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As cyberthreats continue to pose a significant risk to companies around the world, there is a growing need for professionals who can safeguard data and systems from potential breaches. Including in places you would not consider tech hubs — places like Arkansas.
Major financial institutions like Bank of the Ozarks call Arkansas home. With agriculture and technology growing more intertwined, agro-tech cyberthreats could be a problem in the near future, meaning Arkansas has good reason to invest in cybersecurity.
The state has already started. Arkansas was the first U.S. state mandating coding courses in schools, and CompTIA reports that there are over 34,000 tech job postings. Cybersecurity is the third-largest tech occupation in the state of Arkansas.
A cybersecurity degree can lead to a variety of career paths, such as network security engineer, cybersecurity analyst, and IT auditor. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts (BLS) a 35% growth of information security analysts in the United States from 2021 to 2031.
Throughout this page, we will delve into the degree options available in Arkansas, career paths to consider, and key industry trends to keep in mind. Keep exploring cybersecurity in Arkansas below.
Arkansas at a Glance
- Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $78,540
- % of Workforce in Tech: 3.0%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $4 billion
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 49
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Cybersecurity in Arkansas?
If you're interested in a career in cybersecurity, attending college in Arkansas can provide a solid foundation for your future. The state is home to a variety of reputable colleges and universities offering cybersecurity programs. You can access these programs both on-campus and online.
With close to 150,000 students enrolled in higher education programs in the 2021-2022 academic year, Arkansas appears to have a strong education system.
In the 2021-2022 academic year, the state's graduation rate of over 48% demonstrates the dedication of educators and students alike to achieving academic success.
Arkansas is committed to education reforms that prioritize the needs of students and the workforce. In addition to the mandated coding courses, the state has implemented various initiatives aimed at closing the skills gap and creating a more inclusive workforce, making it an ideal place to launch your career.
There are many diverse colleges and universities to choose from. Attending college in Arkansas offers the opportunity to network with professionals in the field, both within the state and beyond.
Many schools have partnerships with local businesses and government agencies, providing students with hands-on experience and valuable connections. For example: Green Bay Packaging and Arkansas Tech University in Ozark partnered to establish a training center that focuses on developing industrial technical skills pertaining to mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation maintenance.
Overall, attending college for cybersecurity in Arkansas provides students with a well-rounded education and access to a growing industry. With the state's commitment to education reform and its thriving tech sector, graduates are well-equipped to succeed in a variety of cybersecurity careers.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Education Statistics for Arkansas
| Higher Education Statistics | Arkansas Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 23 | 2,679 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 25 | 1,303 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 52.6% | 72.8% |
Sources: NCES
A student in Arkansas who prefers distance learning may have fewer options compared to students in other states. However, with 23 four-year colleges and 2I 5 two-year colleges in Arkansas, there are still several institutions to choose from.
Accreditation for Arkansas Schools
Attending an accredited school in Arkansas provides students with a level of assurance that their education will prepare them for success in their chosen field. It also ensures that they can transfer credits and pursue advanced degrees if desired.
Accredited institutions to ensure your education meets industry standards. Institutional accreditation means that the school has been evaluated and deemed to meet certain criteria, including academic rigor and institutional effectiveness. This accreditation can also impact your ability to transfer credits or pursue advanced degrees.
When choosing an online school in Arkansas, look for accreditation from reputable agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. In addition, certain programmatic accreditations may be necessary for certain careers, such as ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
Considerations for a Cybersecurity Degree in Arkansas
Choosing the right cybersecurity degree program in Arkansas requires careful consideration of various factors. One important factor is the desired degree level.
Each level offers unique opportunities for learning and career advancement.
Additionally, students should consider their preferred learning environment. Online programs offer flexibility and convenience, while in-person programs provide the benefit of face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers.
Hybrid programs combine elements of both online and in-person learning. Other considerations include the curriculum and areas of specialization offered by the program, as well as the reputation of the institution and its faculty. It's also important to consider the cost of the program and any available financial aid options.
