"Cybersecurity" Major

http://www.semo.edu/pdf/degree_map/COSTA_Cybersecurity_FINAL.pdf

This is the link to the cybersecurity course list of the school that I am going to be attending. I am looking for some input on if I am making the right choice here. I am planning on majoring in cybersecurity and getting a minor in computer science for some extra programming practice and knowledge.

You can compare the cybersecurity courses from the link above to the computer science courses in the link below. I was on the fence for a long time on which major to choose. But, I arrived at the cybersecurity decision because of their diverse courses.

http://www.semo.edu/pdf/degree_map/COSTA_ComputerScience_FINAL.pdf

Let me know what you think!
Thanks

Cybersecurity is a niche field, but if you’re interested in it, go for it.

The main downside is that there will be fewer jobs available for someone with a Cybersecurity degree than someone with a CS degree. You may have to move to where the jobs are.

The upside is that you’d have specialized knowledge that companies would likely pay a premium for.

The CS program is much more rigorous and thorough and I suppose it will get a lot more respect from employers. It is also ABET accredited. But if you are not strong enough of a student to get through it I think the other one still can be useful.

Cybersecurity can be a very rigorous field. My eyes glaze over when I look at some of the algorithms they use, and classes like Logic Circuits, Microcontrollers, and Mathematical Cryptography aren’t exactly basket-weaving.

I’d characterize Cybersecurity as a type of “Applied Computer Science”, maybe analogous to a field like mathematical computation or.data visualization.

Did you look at the two course outlines? I don’t want to look again but the cybersecurity program didn’t require much math, not calculus and iirc was more survey type classes with some business mixed in.

I looked at both. Some of the classes in the Cybersecurity program look as tough as those in the CS program, while others look easier.

I have a CS degree, and have always felt that there is too much theory and not enough practicality in most CS programs. The degrees are structured to send people to graduate school, not the workforce. That’s why I kinda’ like the Cybersecurity program. Employers want people with practical skills more than theoretical knowledge.

A programmer can go through their whole career without ever using Calculus. I’ve never seem a job ad for a programmer than listed Calculus as a requirement.

I have college credit for calc 1 from my AP CALC in high school.

Thanks to you both. As of right now, I am planning on the Cybersecurity major with a computer science minor so I get extra CS classes and programming in there.