Cybersecurity Programs in Minnesota
Updated March 1, 2023
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Minnesota offers many professional cybersecurity opportunities concentrated in the Minneapolis area. Earning cybersecurity degrees in the state can qualify graduates to pursue in-demand, well-paying jobs in its robust tech sector. The Land of 10,000 Lakes offers a high quality of life, a cost of living on par with the national average, and a strong economy.
Minnesota is a smart place to look for tech jobs. CompTIA reports that the state ranks 11th for the percentage of its workforce employed in tech and pays tech workers 106% higher than median national wages.
Keep reading to learn more about earning a cybersecurity degree in MN, along with potential career opportunities after graduation.
Minnesota at a Glance
| Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations | |
|---|---|
| % of Workforce in Tech | |
| Economic Impact of Tech Industry | |
| Number of Higher Learning Institutions |
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Cybersecurity in Minnesota?
Earning a cybersecurity degree in MN offers many potential benefits. The state is home to diverse cybersecurity schools with in-person and online programs at every level. Many students appreciate the convenience and flexibility of learning online.
Instead of commuting to a campus at a specific time and place each week, distance learners can complete their education anytime and anywhere. Some online programs have required on-campus components, so proximity to the school may still be important. Others may require online enrollees to log on at specific times.
Compared to traveling to a different state for their education, students with Minnesota residency stand to save significant money by attending in-state schools.
Completing a cybersecurity degree in MN can also provide networking benefits after graduation. Instead of starting your job search from scratch, you can use your connections with classmates, professors, and mentors to find out about opportunities. If you completed an internship while in school, you may even find a local job offer after graduation.
Education Statistics for Minnesota
Minnesota students can choose from dozens of two-year and four-year colleges in the state. The state places high value on education, with higher percentages of adults possessing associate or bachelor's degrees than the national average. The state is also on par nationally with the percentage of adults with graduate degrees.
| Higher Education Statistics | Minnesota Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
|
Four-Year Colleges |
2,520 |
|
|
Two-Year Colleges |
1,216 |
|
|
Students Enrolled in Distance Education |
72.8% |
|
|
Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree |
8.6% |
|
|
Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree |
20.2% |
|
|
Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher |
12.7% |
Sources: NCES, U.S. Census ACS
Accreditation for Minnesota Schools
When choosing a Minnesota cybersecurity program, make sure to find an institutionally accredited school. Accreditation indicates that a school went through an independent evaluation and met rigorous quality standards.
When a school is accredited, it increases your chances of receiving the education you need to prepare for your desired career. Attending an accredited institution also makes it easier to receive financial aid, transfer credits, and apply to graduate school.
When researching in-person or online schools in Minnesota, look to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for accreditation. Learn more about the accreditation process in the U.S. at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Considerations for a Cybersecurity Degree in MN
Prospective enrollees should consider many factors to find the right college and program. The data below can help you figure out if Minnesota is the right place to begin looking for cybersecurity programs. Think about your desired degree level and your preference for online, hybrid, or in-person delivery.
Minnesota reports about the same percentage of students enrolled in distance education as the national average.
Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country
Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees
Students may be able to choose from concentrations and/or similar cybersecurity-related degrees. However, the following examples may be particularly applicable to career opportunities in Minnesota.
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An information assurance concentration teaches learners to handle threats to physical and digital data. This concentration or degree can prepare students to pursue jobs in information security and assurance. |
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IT management combines business knowledge with information technology skills. This concentration teaches students to solve business issues using tech skills, including security techniques. |
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A software engineering concentration or degree teaches students the fundamentals of creating software. It incorporates cybersecurity, programming, and operating systems. |
Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree
Minnesota cybersecurity students can explore financing options to help pay for their degrees. Minnesota's tuition is a bit higher than the national average for those paying in-state or private tuition. Interestingly, out-of-state students attending public institutions pay less than the national average.
Funding options for cybersecurity education in Minnesota include financial aid, grants, scholarships, and loans.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
The cost of a cybersecurity degree in Minnesota varies depending on residency status. Legal residents can pay the in-state tuition rate, which costs significantly less than out-of-state tuition at public colleges.
Some schools in Minnesota offer tuition breaks for non-resident students in nearby states through the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. Some schools also have specific tuition reciprocity agreements. For example, the University of Minnesota maintains agreements with North Dakota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and the Canadian province of Manitoba.
Minnesota's Cost of Living
Minnesota's cost of living index score of 100 puts it exactly on par with the national average. Living in Minnesota is no more or less expensive than the average cost of living in the United States. You won't need to worry as much about paying for basic necessities like housing, groceries, and utilities as you would in a more expensive state like California or New York.