By carefully weighing these factors, students can choose a cybersecurity degree program in Arkansas that meets their needs and sets them on the path to a successful career in the field.
Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country:
Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees
Cybercrime Investigation concentration
A cybercrime investigation concentration provides students with a strong foundation in criminal justice and digital forensics. The concentration prepares students to work in fields such as law enforcement, private investigation, and data breach incident response.
Network Security concentration
A network security concentration offers students hands-on training in secure network design and implementation. Graduates can pursue careers as network security administrators, security consultants, and system architects.
Data Science degree
A data science degree provides a strong foundation in analytics and data management, which are essential skills in Arkansas's growing data-driven industries. Graduates can pursue careers as data analysts, business intelligence analysts, and data architects.
Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree
Tuition costs in Arkansas are relatively affordable compared to national averages. However, paying for college can still be a challenge, and students should consider a variety of financing options.
Financial aid, scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans are all available to help pay for college. Students should also look into any unique financing options available in Arkansas such as those for military vets, underrepresented populations, or the LGBTQIA+ community.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
In-state tuition rates are often lower than out-of-state tuition rates, and some schools in Arkansas offer tuition breaks for out-of-state students. Students in Arkansas may also be eligible for tuition reciprocity agreements, depending on which university they attend.
For example, students in Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana qualify for in-state tuition at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Arkansas's Cost of Living
Arkansas has a low cost of living index score of 90.9, making it more affordable to live there than the national average. Students can save money on living expenses while attending school, and some schools may offer tuition breaks for out-of-state students or participate in state reciprocity agreements.
Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in Arkansas
With its diverse industries, the state offers numerous opportunities for graduates with cybersecurity degrees.
According to CyberStates' interactive map, there are currently over 3,500 cybersecurity professionals working in Arkansas, and the average annual wage of tech workers in the state is $71,500.
Major industries that require cybersecurity expertise include healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. The state also boasts a thriving startup community, with tech companies like Acxiom leading the way in cybersecurity innovation.
Major cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville offer particularly strong job markets for cybersecurity professionals. Potential career paths for graduates include information security analyst, network administrator, and cybersecurity consultant.
Select Cybersecurity Careers in Arkansas
The cybersecurity job outlook for Arkansas is 13.6% between 2020 and 2030. Projections Central uses the term computer and information systems managers, a role similar to cybersecurity.
Information Security Analyst
An information security analyst designs and implements security measures to protect computer networks and systems. In Arkansas, a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or related fields is often a requirement.
Average Salary for Information Security Analysts: $75,503 per March 2023 Payscale data
Network Administrator
A network administrator is responsible for maintaining computer networks and systems for an organization, including setting up user accounts, managing security, and troubleshooting network issues. A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields is often required.
Average Salary for Network Administrators: $63,244 per March 2023 Payscale data
Cybersecurity Consultant
A cybersecurity consultant advises organizations on designing and implementing security measures. Often requires a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or related fields.
Average Salary for Cybersecurity Consultants: $87,156 per February 2023 Payscale data
The rise of cybersecurity careers in Arkansas is not the only employment trend to watch out for, as fields such as hardware engineering, computer network architecture, and software development also show promise for job growth.
Arkansas Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 240 | 66,200 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 240 | 67,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | 0% | +1.7% |
| Computer Network Architects | ||
| 2018 Employment | 850 | 165,200 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 910 | 174,200 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-2028 | 7.1% | +5.4% |
| Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 8,700 | 1,847,900 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 10,580 | 2,257,400 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | 21.6% | +22% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Arkansas Employment | Arkansas Annual Mean Wage | National Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 2,240 | $121,170 | $173,670 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 60 | $82,270 | $140,830 |
| Computer Network Architects | 7100 | $102,940 | $129,490 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 1,270 | $55,300 | $76,060 |
| Computer Programmers | 2,090 | $83,910 | $102,790 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 2,430 | $82,530 | $107,530 |
| Information Security Analysts | 920 | $91,790 | $119,860 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 1,560 | $77,480 | $97,160 |
| Software Developers | 5,140 | $87,380 | $132,930 |
| Web Developers | 490 | $43,320 | $87,580 |
Source: BLS OEWS
While some of the salaries in Arkansas are lower than the national average, the salaries are on-par with neighboring states like Oklahoma and Louisiana. Many of these wages are still competitive, especially given the lower cost of living in the state.
