Are University Degrees Still Necessary for Cybersecurity Careers?

For years, a degree in computer science or cybersecurity was seen as the golden ticket into the industry. But today, with cyber threats evolving faster than traditional education can keep up, many are asking:

Do you really need a degree to succeed in cybersecurity?

The Shift Away from Degrees

More companies are dropping degree requirements and focusing on skills-based hiring. Why?

  • Cyber threats change rapidly—hands-on experience often outweighs a four-year curriculum.
  • Many cybersecurity pros are self-taught—learning from online courses, bootcamps, and real-world challenges.
  • Certifications & hands-on skills (like OSCP, CISSP, CEH) can be more relevant than a degree.

In fact, some of the best ethical hackers and security pros never stepped foot in a university classroom. They learned by breaking things, solving problems, and staying ahead of attackers.

But Degrees Still Have Value

That said, a university degree can still open doors, especially for:

  • Government & highly regulated industries (where degrees are often required)
  • Roles that require broad technical knowledge (e.g., security architects, CISOs)
  • Candidates who want a structured learning path and networking opportunities

A degree can provide a solid foundation, but in cybersecurity, experience, curiosity, and continuous learning matter more.

What Employers Should Consider

If companies only hire candidates with degrees, they may overlook top talent. Instead, they should:

  • Focus on practical skills & problem-solving ability
  • Value certifications, hands-on labs, and real-world experience
  • Create alternative entry points (apprenticeships, bootcamps, internal upskilling)

The Future of Cybersecurity Hiring

The reality? A degree is helpful, but not a dealbreaker. The best cybersecurity professionals are lifelong learners—whether they gained knowledge in a classroom, from hacking challenges, or by securing real systems.

What do you think? Are degrees still necessary, or should hiring be entirely skills-based? Let’s discuss!