Should you get a master’s in cybersecurity or information technology?

By: Shelby Campbell and James M. Tobin, Edited by: Mitch Jacobson and Rebecca Munday

Last updated: July 25, 2025

Master's degrees in information technology (IT) and cybersecurity can both lead to fast-growing, high-paying careers. But whether you choose to enroll in an IT or cybersecurity master's degree program depends on your career goals, professional strengths, and personal interests.

Compare IT versus cybersecurity to help you decide between these two degrees, and sign up for an online graduate degree program today on edX.

Overview of cybersecurity and IT graduate programs

Information technology and cybersecurity master's programs have some overlap. Both degrees typically prepare students to:

• Optimize computer networks and technology resources for organizational benefit.
• Strategically apply computing and information systems to an organization's needs.
• Protect the integrity of networked infrastructure and the data it contains.

However, IT and cybersecurity programs have different scopes: Master's in IT programs are broader and more generalized, while master's in cybersecurity programs focus specifically on cybersecurity issues.

More specifically, master's programs in information technology cover the full spectrum of computer applications. While IT security may be part of IT curricula, these programs focus more broadly on configuring system and network infrastructure for optimal performance. Meanwhile, master's programs in cybersecurity exclusively focus on protecting IT systems and networks from attacks, threats, and unauthorized access.

Admission requirements for cybersecurity and IT degree programs

Schools commonly require that applicants to both information technology and cybersecurity master's programs hold a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as:

• Computer science
• Information systems management
• Systems engineering

That said, you might also qualify for admission if you have:

• Professional IT or cybersecurity certifications.
• Networking, computer architecture, and/or systems administration experience.
• Working knowledge of networking, database management, programming, and information security.

Students pursuing degrees in both disciplines may benefit from strong backgrounds in mathematics, coding, and programming. Some schools may even prefer or require that applicants have undergraduate coursework in these areas.

Master's in cybersecurity vs. information technology curriculum

Master's in IT programs generally have broader curricula that explore the interrelated and interoperable elements of computing networks. Core coursework typically includes:

• Software design
• Hardware integration
• Computer systems
• Management and administration
• Memory and storage

Cybersecurity master's programs usually focus on specific strategies, tools, and techniques for mitigating the external and internal threats that could compromise IT networks. Topics of study often include:

• Cryptography
• Operating systems security
• Privacy engineering
• Ethical hacking
• Mobile and web security

Both IT and cybersecurity master's programs usually offer concentration areas.

Notably, some IT programs also offer cybersecurity concentrations.

Master's in cybersecurity vs. information technology outcomes

With a master's degree in IT, you can earn the necessary skills to thrive as a technical professional and an industry leader. These programs help impart skills such as:

• IT project and product management
• Memory and data management
• Systems analysis
• Enterprise resource planning

While there are many overlapping skills you can gain in cybersecurity and IT master's programs, cybersecurity programs offer more specialized expertise, including:

• Security auditing and threat analysis
• Security risk mitigation and management
• Security system design and organization
• Ethical security decision-making

While an IT master's degree program can prepare you for careers in cybersecurity, some employers may prefer candidates with more security-focused education and experience.

Cybersecurity is a more specialized IT field by nature. Therefore, cybersecurity degrees may not transfer as readily to IT roles.

Salary and career outlook for IT and cybersecurity professionals

Master's degrees in IT and cybersecurity can both lead to higher-than-average salaries and generally positive job growth. Salary ranges and growth projections vary by role, but consider the below career options.

According to a 2024 World Economic Forum report, the cybersecurity field faces an acute worldwide shortage of around 4 million professionals. This report indicates that cybersecurity is a high-demand field, making the skills you can earn in a cybersecurity master's degree program incredibly valuable now and into the future.

Cybersecurity vs. information technology: Which degree is right for you?

IT and cybersecurity master's programs both help learners develop valuable skills that are in high demand. Both fields have higher-than-average salaries, but cybersecurity roles like security software developers and information security analysts have stronger overall job growth outlooks.

Beyond these considerations, a master's in IT might be a better match if:

• You're interested in broader computer networking issues rather than niche cybersecurity topics.
• You're seeking a career in computer science but aren't sure which specialization to pursue.
• You'd like to develop versatile and highly transferable skills.

You may prefer a cybersecurity master's program if:

• You have a strong interest in stopping hackers and organized attackers.
• You're interested in topics like cryptography and digital forensics.
• You want to target a fast-growing career path that is in high demand.