The technology and computer sectors continue to flourish and adapt as the world becomes more digital and cloud-based.
Education and work opportunities for people interested in a computer or information technology-related profession are many, and determining which path to take may be difficult.
Understanding the distinctions between cyber security and computer science will assist you in making a better-educated career decision and selecting the appropriate degree or employment.
This article defines computer science and cyber security similarities and differences, clarifies their distinctions, and discusses prospective career prospects in both professions. Continue reading to an overview of the job description, education requirements, skills, job outlook, and salaries.
Similarities and Differences
Computer science implies all aspects of computers and computing. Meanwhile, cybersecurity is a branch of computer science. Cybersecurity generally requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
There are some similarities and differences between these two. We’ll compare cybersecurity and computer science in terms of prerequisites, career prospects, compensation, and abilities needed to thrive in each profession.
Job Description
Cyber security is concerned with safeguarding an organization’s networks, devices, and data against unwanted access or digital assaults. Personal information, governmental information systems, genetic data, health information, and biometric data are all protected by this crucial sector.
Computer science is the study of computer technology, including hardware and software. It covers computational systems and theories, numerical analysis, computer design and development, software engineering, and graphics.
Education Requirements
Cybersecurity generally requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
You may also use a bachelor’s degree in homeland security to join the cybersecurity profession and get the necessary skills.
Students may further their cybersecurity education by getting a master’s degree in cybersecurity management.
This program will train graduates to identify risks and threats, establish preventative measures, and build business-specific security controls.
A cybersecurity bachelor’s degree may also equip students for the complicated and fast-paced field of information security.
Students usually study network, wireless, cloud, mobile security, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and business and cyber legislation.
On the other hand, a computer science bachelor’s degree program emphasizes the communication, arithmetic, and logic abilities needed to flourish in today’s quickly evolving computer culture. Students study technical skills such as programming languages, algorithm analysis, and computer problem-solving.
Most computer science jobs require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or another related field.
However, some entry-level web development jobs need an associate’s degree in computer science or web design.
Advanced engineering and managerial employment may require a master’s degree and professional certification in computer languages.
If you want to work in cybersecurity, you might consider studying computer science as an undergraduate and pursuing cybersecurity as a master’s degree or certificate program after graduation.
Security professionals benefit from a computer science background, but you may need further education to work in the sector.
It may seem that the choice between a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and one in computer science boils down to whether you want to study security or computers in general.
Skills
You’ll need some technical and non-technical abilities to succeed in cybersecurity. To access databases, handle files, and utilize spreadsheets and code, you need to have a thorough grasp of the technical equipment you employ.
You will need to improve programming, identifying and managing hazards, application design, reverse engineering, and other technical abilities.
In addition to the technical skills listed above, you will need non-technical skills such as communication, leadership, research, and writing.
Hard skills are the abilities you regularly employ to succeed. Many of these skills are technical when it comes to IT, such as:
- Computer and technology skills
- Data analysis
- Software development
- Technical writing
- Mathematics
Soft skills imply the intangible traits you bring to a job. Soft skills may also affect your productivity and ability to complete technical tasks.
The following abilities will help you succeed in computer science:
- Attention to detail
- Creativity
- Communication
- Time management
- Teamwork & cooperation
- Analysis
- Organization
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 28 percent rise in employment for cyber security between 2020 and 2030. This industry is likewise expanding, with 44,200 new jobs expected.
Are you looking for a career in the area of cyber security? Here are a few cyber security jobs to think about. The following data comes from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2022.
Information security analyst:
- Annual median wage: $103,590
- Advancement: Chief security officers are a possibility.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators:
- Annual median wage: $84,810
- Potential for advancement: Chief security officers
Computer Network Architects:
- Annual median wage: $116,780
- Advancement: Computer and information systems managers are possible.
The career future for computer scientists is bright since computer science is a burgeoning field that shows no indications of slowing down.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this industry may increase 15% from 2019 to 2029, with around 531,200 new positions.
