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Date: 25 July 2025
In today’s cybersecurity job market, there are more paths than ever to get started. You can earn industry certifications, enroll in a bootcamp, take online courses, or even land a job through hands-on experience and a strong portfolio.
The question is: where does that leave the traditional (or even online) cybersecurity degree?
It’s a question a lot of people are asking right now. With the rapid evolution of AI tools, cheaper education options, and growing demand for skilled workers, is a degree still worth the time and cost?
Let’s break down the real pros and cons of getting a cybersecurity degree in 2025, especially for those who already understand the basics of networking, IP traffic, or system security.
Pro: A Degree Signals Depth and Commitment
For better or worse, many hiring managers still look for a degree on your resume. Even if they also value certifications or project work, a degree shows that you’ve committed to structured learning over time and followed through.
This matters most at larger organisations or in highly regulated sectors like finance, defence, and healthcare. A degree is often required for security clearance, certain government contracts, or compliance-heavy roles.
In some companies, a degree is also necessary if you want to move into management, security architecture, or risk leadership later in your career.
Pro: Broader Foundations Than Bootcamps or Certs
A good cybersecurity degree covers more than just tools and techniques. You’ll study how operating systems are built, how networks are structured, how cryptography works, and how security policy fits into business operations.
Certifications like Security+ or CySA+ can teach you what to do. A degree teaches you why it matters. This can be the difference between someone who follows a playbook and someone who can write one.
For example, a degree programme might help you understand why a certain firewall rule could break DNS resolution, or how a minor change in key length could affect cryptographic strength. These are concepts that go beyond checkbox learning.
Pro: Better Access to Internships and Entry-Level Jobs
Many degree programmes, especially those at universities recognised as NSA Centers of Academic Excellence, are well connected with employers. They may offer internship pipelines, career fairs, or faculty recommendations that help you land that crucial first role.
Without a degree or network, breaking into your first cybersecurity job often takes longer. It’s not impossible, but you’ll have to build your own reputation through community contributions, certifications, or lab work.
If you want to see NSA-designated programmes or compare options, Programs.com has a curated list of cybersecurity degrees and certificates across the United States.
Con: Degrees Are Expensive and Time-Consuming
Even an affordable state university can cost well over $20,000 for a four-year programme. Private colleges or master’s degrees can reach six figures. That’s a major financial burden, especially if you’re already working full-time or supporting a family.
Many online bootcamps or certification programmes can get you job-ready for a fraction of the cost and time. For example, the Google Cybersecurity Certificate takes about six months and costs under $300. Security+ can be completed in a few weeks of study.
If you’re looking for a fast track to your first analyst job, a degree might be more than you need.
Con: Not All Programmes Are Aligned with Real-World Tools
Some degree programmes are slow to adapt. They may still teach deprecated tools, skip cloud security, or rely on textbooks that don’t reflect current threats. If the curriculum doesn’t include cloud platforms, log analysis, incident response, or scripting, it may leave you underprepared.
This is especially common in programmes that aren’t closely connected to industry partners or that haven’t refreshed their courses in several years. Before enrolling, check whether a programme includes hands-on labs, real-world scenarios, and preparation for certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CISM.
Con: You Can Learn a Lot Without a Degree
Cybersecurity is one of the few industries where it’s genuinely possible to get hired without a formal degree. There are people working as SOC analysts, detection engineers, and even red teamers who are entirely self-taught.
Open-source projects, bug bounty programmes, lab platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box, and community resources like Sigma and Zeek all give aspiring professionals the chance to build and demonstrate skills.
If you’re already working in IT or have a background in networking, adding focused certifications and practical experience might be enough to get you in the door.
When a Degree Makes Sense
- You want to work in government, healthcare, or critical infrastructure
- You’re aiming for leadership or architecture roles in the future
- You want a structured way to learn both technical and strategic skills
- You value the career support and network a university can offer
When It Might Not Be Necessary
- You already work in IT or a technical role and just need to specialise
- You’re comfortable with self-directed learning and building your own projects
- You’re focused on hands-on roles like SOC analyst or penetration tester
- You want to get into the job market quickly with minimal upfront cost
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A cybersecurity degree can be a strong investment if it aligns with your goals and gives you access to opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise. But it’s not the only path.
If you’re considering a degree, ask hard questions about the curriculum, hands-on components, and job placement support. Compare it with what you could accomplish through certification, practice labs, and community involvement.
Cybersecurity rewards skills, not just credentials. Whether you earn those skills through a university, a bootcamp, or your own curiosity matters less than what you can do with them.
