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Computer security specialist education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a computer security specialist. Computer security specialists usually study computer science, business, or computer information systems. 59% of computer security specialists hold a bachelor's degree, and 21% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 153 real computer security specialist resumes to see exactly what computer security specialist education sections show.
The most common colleges for computer security specialists are the Strayer University and the Strayer University.
There are also many online computer security specialist courses to help get the education required to be a computer security specialist.
What education do you need to become a computer security specialist?
What degree do you need to be a computer security specialist?
- Bachelor's, 59%
- Associate, 21%
- Master's, 14%
- Diploma, 2%
- Other Degrees, 4%
What should I major in to become a computer security specialist?
- Computer Science, 20%
- Business, 13%
- Other Majors, 47%
Most common colleges for computer security specialists
| Computer security specialist common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Strayer University | 14.29% |
| Webster University | 8.57% |
| University of Phoenix | 8.57% |
| Missouri State University | 5.71% |
| Frostburg State University | 5.71% |
Best majors for computer security specialists
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science | 19.8% |
| 2 | Business | 13.2% |
| 3 | Computer Information Systems | 11.0% |
| 4 | Information Technology | 8.8% |
| 5 | Computer Systems Security | 6.6% |
Best colleges for computer security specialists
The best colleges for computer security specialists are University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, and Carnegie Mellon University.
A computer security specialist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for computer security specialists. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become computer security specialists.
1. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
2. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,948
Enrollment
17,238
3. New York University
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
4. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
5. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
6. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,465
Enrollment
6,483
7. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
8. University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$13,700
Enrollment
29,722
9. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,808
Enrollment
13,990
10. University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA • Private
In-state tuition
$8,938
Enrollment
9,391
20 best online courses for computer security specialists
Advertising disclosure
1. Ethical Hacker
Meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals by gaining the offensive security skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems...
2. Security Engineer
Gain the highly sought-after skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems from security threats or attacks...
3. Computer Security and Systems Management
The Computer Security and Systems Management Specialization focuses on computing in an enterprise environment. Combining both theory and real world experience and architecture, the courses will prepare you to design and audit secure enterprise systems. The courses will cover practical use of major server operating systems in an enterprise environment and how to design and operate them securely...
4. Fundamentals of Computer Network Security
This specialization in intended for IT professionals, computer programmers, managers, IT security professionals who like to move up ladder, who are seeking to develop network system security skills. Through four courses, we will cover the Design and Analyze Secure Networked Systems, Develop Secure Programs with Basic Cryptography and Crypto API, Hacking and Patching Web Applications, Perform Penetration Testing, and Secure Networked Systems with Firewall and IDS, which will prepare you to...
5. Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)
Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO) Certification Exam Prep Course...
6. Information Security Fundamentals - Cyber Security Bootcamp
A Beginners Awareness Guide on Information Security & Cyber Security to Keep Online and Offline Devices Safe!...
7. Intro to Cybersecurity
Get your start in the high growth field of Cybersecurity by building foundational skills in how to evaluate, maintain, and monitor the security of computer systems...
8. Security Analyst
Meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals by gaining the skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems...
9. Managing Network Security
Almost every organization uses computer networks to share their information and to support their business operations. When we allow network access to data it is exposed to threats from inside and outside of the organization. This course examines the threats associated with using internal and external networks and how to manage the protection of information when it’s accessible via networks. In this course, a learner will be able to: ● Describe the threats to data from information communication...
10. Security Awareness Training
The security of an organization is of the utmost importance and every member of the organization's staff plays a vital role in defending against cyber threats. One of the best ways to protect the organization is to institute a company-wide security-awareness training initiative. This course is a complete foundational security awareness training program that covers a wide array of topics for nearly every type of end-user and learner level. The content is designed to allow organizations to be...
11. Planning and Implementing a Security Incident Response
Learn all about planning and implementing a Security Incident Response along with best practices and recommendations...
12. The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security!
Volume 2 : Network Security, Wi Fi Security, Wi Fi Hackers, Firewalls, Wireshark, Secure Networking. + Password Managers...
13. Security Architect
Meet the growing demand for security architects and learn the skills required to advance your cybersecurity career. You will master the skills necessary to become a successful security architect. Learn core strategies and implementation elements of security infrastructure design and management at an enterprise level...
14. Enterprise Security
Meet the growing demand for enterprise security engineers and learn the foundational skills of security engineering within an enterprise setting...
15. Security Awareness Training, Internet Security for Employees
Basic security awareness guide on Internet security and privacy to help keep you, your home, and your employer safe...
16. Information Systems Security for Professionals: CISSP
Making Next Gen Information Security Leaders...
17. Cybersecurity for Business Leaders
Learn to leverage the capabilities of cybersecurity best practices to protect your organization and unlock next-level results...
18. Zero Trust Security
Companies around the world are facing constant and evolving cyber attacks, so it’s imperative that they find talent with the dynamic skills to address these pressing issues...
19. ISO/IEC 27005:2022. Information security risk management
Understand the framework proposed by ISO for managing information security risks in an organization...
20. IT Security 101 - Cyber Security for Beginners
Learn cyber security best practice tips on securing computer networks from internal & external IT cyber security threats...
Top 10 most affordable universities for computer security specialists
The most affordable schools for computer security specialists are Baruch College of the City University of New York, california state university - bakersfield, and california state university - long beach.
If the best universities for computer security specialists are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for computer security specialists.
1. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
2. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
3. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
4. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
5. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
6. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
7. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
8. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
9. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
10. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,410
Cost of attendance
20,456
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for computer security specialists
The hardest universities for computer security specialists to get into are University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, and Carnegie Mellon University.
Some great schools for computer security specialists are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for computer security specialists based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
3. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
4. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
5. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
6. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
7. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
8. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
9. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,506
10. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for computer security specialists
The easiest schools for computer security specialists to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, notre dame college, and cardinal stritch university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a computer security specialist without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for computer security specialists.
1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions rate
68%
SAT average
964
2. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
3. Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Admissions rate
71%
SAT average
1,035
4. University of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
78%
SAT average
1,020
5. Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD • Private
Admissions rate
69%
SAT average
1,070
6. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
7. Felician University
Lodi, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
999
8. Iona College
New Rochelle, NY • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,089
9. Nyack College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
999
10. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,139
Average computer security specialist salary by education level
| Computer security specialist education level | Computer security specialist salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $111,645 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $101,392 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $86,118 |
Computer security specialist education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025