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Wondering which computer science degree is right for you? Whether you’re considering a degree in Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, or Technical Applications, the right choice depends on your career goals, learning style, and interests. 

With the tech industry growing at twice the rate of the overall workforce, computer science graduates are in high demand. At ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ, you’ll find multiple computer science degree options designed to prepare you for careers in software development, digital security, and beyond.

Understanding Your Computer Science Degree Options

The demand for qualified tech workers is huge. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the tech workforce will grow as the overall workforce in the next ten years. In a 2024 survey conducted by job-search company Indeed, had multiple job offers when they had secured their current job.

But tech jobs require degrees, training, and certifications — the most crucial of these, the undergraduate degree.

If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in computer science, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which path might be right for you. You’re likely interested in computers, software, analysis, and digital technology, but you might not have expected the number of options ahead of you. What’s the difference between a B.A. and a B.S.? Which concentration fits your interests and desired career goals? How can ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ help you along your path to success?

It’s important to have a good handle on what kind of degree options are available, so you can make an informed educational choice. The various types of Computer Science degrees may seem complicated at first, but each has its own strengths and characteristics that can fit you best. Keep reading to learn more about software engineering, cybersecurity, and technical applications!

Types of Computer Science Degrees Explained

While a degree in computer science has an educational core that remains similar across concentrations, the key differences are the class schedule, your career aspirations, and the kind of higher education experience you’re looking for. So what do each of these paths look like?

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Software Engineering

Are you interested in the ins and outs of computer software? Solving technical problems? Creating tools that will aid lives both online and in person? A B.A. in Software Engineering involves building high-level programs and learning the skills it takes to work with software engineering companies. From learning about graphics and video games to designing complicated tools, this degree path helps foster technical ability and creativity.

As a B.A., there’s flexibility in your degree. In addition to science classes, there’s also a range of liberal arts classes that are required, creating a more well-rounded educational experience. You’ll take psychology, communications, and philosophy alongside design and systems engineering. There’s also space for a double major as well, which lends well to careers that require a more wide range of skills, like teaching or law.

If you’re looking for an education that has a broader scope of classes and material, setting you up for multiple potential career paths, a B.A. might be for you.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Software Engineering

Still interested in software, problem-solving, and design, but don’t want to double major? Maybe you know exactly the kind of job you want, and software engineering is the way to get there. A B.S. in Software Engineering might be a better fit for you.

Similar to a B.A., a B.S. is going to require core classes in software engineering and design. But unlike it, a B.S. is more streamlined, with fewer liberal arts courses required for graduation. This degree option has a focused approach with robust academics that can prepare you for a career in computer science or further grad school. A double major isn’t really an option for this degree path because of the coursework—though this foundation sets you up well for careers in software development, quality assurance, and testing.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Technical Applications

This degree builds upon many of the high-level skills required of a computer science degree and focuses on the complex mathematics necessary for specific fields, such as defense and security industries. A B.S. in Technical Applications involves a lot of practical learning, internships, and research projects that build technical experience for careers in the medical, defense, and electrical industries.

If you’re interested in the mathematical details of how computers and software function professionally, as well as gaining vital career-ready experience in leadership, team management, and collaboration, this path could be a good fit for you.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity

Like its name suggests, a degree in Cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems and hardware. Often thought of like solving a puzzle, coursework in this path involves understanding computer infrastructure and how to defend it, internally and externally. In addition to overall computer education, Cybersecurity majors gain the background necessary to work for big companies, government, and law enforcement.

When it comes down to software development vs cybersecurity, the big differences lie in what interests you about computers. Are you more interested in defense, puzzles, and how to apply system applications, rather than creating them? Cybersecurity might be the right option for you.

Computer Science Degrees Compared

Each degree path is going to offer different kinds of coursework, involve different technical skills, and connect to different (though sometimes overlapping) industries and career opportunities. Here’s the breakdown of what to expect:

For Students Interested in Software Development

When you pursue a B.A. or B.S. in Software Development, you can engage in varying depths of technological study. A B.A. will have more focus on diverse learning and liberal arts, while the B.S. will streamline the tech classes. Additionally, the math requirements for both degrees will be less robust, and the career options after graduation will be flexible, with jobs like web developer, quality assurance tester, security engineer, and data scientist.

For Students Who Want to Apply Tech in Other Fields

A B.S. in Technical Applications will involve greater mathematical requirements, often subjects like calculus, algebra, programming, and differentials. This degree takes a very professional-focused approach, giving students technical and career skills in the tech industry. Graduates will be prepared for working with computers, with network and computer systems analyst, computer programmer, and computer network architect.

For Students Who Want to Protect Digital Systems

A degree in Cybersecurity contains more technical depth and less course variety than a B.A. in Software Engineering and will have some high-level math. Additionally, it will set up graduates for careers in defense and security, with less flexibility and more specificity. Job roles include cybersecurity analyst, information assurant, and special agent with the FBI.