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Cybersecurity Careers·Updated 2026-10-21

Do you need a degree to work in cybersecurity?

Short answer

Not always. Many employers accept equivalent experience, certifications and demonstrated skills, though some roles, especially in government and large enterprises, still list a degree. Check the requirements in job postings for the roles you want.

The details

Portfolios of labs, write-ups and projects, plus relevant work experience, are strong evidence of ability whatever your education.

Related experience counts. IT support, networking, software development, audit and compliance roles all build skills that security teams need, and many people move into security from them.

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Sources

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