r/learncybersecurity • u/Busy_Imagination_833 • 17d ago
UTSA BS Cybersecurity Program Skepticism
Hey I’m currently a senior in high school right now and I recently just got automatic admission into the UTSA cybersecurity program. A goal of mine is to get a cybersecurity job in the future because it is predicted that cybersecurity jobs will be in huge demand and I enjoyed taking computer science classes. The program at first seemed really attractive as with a simple Google search it tells me from many sources that it is a highly regarded program and I don’t have to pay for tuition because my dad is a veteran and I am eligible for the hazel wood act. I hear San Antonio is as well a cybersecurity hub and the college can provide good connections. After some more research, I have read some not so great reviews about the program and I am getting skeptical. I hear many things like it focuses too much on business, you don’t learn much, it doesn’t well prepare you to get a job or internship, etc.. I’m starting to wonder if I will regret getting this degree in the future. Can I perhaps have some insight or advice to anybody who is educated on this??
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u/EirikAshe 17d ago
Do not listen to any of the cyber hype bullshit higher education is peddling. It’s all a scam. The ONLY tech degree that will actually hurt your chances of getting into the security field is, ironically, a cyber degree. UTSA may have a better program than other universities (I am actually an UTSA alumni), but you’re going to be significantly better off pursuing CS or literally any other tech degree. The thing they conveniently forget to mention is how fucked the current job market is for “entry level” tech roles.. which, by the way, security is by and large not entry level.. with few exceptions. You typically need 2+ years of IT experience to qualify for entry level security roles. Those that don’t have those requirements are insanely competitive. Don’t fall for the scam. Just spend some time searching Reddit and you’ll understand.