.

Essential skills for a career in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is an emerging field, continually growing and developing, with new technology and the need to tackle new forms of online threats. As a result, having up-to-date, relevant skills is essential. Whether you have a degree or not, employers expect you to demonstrate specific skills and knowledge in the field. Let’s take a look at the essential skills for a career in cybersecurity.

Technical skills:

• Wireless security

• Risk assessment

• Penetration testing

• Cloud security

• Digital forensics

• Programming languages 

• Network security hardware and software

• Windows operating systems

• Encryption

Workplace skills:

• Attention to detail

• Curiosity

• Persistence

• Critical thinking

• Adaptability

• Communication skills 

• Problem-solving 

Get started with Coursera 

Whether you have a cybersecurity degree or not, a Professional Certificate is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and practice your skills should you want to get started in cybersecurity. Check out the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera, which gives you the opportunity to develop job-ready skills. This program covers topics like the foundations of cybersecurity, how to manage risks, network security, and more. Upon completing the program, receive a shareable Professional Certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.