IT vs. Cyber Security Degree: What’s the Difference?

Author: University of North Dakota
May 24, 2024

In an era often dubbed the digital age, the relevance of degree programs associated with technology has surged.

This increased demand reflects the critical role these degrees play in developing and maintaining our interconnected world. Among these, degrees in Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity stand out due to their importance in safeguarding and managing digital infrastructure. 

While today there are a plethora of degree one can choose in their pursuit of having a career in technology, two degrees stand out: information technology (IT) and cybersecurity. As prospective students navigate their educational paths, many find themselves in the IT vs cybersecurity dilemma. Which one is better? Each offers unique skills and career opportunities, and understanding their similarities and differences is the sure way to making an informed decision.

What Is a Cybersecurity Degree?

A cybersecurity degree focuses on protecting information systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and attacks. This field, more specific than general IT, arms students with knowledge and tools to combat hackers, secure networks, and ensure the privacy and integrity of sensitive information. The curriculum typically covers topics such as ethical hacking, cryptography, digital forensics, and compliance. 

Cybersecurity degrees offer a range of career paths that cater to various skills and interests, from technical roles to leadership positions. Here are some key areas within the field:

• Engineering and Architecture
• Incident Response
• Management and Administration
• Testing and Hacking
• Consulting

These options emphasize proactive strategies in cyber defense, making the degree highly specialized with a focus on securing digital assets.

What Is an Information Technology Degree?

IT is a broad term and such is its degree which incudes the study and application of systems for storing, retrieving, and sending information. This degree provides a foundation in both the technical and administrative aspects of technology operations, including network administration, systems analysis, and database management.

IT programs equip students with the skills to manage and configure technology infrastructures and ensure they support an organization's strategic goals.

Specific roles suited for graduates with an IT degree include:

• Network Administrator
• Systems Analyst
• Database Administrator
• IT Project Manager

With its wide-ranging focus, an IT degree offers flexibility in various sectors, allowing students to adapt technology solutions to business needs.

What’s the Difference Between a Cybersecurity and Information Technology Degree?

Understanding the educational requirements, skill set, salary, and job outlook associated with careers stemming from cybersecurity and information technology degrees is crucial for determining to determine which one is the right career path for you.

Both fields offer excellent opportunities within the fast-evolving tech landscape, catering to different interests and skills. Below, we'll explore the specifics of each field to help clarify their distinctions and overlaps, aiding in a more informed decision-making process.

Education Requirements

A career in cybersecurity typically begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, which serves as the foundational entry point into the field. Such programs are designed to equip students with essential skills in network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking, so they can incorporate practical experiences in information security, systems protection, and vulnerability assessment.

For those who may not wish to commit to a full degree, a minor in cybersecurity offers a valuable supplement to majors in computer science or information technology, providing specialized knowledge in cybersecurity measures, threat detection, and data protection strategies.

For those eager to learn more and grow their career, graduate degrees, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or Ph.D., allow for deeper specialization and are geared toward those seeking leadership roles. These graduate programs cover advanced topics such as forensic computing, advanced cryptography, and cyber operations, preparing students for roles that require a high level of expertise in protecting organizations from cyber threats.

The educational pathway into IT often begins with a bachelor's degree in computer science, a versatile foundation for various IT careers. Another option is a bachelor's in information technology, which zeros in on the practical applications of technology within business settings. Such degrees impart a broad understanding of computing technology, covering essential areas such as programming, software engineering, algorithms, and data structures. Students also have the option to specialize in more focused areas like network security or database management, depending on their interests and career aspirations.

While both fields offer pathways for specialization at the graduate level, their focus distinctly differs. Cybersecurity education concentrates on security aspects, equipping students with the skills to defend against cyber threats and manage security technologies. In contrast, IT education offers a broader technological curriculum, focusing on developing skills to design, implement, and effectively manage technology solutions that enhance and support business operations.

