Cyber Security vs Computer Science

computer science vs cyber security

Careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are evolving and computer science and cyber security are two fields with many job opportunities. If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in computer science or cyber security, you may be wondering which discipline is the best option for you.

When researching the differences between cyber security and computer science, you may want to compare the courses. Computer science and cyber security programs have different core curriculums, but there is some overlap depending on the school and program. Both degrees may require knowledge on cloud computing and networks, but generally, computer science programs broadly focus on computing, theory and application and cyber security programs are more focused on security. Below is a summary on each degree option.

Cyber Security Courses

• Cyber Policy, Law, and Privacy Compliance: This course typically teaches students the legal requirements related to cyber security and privacy and how to implement these requirements while designing an organization’s security.
• Database Design and Security: This course usually covers database design, which run on the backend of almost all software and how flaws in a database could lead to security breaches.
• Cryptography: This course typically teaches students about cryptography algorithms, authentication, and public keys and how to transfer data safely.
• Network Security: This course provides students with skills in designing a secure network, including protocols, privacy, and access control.

Computer Science Courses

• Introduction to Computer Systems: This course teaches students the principles of engineering computer hardware and software, including virtual memory, threading, and file systems.
• Data Structures and Algorithms: This course covers the theory and application of algorithms to create efficient solutions to computing problems, including greedy algorithms and search algorithms.
• Software Engineering: This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of computer systems to design and test software systems including information engineering and path testing.
• Data Analysis: This course covers probability and statistics and topics typically include distributions, hypothesis testing, and modeling.