10 Top Double Majors With a Cybersecurity Degree

The top 10 double majors for a cybersecurity degree are tech industry-related specializations, such as computer science and IT, that provide you with a more comprehensive education and a versatile set of technical skills.

The decision to double major in your cybersecurity degree program has many benefits and career advantages. It allows you to gain expertise in two areas and use your broad range of knowledge and skills to thrive in a cybersecurity career.

Cybersecurity Degree Double Majors

Cybersecurity degrees provide students with an understanding of how to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. Adding a double major to a cybersecurity degree is highly beneficial, equipping graduates with a versatile set of skills to excel in the tech industry.

1. Computer Science

A computer science degree, also a common double major for a cybersecurity degree, provides a solid foundation in core computing concepts through courses that cover data structures and management, algorithms, and programming languages like Python and Java. Double majoring in computer science with a cybersecurity degree puts graduates at an advantage by giving them a comprehensive education and technical skills that are needed for developing and securing computer systems.

2. Information Technology

The courses that make up an information technology (IT) major teaches students about network management and how to optimize and maintain IT infrastructures. Information technology, a common and beneficial double major for a cybersecurity degree, prepares cybersecurity professionals to effectively implement and protect network systems.

3. Software Engineering

Software engineering majors focus on designing software systems, methods of developing and testing secure applications, and how to maintain them. With a software engineering double major, cybersecurity graduates can use their expertise in both cybersecurity and software development processes to build and maintain secure software applications that effectively protect the data and operations within organizations.

4. Management Information Systems

Management information systems (MIS) majors study coursework in systems analysis and database management to provide an understanding of how technology benefits operations in an organization. The technical and management skills gained from an MIS double major with a cybersecurity degree prepare graduates to oversee the security of information systems.

5. Network Engineering

A network engineering degree gives students a foundational understanding of network infrastructures and how to design and manage them. Courses involve topics like routing, network protocols, and wireless communication networks. Network engineering as a double major for a cybersecurity degree provides expertise in designing networks that enhance the effectiveness of cybersecurity protocols.

6. Criminal Justice

The courses involved in a criminal justice major cover criminology, the law enforcement practices of legal and correctional systems, and digital forensics. When paired with a degree in cybersecurity, a criminal justice degree gives graduates a thorough understanding of the legal aspects of cybercrime and how to combat cyber threats, which is a beneficial skill in the cybersecurity field.

7. Cryptography

A cryptography major gives students a thorough understanding of protecting data from unauthorized individuals through the process of encoding and decoding. Cryptography courses cover topics like data integrity and encryption algorithms that provide an understanding of how to protect data. Double majoring in cryptography with a cybersecurity degree gives graduates the ability to take on advanced roles that involve developing, analyzing, and improving the cryptographic systems that secure data.

8. Data Science

Data science refers to the use of statistical methods to analyze complex sets of data. A data science degree involves courses in predictive modeling, ethical uses of data, and scientific computing. Data science and cybersecurity is a beneficial double major option because the two specializations combine to give students the skills needed for detecting security threats and using data analysis to analyze and protect digital information.

9. Mathematics

Mathematics is essential in the field of cybersecurity. It is used in cryptography, risk assessment, and encryption processes. A major in mathematics, which includes courses in probability, statistics, algebra, and discrete mathematics, pairs well with a cybersecurity major to provide the algorithm design and data analysis skills needed to successfully secure computer systems and protect data.

10. Business Administration

A business administration major includes courses in business ethics, organizational behavior, and project management, among others. With a thorough understanding of business management principles and cybersecurity, double major graduates can succeed in roles that involve securing businesses and protecting their assets, even providing them with management opportunities due to their expertise.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major is a degree program option that allows students to study two separate subjects while earning their degree. Double majoring results in gaining proficiency in two fields, which usually relate to one another; the student earns a singular bachelor's degree that lists both majors. Double majors are a way for college students to explore more than one interest and increase their career options by giving them a broader set of skills and knowledge.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

A dual degree, which also involves studying two separate subjects, differs from a double major by resulting in two separate bachelor's degrees. Rather than double majoring during their program and earning one degree that lists two specializations, dual degree students complete two separate degree programs. Dual degree programs require more time and coursework to thoroughly gain a comprehensive understanding of two distinct fields.

FAQs About Double Majoring With a Cybersecurity Degree

Choosing to double major can give cybersecurity students an advantage in the job market and equip them with technical skills to excel in their careers. Double majoring takes careful course planning to complete program requirements and balance coursework. These FAQs can help you decide if double majoring is the right choice for your academic and career goals.

Can You Double Major With a Cybersecurity Degree?

Yes, you can double with a cybersecurity degree, and doing so comes with many benefits and advantages. The most common double majors are computer science and information technology, but there are numerous major options that can enhance your cybersecurity degree.

Is a Double Major With a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It?

Double majoring with a cybersecurity degree is worth it because it gives you a broader range of skills and allows you to gain insight that will help you advance in your career. A bachelor's degree with two areas of specialization will help you stand out in the job market and access higher salaries due to your expertise.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With a Cybersecurity Degree?

Aside from the benefit of obtaining a more comprehensive and customizable education that will help you reach you professional goals, the diversified skill set gained from specializing in two areas is a valuable trait in the workplace. Double majoring with a cybersecurity degree opens the door to more career opportunities and gives you a competitive edge in the job market.

Will a Double Major With a Cybersecurity Degree Improve My Career Outlook?

A double major with a cybersecurity degree greatly improves your career outlook and job prospects. Having an extensive understanding in two areas allows you to take on different, more advanced roles that require your level of expertise. Employers can benefit from having employees with a varied set of skills, so double majoring enhances your resume and helps set you apart from other candidates.