Careers in Minnesota for Cybersecurity Graduates
U.S. News & World Report ranks Minnesota 15th in the nation for the best overall economy and ninth for employment. These rankings suggest that students and recent graduates may find it easier to land an entry-level cybersecurity job here than in other states.
Cybersecurity career opportunities in Minnesota concentrate in and around the Minneapolis area. The leading tech industry sectors in Minnesota are tech manufacturing, IT services and custom software services, and software.
Below, we describe cybersecurity careers to consider in Minnesota.
Select Cybersecurity Careers in Minnesota
Information Security Consultant
Information security consultants help client organizations protect their data. Typical duties include assessing security measures, reviewing security breaches, and providing ongoing support following cyberattacks. Security consultants may offer their expertise to external clients or internal teams.
Average Salary: $85,430 (October 2022)
Penetration Tester
A penetration tester, or pen tester, typically needs at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a computer science or cybersecurity-related field. Pen testers identify and offer solutions for computer-related security vulnerabilities. Projections Central includes penetration testers in its entry for information security analysts.
Average Salary: $88,550 (October 2022)
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2020-30): +29.2%
Incident Responder
Incident responders offer immediate support following security threats or breaches. Most hold bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity or other related fields. Projections Central includes incident responders in its entry for information security analysts.
Average Salary: $82,310 (October 2022)
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2020-30): +29.2%
Explore Minnesota-specific employment trends for cybersecurity and related positions below.
Minnesota Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Hardware Engineers |
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|
2020 Employment |
66,200 |
|
|
2030 Projected Employment |
67,300 |
|
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+1.7% |
|
|
Computer Network Architects |
||
|
2018 Employment |
165,200 |
|
|
2030 Projected Employment |
174,200 |
|
|
Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 |
+5.4% |
|
|
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
||
|
2020 Employment |
1,847,900 |
|
|
2030 Projected Employment |
2,257,400 |
|
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+22.2% |
|
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Minnesota Employment | Minnesota Annual Mean Wage | National Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
$159,010 |
||
|
Computer Hardware Engineers |
$128,170 |
||
|
Computer Network Architects |
$120,520 |
||
|
Computer Network Support Specialists |
$62,760 |
||
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Computer Programmers |
$93,000 |
||
|
Computer Systems Analysts |
$99,270 |
||
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Information Security Analysts |
$102,600 |
||
|
Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
$80,600 |
||
|
Software Developers |
$109,020 |
||
|
Web Developers |
$78,300 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Following a national trend, Projections Central reports a much faster-than-average employment growth rate for software developers in Minnesota from 2020-2030. Salaries for cybersecurity careers in the state vary by position, with some making less than the national average and others making slightly more.
Cybersecurity Employers in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to many employers that hire cybersecurity professionals. Cybercrime Magazine included four Minnesota-based organizations on its Hot 150 Cybersecurity Companies of 2021 list.
Code42: Code42 focuses on insider risk protection and management. It offers solutions like insider threat detection, IP theft protection, and data loss prevention. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the organization emphasizes inclusion and boasts employee-led BIPOC, gender equity, and queer groups.
Entrust: Founded in 1969 and based in Minneapolis, Entrust helps companies like Mastercard, Visa, and Microsoft keep their data secure. The organization provides compliance expertise and offers services like identity verification, digital signature, and multi-cloud security.
Secure Digital Solutions: Headquartered in Minneapolis, SDS employs information security consultants who specialize in information security, cyber risk, and compliance services.
Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Minnesota
The following list includes cybersecurity organizations and events in Minnesota.
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Minnesota Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association: MN ISSA is a local chapter of the international organization for information security professionals. The group provides opportunities for networking, education, and professional development. -
Cyber Security Summit: This annual conference in Minneapolis brings together leaders in cybersecurity. The multi-stakeholder event invites professionals from government, industry, and academia. -
Secure 360: This two-day annual conference in Minnesota focuses on security and risk management education. Key session areas include governance, business continuity management, and risk and compliance. Security and risk management professionals created the conference to help foster career development opportunities for professionals in the Midwest.
Schools in MN With Cybersecurity Degree Programs
Questions About Studying Cybersecurity in Minnesota
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Can I get a cybersecurity degree in MN?
Yes — you can earn a cybersecurity degree in MN. The state offers many cybersecurity programs at different degree levels through in-person and online delivery.
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Are the best cybersecurity schools in Minnesota expensive?
Tuition costs for the best cybersecurity schools in Minnesota vary by institution. Look for public institutions where you can pay in-state tuition to find more affordable options.
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What jobs can I get in Minnesota with a cybersecurity degree?
A cybersecurity degree does not guarantee any job in Minnesota. However, the best programs prepare students to pursue roles as information security analysts, security directors, and security engineers.
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Can I get an online bachelor's degree in MN?
Yes — various cybersecurity schools offer online bachelor's degrees in MN.
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