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What Is Cybersecurity?

Consider these scenarios: A hacker breaks into a computer network to steal credit card numbers. A data thief infiltrates the back end of a company website to access Social Security information. In today’s digital landscape, names, addresses, financial figures, and so much more are stored and shared online. How do organizations protect their clients’ data? The answer is taking cybersecurity measures. From dedicated cybersecurity software to reliable incident response plans, a robust cybersecurity infrastructure is crucial to protect users, businesses, and organizations.

Many cybersecurity and computer science professionals specialize in certain areas such as penetration testing, risk management, network security, and digital forensics. These specialties allow experts to focus on specific types of cyberthreats and ways to mitigate them.

If cybersecurity sounds like a good fit for you, one of the best ways to begin your cybersecurity career path is to earn a degree. Read on to learn more.

What Can I Do with a Cybersecurity Degree in 2025?

You may be wondering what exactly you can do with a cybersecurity degree. For starters, a degree in cybersecurity goes beyond computer science or other general IT disciplines. There are also many roles you can pursue upon completing a degree program. Some cybersecurity professionals opt to work for the military or any number of government agencies. Others are employed for large or small companies in myriad industries. A career in cyberdefense may require skills ranging from programming and data management to network engineering.

Cybersecurity in the Military and Government

The military and government are two sectors with a crucial need for cybersecurity specialists. Individuals in these sectors help to defend sensitive data and may even collaborate with leaders around the world to secure national and international intelligence. High-level security and privacy protocols are key to staving off cybercrime as it relates to government information.

Cybersecurity analysts, engineers, managers, and technicians constitute integral roles for virtual military security. Those with a firm understanding of coding, network information systems, incident response, and military standards are ideal candidates for a military cybersecurity career. As the field advances, military industries will continue to rely on cybersecurity experts who can help safeguard their computer-based assets.

Cybersecurity in the Private Sector

Many corporations rely on cybersecurity professionals for data and network safety. Within the private sector, there are a number of lucrative cybersecurity career opportunities. Some professionals work for software companies, helping to design the tools that protect other organizations. Others are hired directly by businesses to manage internal security operations. Their responsibilities might include writing secure code, evaluating software security options, and implementing systems that protect company data.

Cybersecurity engineers and architects play a critical role in building and maintaining secure systems. Their work includes designing defense strategies, running vulnerability tests, and applying patches to prevent breaches.

In other roles, professionals like auditors, penetration testers, and ethical hackers simulate cyberattacks to identify weaknesses in an organization’s defenses. Then there are specialists who manage best practices, ensure regulatory compliance, update security software, and monitor for suspicious activity.

No matter the path, cybersecurity careers demand a commitment to ongoing research, continuous learning, and staying current with emerging technologies and threats.

Types of Cybersecurity Programs

If you’ve decided to pursue a cybersecurity degree, the next step is choosing the right program. You should consider whether a bachelor’s, master’s, or certification-focused track best suits your goals and experience level.

Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity

A cybersecurity bachelor’s degree is a great starting point if you’re new to the field. It provides the foundational knowledge needed to enter the workforce and begin building a cybersecurity career. Most bachelor’s programs include introductory coursework in:

• Network and systems security
• Information assurance
• Risk management
• Cybersecurity ethics

Undergraduate programs often incorporate hands-on labs and simulations to help students develop technical and analytical skills. A bachelor’s degree also exposes you to various areas of cybersecurity, so you can discover which specialty you’re most passionate about.

Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a similar field, a cybersecurity master’s degree may be a great next step, since it can help you:

• Transition into cybersecurity from another field.
• Deepen your expertise in a specific area such as cloud security or digital forensics.
• Increase your earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
• Boost your résumé with specialized, in-demand skills.

Graduate programs tend to focus on advanced technical concepts and management-level strategies. This level of education may open doors to leadership roles or senior positions in high-stakes environments.

Cybersecurity Certifications

In addition to degree programs, many cybersecurity careers benefit from professional certifications. Certifications demonstrate your understanding of current information security tools, platforms, and best practices. Some of the most common industry certifications include the following:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• CompTIA CySA+

Many degree programs bundle certifications into the curriculum at no extra cost, which allows students to earn a degree and certifications together at the same time while saving money. This dual focus can strengthen your portfolio, broaden your skill set, and help you stand out to employers.

Cybersecurity Coursework

The curricula in cybersecurity programs vary by institution, but most include a combination of technical, legal, and managerial subjects. Expect to study topics like:

• IT fundamentals and systems architecture.
• Risk assessment and management.
• Data and network security.
• Web development and secure coding practices.
• Digital forensics and penetration testing.
• Cyber law and regulatory compliance.
• Technical communication and documentation.

When choosing a cybersecurity program, be sure to consider your career goals. For example, if you’re interested in working in homeland security, look out for programs that cover government-specific systems and protocols. If your focus will be in information assurance, prioritize programs that offer deep dives into that topic.

Choosing a College for Cybersecurity

Once you've settled on earning a degree, the next decision is where to study. With so many colleges offering cybersecurity programs, there are important criteria you should consider when deciding, such as:

• Tuition
• Accreditation
• Financial aid
• Certification offerings
• Career services and support
• Program flexibility

Online Colleges and Cybersecurity

For many students, online learning is a flexible and accessible path to a cybersecurity degree. Institutions like WGU offer online, accredited degree programs that let students balance their studies with work and family life.

Online programs are advantageous for cybersecurity students, in particular, since they can be completed from anywhere and with no set class times. In addition, these kinds of programs usually offer virtual labs with real-world software, so you can prove your ability to work independently and in technology-enabled environments.

When choosing an online degree program, consider factors like tuition cost, industry-relevant coursework, opportunities for experiential learning, and certifications. Competency-based education models—like the one used by WGU—allow you to advance through courses as quickly as you demonstrate mastery of the material.

Start Your Cybersecurity Career with WGU

The cybersecurity field is growing fast, and with it, the need for well-trained professionals who understand both the technical and ethical aspects of digital protection. Whether you’re looking to begin or advance your career, there’s a path for you at WGU.

By enrolling in a WGU cybersecurity bachelor’s or master’s degree program and taking advantage of its selection of valuable industry certifications, you can feel prepared for a rewarding and dynamic career in cybersecurity.

Learn more today.