Cybersecurity Employers in Arkansas
Tyson Foods: Tyson Foods is a multinational food corporation based in Springdale, Arkansas. The company employs a variety of cybersecurity professionals to protect its information systems and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.
With a global workforce of over 120,000 employees, Tyson Foods is committed to safeguarding sensitive data related to its operations, employees, and customers. Job titles for cybersecurity positions at Tyson Foods include cybersecurity analyst and cybersecurity engineer.
Acxiom: Acxiom is a data and technology company headquartered in Conway, Arkansas. The company offers a variety of data and analytics services to businesses across multiple industries. Acxiom employs cybersecurity experts to maintain the security of its clients' data, as well as its own. With a focus on consumer privacy and data protection, Acxiom ensures that its clients' sensitive information is secure.
Job titles for cybersecurity positions at Acxiom include cybersecurity analyst and information security engineer.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services: J.B. Hunt is a transportation and logistics company based in Lowell, Arkansas. The company uses technology to optimize its operations and relies on cybersecurity professionals to protect its data and systems.
With a large digital footprint that includes tracking and transportation management systems, J.B. Hunt recognizes the importance of cybersecurity in maintaining operational continuity. Job titles for cybersecurity positions at J.B. Hunt include cybersecurity analyst and cybersecurity engineer.
Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Arkansas
Arkansas Cyber Range
The Arkansas Cyber Range is a virtual environment for cybersecurity training and testing. It offers hands-on exercises and simulations for individuals and organizations to improve their cybersecurity skills and knowledge.
Arkansas Cyber Defense Center
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center is a collaborative effort between industry, government, and academia to enhance cybersecurity in the state. It offers cybersecurity training, education, and research programs to support the workforce development needs of Arkansas.
Forge Institute Arkansas Cyber Summit
The Forge Institute Arkansas Cyber Summit is an annual event that brings together cybersecurity experts to share their insights on the latest threats and trends in the field. The summit also provides networking opportunities for professionals and students interested in cybersecurity.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Schools With Cybersecurity Degrees in Arkansas
University of Arkansas at Little Rock: UA Little Rock - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Cybersecurity Concentration
Arkansas State University: The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Arkansas State University - Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate
University of Central Arkansas: UCA - Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Arkansas Tech University: ATU - Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
NorthWest Arkansas Community College: NWACC - Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems
Questions About Cybersecurity in Arkansas
Can I get a cybersecurity degree in Arkansas?
Yes, several colleges in Arkansas offer cybersecurity degrees at various degree levels. Some schools that offer cybersecurity degrees include the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and Arkansas Tech University. These programs often cover topics including network security, cybercrime, cryptography, and ethical hacking.
Are the best cybersecurity schools in Arkansas expensive?
The cost of cybersecurity programs in Arkansas varies based on the school, degree level, and program length. However, some of the best cybersecurity schools in Arkansas offer competitive tuition rates and financial aid opportunities. Additionally, some schools offer online programs, which can be a more affordable and flexible option.
Do cybersecurity jobs in Arkansas pay good salaries?
Yes, cybersecurity jobs in Arkansas can pay good salaries. The average salary for a cybersecurity professional in Arkansas is aligned with salaries for the same role in neighboring states. Salaries can vary depending on the specific job title and level of experience. Some of the highest-paying cybersecurity jobs in Arkansas include security analyst and computer network architect.
Is cybersecurity a good career in Arkansas?
Yes, cybersecurity is a good career in Arkansas. The increasing number of cyberthreats to various industries, including healthcare, government, and finance, has led to a high demand for cybersecurity professionals in the state.
Last Reviewed on May 8, 2023.
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