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 | Earnings | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity | 307 | 8,084 | 79% / 21% | 5% | $83,425 | 97% |
| Cybersecurity | 281 | 7,557 | 79% / 21% | 5% | $83,047 | 97% |
| Cyber Forensics | 12 | 153 | 73% / 27% | 2% | $68,724 | 97% |
| Cyber Security Engineering | 1 | 115 | 77% / 23% | 10% | $135,997 | 100% |
| Digital Forensics | 4 | 91 | 78% / 22% | 1% | $71,804 | 99% |
| Cyber Forensics and Security | 1 | 54 | 83% / 17% | 13% | $90,105 | 100% |
| Cyber Operations | 7 | 50 | 80% / 20% | 2% | $77,812 | |
| Cyber Security | 2 | 18 | 78% / 22% | 11% | $91,694 | 100% |
| Cybersecurity & Network Administration | 1 | 13 | 92% / 8% | 8% | $97,423 | |
| Cyber and Electronic Warfare | 1 | 9 | 89% / 11% | 0% | $92,564 | |
| Cyber and Digital Forensics | 1 | 8 | 50% / 50% | 12% | $68,031 | 97% |
| Cybersecurity Management | 1 | 4 | 100% / 0% | 0% | ||
| Cyber Forensics and Counterterrorism | 1 | 3 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $66,945 | |
| Cybersecurity Defense Strategy | 1 | 3 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $49,328 | |
| Maritime Cybersecurity | 2 | 2 | 50% / 50% | 0% | $67,804 | |
| Cybersecurity & Intelligence | 1 | 2 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $66,532 | |
| Cybersecurity Strategy | 1 | 2 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $64,151 |