You may wonder what is the difference between cybersecurity vs computer science. Well, these two are key tech career paths.
No wonder you may want to know which is the right course to take. Thus, this article will aim to help you.
So, keep on reading.
What is Computer Science?
For one, computer science is a broad field. It houses various computer and computing studies. It covers:
- technology analysis
- administration
- security
- video game development
- and more
So, you can say that cybersecurity is its subset.
Further, learning computer science means having basic knowledge about:
- IT hardware and software
- programming and analysis
- networks and security
- and more
Also, taking this career path opens many doors. You can be a:
- systems analyst
- engineer
- developer
- administrator
What is Cybersecurity?
As said, cybersecurity is a subset of computer science. But it now has its field of study and degree programs. It focuses on keeping data and all digital assets from threats all over the internet.
Further, it covers areas like:
- programming
- cyberthreats
- malware and intruder detection
- risk analysis and mitigation
- incident response
So, if you want to take this path, you can be a:
- cybersecurity manager
- ethical hacker
- intelligence analyst
- counterterrorism analyst
Cybersecurity vs Computer Science
Courses
What are some of the courses you can take with each one? Let us take a look. See below.
Cybersecurity.
- Cyber Policy, Law, and Privacy Compliance. This will help you learn about legalities. Then, know how to design a company’s security while abiding by these.
- Database Design and Security. Covers database design. Then, it will teach to spot flaws. Ones that will lead to breaches. After, you will know how to cover said flaws.
- Cryptography. Teaches you about its algorithms, authentication, and public keys. Also, will teach you how to safely transfer data.
- Network Security. Covers secure network design. As well as protocols and privacy. You will also learn about access control.
Computer Science.
- Introduction to Computer Systems. Covers principles of engineering. May it be computer hardware or software. Topics include virtual memory and threading. As well as file systems.
- Data Structures and Algorithms. Teaches you its theory and applications. Then, how to solve computing problems.
- Software Engineering. Helps you design and test software systems. As well as path testing and more.
- Data Analysis. Covers topics like hypothesis testing. As well as modeling and more.
Ready to choose one? Or not yet? Then, let us see some more. There are still other differences. What are these?
Career Path
So, what career path can you take? Let us see samples for each one. Of course, let us see potential salaries. Exciting, right?
Cybersecurity.
- Information Security Analyst. Salary range of $57,810 to $158,860 per year.
- Computer Systems Analyst. Annual salary of $90,920 to over $147,670.
- Computer Network Architect. A yearly salary of $64,770 to over $168,390.
Computer Science.
- Database Admin. $51,800 to over $148,060 salary per year.
- Software Developer. Salary range of $61,660 to over $161,290 a year.
Well, that does not sound bad. Right? Why? Because experts in both fields are in demand. So, it does not matter which one you will choose. You will have places to go.