Is Cybersecurity a STEM Degree?
This page contains information about why cybersecurity is considered a STEM major and provides answers to commonly asked questions regarding majoring in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is one of several STEM majors. A STEM major is a main area of study in college that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics.
Most popular STEM majors include:
- biology
- computer science
- mechanical engineering
- psychology
Cybersecurity covers the four areas that were combined to develop the STEM term. If you are interested in majoring in cybersecurity, you can expect course requirements to consist of studies in STEM areas.
If you choose to major in cybersecurity, you could explore opportunities in STEM such as grants and scholarships.
Many STEM scholarships and grants are offered through the federal government, the Department of Education, accredited institutions, and other non-profit and private organizations to help pay for college.
Cybersecurity and STEM
Explore why cybersecurity is considered a STEM major by reviewing how cybersecurity is connected to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics below.
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Cybersecurity and Science
Cybersecurity is connected to science through computer science, criminology, economics, research, sociology, and more.
Computer science focuses on the study of computers and computational systems while cybersecurity focuses on the study of protecting such systems.
Additionally, cybersecurity is used to protect and defend important data concerning scientific developments and scientific data is often used to create or modify cybersecurity systems.
Science courses required to earn an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity may include studies in social science, fundamentals of science, environmental science, and more.
Cybersecurity and Technology
Technology is one of the main areas of STEM that cybersecurity focuses on. Cybersecurity explores the way technology works and is used to secure electronic data from cyber threats and crimes.
Many types of technologies are used in cybersecurity.
Some examples of the latest technologies in cybersecurity include:
- artificial intelligence and machine learning
- behavioral biometrics
- cloud security
- smart grid technologies
- virtual dispersive networking
For example, AI and machine learning is technology used in cybersecurity to explore and develop ways to detect vulnerabilities and use automation for protecting data and networks against cybercrimes.
Courses in a cybersecurity major may involve fundamentals of information technology, networking with Microsoft technologies, information technology concepts and applications, and more.
Cybersecurity and Engineering
Engineering is another main area of study in cybersecurity. Engineering is used in cybersecurity to create and manage systems that are used to secure data and networks.
Cybersecurity majors take courses such as introduction to programming, software design and development using Java, and website development.
Many cybersecurity majors become software or cyber engineers who use different coding languages to develop cybersecurity software. Examples of coding languages used in cybersecurity include:
- Java
- Powershell
- Python
- Ruby
Cybersecurity and Math
An understanding of basic math is necessary to begin a cybersecurity program. A cybersecurity major generally involves studies in statistics, college algebra, and/or discrete mathematics.
Math skills are required to write and understand analytical tools and software code.
Examples of math concepts used in cybersecurity include:
- binary math
- Boolean algebra
- computer coding
- cryptography
- hexadecimal math
Frequently Asked Questions About Majoring in Cybersecurity
Find answers to frequently asked questions about majoring in cybersecurity below.
Is Cybersecurity Considered A STEM Major?
Yes, cybersecurity is considered a STEM major. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are involved in cybersecurity studies.
However, many students choose computer science as a STEM major with a minor in cybersecurity for an introduction to securing networks and systems.
What Does Science and Math Have to Do with Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity involves science through research studies which include predictions, experimental solutions, results, and analytics.
Most college majors require you to have a basic understanding of math. Cybersecurity uses math for many reasons such as performing data analysis and writing code to develop and maintain security systems.
Should I Major in Cybersecurity If I Do Not Have an Interest in Math?
Yes, you should major in cybersecurity if you do not have an interest in math but have basic math skills. Cybersecurity majors are not expected to be or become experts in math.
What Area of STEM Does Cybersecurity Involve the Most?
The areas of STEM that cybersecurity mostly involves are technology and engineering.
You can expect to focus on science and math in the beginning of your college years to complete general course requirements, although, your core studies may also involve a math requirement.
Core studies in cybersecurity involve more technology and engineering courses that train you to use the latest trends to safeguard electronic data and networks.
What STEM Opportunities Can I Take Advantage of as a Cybersecurity Major?
As a cybersecurity major, you can enjoy financial aid opportunities awarded to STEM majors or become a member of a STEM group or organization that motivates your educational studies and career goals.
Consider Cybersecurity a STEM Major
A cybersecurity career involves science, technology, engineering, and math. You can consider cybersecurity a STEM major because cybersecurity falls closely under the technology and engineering categories in STEM and includes studies in science and math.