Skill Set Requirements

Both fields require a strong foundation in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and technical proficiency. However, the specific skills cultivated through each degree program are tailored to meet distinct career goals and industry demands, enabling graduates to thrive in targeted roles within the expansive landscape of technology and security.

In cybersecurity, the skill set is deeply rooted in the defense and protection of digital environments. These specialized skills and qualities are critical in identifying and responding to cyber threats and typically include: 

• Ability to identify unauthorized access and potential breaches in networks.
• Skills in creating software applications that are secure from the design phase to deployment.
• Expertise in applying cryptographic methods to secure data during transmission, storage, and processing.
• Proficiency in assessing potential risks to information systems and implementing strategies to mitigate these risks.

Conversely, the skill set for IT is oriented towards the creation, management, and effective operation of information systems:

• Skills in setting up, configuring, and maintaining networks.
• Expertise in managing databases, including storage, modification, and extraction of data.
• Ability to provide support and quickly resolve technical issues to minimize downtime and maintain business productivity.
• Skills in integrating various technological systems and software to work seamlessly together.

Salary and Job Outlook

Both cybersecurity and IT fields offer excellent financial rewards and career growth opportunities, yet their market demands and specific job trajectories present unique advantages.

Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly vital as digital threats continue to evolve and multiply. This surge in demand is mirrored by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projection of 32% employment growth for information security analysts from 2022 to 2032—a rate much faster than the average for all occupations. This means an addition of 16,800 new job openings every year during the decade. The high demand for cybersecurity professionals is also reflected in their compensation, with an estimated average annual salary of $120,360. 

Information Technology, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of systems-oriented opportunities and is essential across virtually all sectors. The IT field is expected to see substantial growth, with the BLS projecting about 377,500 new openings each year through 2032 due to employment growth and the need to replace workers. The median annual wage for IT occupations stands at $104,420. This lucrative compensation highlights the enduring demand for IT expertise that drives continual business innovation and efficiency.

What to Consider Before Choosing Your Major?

Choosing between majors like cybersecurity and information technology—or any field—requires a thoughtful assessment of what best aligns with one's personal interests, professional goals, and lifestyle needs.

Your Interests and Your Goals

So, firstly, selecting a major that resonates with your passions and career objectives is essential for long-term satisfaction and success. Consider the story of Julia Dewhurst, who transferred to UND and chose cybersecurity because it matched her love for problem-solving and her desire to protect people's data. Her experience at UND, where she found a community through the Society of Women Engineers, illustrates the importance of environment and support in higher education. 

Julia's involvement in campus life transformed her from a shy newcomer into a well-rounded, outgoing individual, showcasing how the right program can not only build your skills but also enrich your personal growth and professional network.

The Program’s Flexibility

Flexibility in a degree program is another crucial factor, especially for students who need to balance academic responsibilities with personal commitments. Programs that offer both online and on-campus options provide the necessary versatility.

At UND, for example, both the cybersecurity and computer science bachelor's degree programs are available online and on campus. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to fit their lives, ensuring they don't have to sacrifice personal obligations to advance their careers.

Salary Expectations

Finally, consider the financial aspect of your chosen field. Evaluating the return on investment (ROI) of your education is important, as it impacts your economic stability post-graduation. Fields like IT and cybersecurity not only offer intellectually fulfilling careers but also promise strong salary prospects, which can justify the initial cost of education. Understanding the potential earnings in your chosen field can guide you in making an informed decision about which major to pursue.

Conclusion

All in all, the main distinction between IT and cybersecurity lies in their focus: IT covers a broad spectrum of technology applications and system management, ensuring that infrastructures work seamlessly. In contrast, cybersecurity focuses on protecting these systems from threats and unauthorized access. 

Regardless of whether your passion lies in safeguarding digital assets or managing diverse technological operations, UND offers programs tailored to both career paths. Explore UND's programs and choose to catch cyber threats or connect systems.

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