Computer science has a substantially greater average growth rate than other careers, which offers the following positions:
Computer & Information Research Scientists:
- Annual median wage: $126,830
- Advancement: Computer and information systems managers are possible.
Computer Systems Analysts:
- Annual median wage: $93,730
- Advancement: IT directors or chief technology officers are possibilities.
Database Administrator:
- Annual median wage: $98,860
- Advancement: Computer and information systems managers are possible.
Individuals with the necessary abilities and understanding of the industry have bright career possibilities.
In most cases, your career will begin with an entry-level position or possibly an internship. You advance into senior roles or perhaps leadership responsibilities as your experience grows.
Salaries
As a cyber security specialist, your salaries depend on your role and the firm you work for.
According to the recent cybersecurity studies, these specialists earn an average of $116,920 per year in the United States. The highest wage reported is $179,285 per year, while the lowest is $64,203.
Computer scientists received an average early career income of $82,203 and a mid-career salary of $140,914.
Other firms that pay well for this position include the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Navy, which pay roughly $125,000 and $106,000.
Spawar pays the least, about $67,466 per year. The Air Force Research Laboratory and the United States Army pay $70,302 and $74,819, respectively, on the lower end of the scale.
Adobe Systems Incorporated has the highest reported salary, with an average of $146,095.
Comparison Table
| Computers science | Cyber Security | |
|---|---|---|
| Job description | Computer science is the study of computer technology, including hardware and software. | Cyber security is concerned with safeguarding an organization’s networks, devices, and data against unwanted access or digital assaults. |
| Education requirements | A computer science bachelor’s degree program emphasizes the communication, arithmetic, and logic abilities needed to flourish in today’s quickly evolving computer culture. | A cybersecurity bachelor’s degree may equip students for the complicated and fast-paced field of information security. |
| Skills | – Computer and technology skills – Data analysis – Software development – Technical writing – Mathematics | – Programming – Identifying and managing hazards – Application design – Reverse engineering |
| Job Outlook | Between 2020 and 2030, computer science jobs will expand by 13%. | Between 2020 and 2030, cyber security jobs will expand by 33%. |
| Salary | $140,914 | $116,920 |
Which Career Is Best For You?
The main difference between cyber security professionals and computer scientists is what they do.
A cyber security specialist’s daily routine includes installing firewalls, auditing security systems, reporting data breaches, and assessing networks.
On the other hand, a computer scientist could focus on creating new software features, web development, or database administration.
Individuals with a background in computer science or cyber security may pursue various job options. Because their educational experiences are similar, it may be possible to go from cyber security to computer science and vice versa.
Whatever path you choose, you’ll need to locate a good school to help you succeed. Finally, it is up to you to make that choice.
Do you want to be a software engineer or a cyber professional? Any path is worthwhile; if you are ready to put in the effort, you will succeed in either sector.
You might even earn a computer science degree and work in a cyber profession based on your specific expertise or qualifications. You may also easily invent software security features as a cyber specialist.
In the following video, a guy is talking about why he opted to study cyber security instead of computer science as an undergraduate degree:
FAQs
Which is better: computer security or cyber security?
Computer security is concerned with safeguarding your personal computers, laptops, and other electronic devices. It also entails keeping these systems up to date and patched.
On the other hand, cyber security may secure the data stored in your networks and your computers, printers, and other devices.
Is cyber security better than data science?
Data science’s primary goal is to extract useful information from large amounts of data by processing it into smaller, more organized data sets. Cyber security protects and secures big data pools and networks against unauthorized access.
Who earns more than a cyber security or data scientist?
A data scientist’s beginning income is somewhat more significant than a cyber security expert, with most data scientists earning $124,540 per year, potentially rising to $188,424 per year. A senior data scientist may make up to $250,000 per year in the United States.
Is cyber security complex?
Learning cybersecurity might be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be, particularly if you’re interested in technology.
Develop an interest in the technology you work with, and you may discover that complex abilities become simpler.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between computer science and cyber security will help you decide on your study and career path.
After gathering the information, you’ll need to do more research to truly understand where these two exciting technology areas can take you.
Hopefully, the above comparison will help you make the right decision.