Cybersecurity Programs in Missouri
Updated May 17, 2023
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Credit: Mike Kline (notkalvin) / Moment / Getty Images
Missouri may be best known for its cuisine and agriculture, but the state has also made strides to become a leader in the information technology space.
The Missouri Chamber Foundation's Technology 2030 report found that Missouri's tech industry had some of the fastest growth and highest wages in the country when adjusted for the cost of living. According to CompTIA's State of the Workforce report, Missouri had more than 73,000 tech job postings in 2022.
For prospective tech students, Missouri looks like a land of opportunity. The cybersecurity field appears strong, with organizations continuing to shore up their defenses and protecting their digital assets.
Discover information on Missouri's cybersecurity profession, along with available study paths and career opportunities in the state.
Missouri at a Glance
- Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $83,150
- % of Workforce in Tech: 5.3%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $23 billion
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 91
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Cybersecurity in Missouri?
While there are plenty of reasons to attend college in Missouri, the state has aimed to improve its college attainment numbers. In 2019, more than 52% of state residents held a certificate or degree, edging closer to the state's goal of 60% by 2025.
In 2020, Missouri enrolled nearly 350,000 postsecondary students across its 91 higher learning institutions. The state also introduced education support initiatives to expand workforce alignment, upgrade industry-recognized credentials, and assist different student types, including STEM learners.
Missouri also launched initiatives to improve equity and funding in the state's higher education system. In combination with lower-than-average tuition rates and online learning growth among many schools, the state has made education more accessible than ever before.
Online learning has allowed Missouri students to access programs from colleges around the state without relocating or traveling. By living and studying in the state, Missouri students can capitalize on the growing industries and partnerships between local schools and organizations.
For example, Missouri's intensified tech industry focus has led to more IT programs in the schools, including a boom in cybersecurity programs. Schools pinpoint areas of growth and opportunity in the state and develop programs to educate the future leaders of those fields.
Education Statistics for Missouri
The percentage of students in distance education in Missouri comes in slightly lower than the national average. Fortunately, the state has over 90 higher education institutions, many of which feature online courses and programs.
| Higher Education Statistics | Missouri Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 70 | 2,679 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 21 | 1,303 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 52.7% | 59% |
Sources: NCES
Accreditation for Missouri Schools
Accreditation informs learners that the school meets a high educational standard recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Institutional accreditation is required for colleges and universities to offer federal financial aid. The status can also affect a graduate's employment, continued learning, and postgraduate credential opportunities. In Missouri, most schools hold accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Though not always mandatory, programmatic accreditation can affect employment and licensure opportunities. Many computer-related programs, including cybersecurity programs, pursue ABET accreditation.
Considerations for a Cybersecurity Degree in Missouri
Prospective students need to consider several factors to find their ideal program. Most learners start by exploring program costs and length, along with the level or type of degree they want.
Researching programs that align with their professional goals can help learners identify the right specialization and courses. Students should also compare school faculties and facilities, internship opportunities, and support services.
Additionally, prospective students can consider their preferred program format and delivery methods. While Missouri's online participation rates are lower than the national average, distance learning can help busy students and working professionals better balance their schedules.
Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country:
Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees
Missouri students can choose from many diverse cybersecurity program options. While cybersecurity professionals come from different backgrounds, the following table details a few of the most suitable programs and specializations.
Information Assurance
Information assurance programs explore the management and protection of companies' data. Students learn how organizations improve information access, confidentiality, and security through strategies and best practices. These programs prepare graduates to help Missouri businesses manage their data needs.
Information Systems Security
Information systems security programs examine the applications and operations necessary to protect computer systems. Students learn to design, develop, implement, and manage security applications. Graduates can work with IT organizations that provide security applications or the organizations that use them.
Computer Forensics
Computer forensics programs look at the causes and motivations for cyberattacks. Students learn to collect evidence, investigate and report incidents, and support the recovery process. Forensics graduates can find work in many areas as organizations face an increasing number of cyberattacks.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree
Missouri students enjoy relatively low tuition rates, compared to the national averages. Visiting students have access to some of the lowest-out-state tuition rates in the country.
The state also helps learners cover education costs with various financial aid initiatives. For example, Access Missouri provides funding to first-time undergraduate students with financial needs. The state also runs several scholarship programs and incentive grant programs.
All prospective students should start by applying for federal financial aid. Learners can find further support through Missouri's schools and organizations.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Missouri public schools receive state funding to subsidize in-state tuition rates, making them lower than out-of-state tuition. This incentive helps state schools attract and retain more students.
As a member of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC), Missouri provides reduced tuition to students from other member states. Missouri residents also get preferential rates in schools within these states. The following list includes all MHEC states:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
Missouri's Cost of Living
A state's cost of living contributes to each student's education spending. According to World Population Review, Missouri has a cost-of-living index of 89.8 — the seventh-lowest in the country. While the state comes in lower than the national baseline of 100 in all categories, Missouri's affordable housing, grocery, and transportation costs stand out the most.
Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in Missouri
There are more than 1.1 million cybersecurity jobs across the country, per Cyberseek's Heat Map. According to CompTIA, Missouri's workforce sits at more than 10,000 and counting. Compared to the national average wage, the median wage for Missouri tech workers is over 100% higher.
While still a relatively small tech & cybersecurity sector, Missouri has become one of the top states for entrepreneurship and business-sponsored research and development. With most of the sector located in St. Louis and Kansas City, building into other metropolitan and rural regions remains an economic development priority for the state. If the emerging tech hub sustains its current growth rates, however, Missouri could soon compete with national leaders.
Select Cybersecurity Careers in Missouri
Incident Responder
Incident responders investigate cyberthreats and attacks using various tools and techniques. They may also test systems to identify vulnerabilities before planning and implementing prevention strategies. Typically, these professionals need bachelor's degrees.
- Average Salary (April 2023): $84,020
- Job Outlook in Missouri (2020-30): +32.8% (information security analysts)
Computer and Information Systems Manager
These department leaders apply industry best practices to create and implement company-wide IT policies. Computer and information systems managers protect physical and digital data through big-picture strategies. In some companies, they may carry the title of "IT manager."
- Average Salary (April 2023): $88,890
- Job Outlook in Missouri (2018-28): +9.3% (computer occupations, all other)
Penetration Tester
Penetration testers help organizations identify security issues by running simulated attacks on their systems. They work with other cybersecurity and IT professionals to bolster defenses and strengthen weaknesses. A penetration tester typically holds a bachelor's degree.
- Average Salary (April 2023): $90,770
- Job Outlook in Missouri (2020-30): +32.8% (information security analysts)
The table below offers details on other cybersecurity-related careers.
Missouri Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analysts | ||
| 2020 Employment | 2,560 | 141,200 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 3,400 | 188,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +32.8% | +33.4% |
| Computer Network Architects (2018 State Data | ||
| 2020 Employment | 3,630 | 165,200 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 3,780 | 174,200 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +4.1% (2018-2028) | +5.4% |
| Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 30,160 | 1,847,900 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 37,090 | 2,257,400 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +23% | +22% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Missouri Employment | Missouri Annual Mean Wage | National Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 6,110 | $135,670 | $159,010 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 690 | $88,220 | $128,170 |
| Computer Network Architects | 3,440 | $107,840 | $120,520 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 4,110 | $68,030 | $62,760 |
| Computer Programmers | 2,080 | $77,830 | $93,000 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 8,040 | $90,540 | $99,270 |
| Information Security Analysts | 2,030 | $95,010 | $102,600 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 6,760 | $85,760 | $80,600 |
| Software Developers | 19,370 | $100,290 | $109,020 |
| Web Developers | 2,300 | $77,100 | $78,300 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Missouri's employment outlook in computer-related fields appears bright. The mean annual wages come in around the national average in most cases — an attractive prospect for residents in a state with a low cost of living.
While many professions have appealing numbers, information security analysts and software developers might have the best outlook of all. Their respective projected growth rates of 32.8% and 23% indicate potential opportunities and job security for professionals in these fields.
Computer network occupations also have the benefit of higher-than-average wages in Missouri, which should help attract new talent.
Cybersecurity Employers in Missouri
Cerner Corporation: Now a member of Oracle, Cerner Corporation creates IT solutions for healthcare organizations and systems. The organization has a cybersecurity team with consulting, compliance, and regulatory professionals.
World Wide Technologies: The global company with headquarters in Missouri offers industry-specific IT solutions and services. In the cybersecurity realm, WWT provides an enterprise security program covering access management, along with network, cloud, and endpoint security.
Amdocs: This global company helps organizations automate and advance their operations with cloud migration and communication services. Amdocs has security solutions that include cyberdefenses, organization-wide integration, and management services.
Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Missouri
Cyber Up
This nonprofit organization aims to improve the cybersecurity field through apprenticeships and skills development programs for youths.
ISACA Missouri Chapter
ISACA promotes and enhances the information systems auditing and security profession. Its local chapter runs meetings, workshops, and industry support programs around the region.
Global Center for Cybersecurity @ Cortex
This center joins professionals, educators, and organizations committed to improving cybersecurity. The center also advances research, internships, and apprenticeships in the field.
Security Advisor Alliance
This organization aims to close the skills gap by motivating the next generation of professionals. The alliance runs workshops and events across the country to engage and educate young people interested in cybersecurity.
Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
This nonprofit unites government agencies, organizations, and educators in the fight for better cybersecurity. The center hosts collaborative research, education, and networking opportunities.
Schools With Cybersecurity Degrees in Missouri
- Columbia College
- Drury University
- Fontbonne University
- Lindenwood University
- Maryville University
- Metropolitan Community College
- Missouri Baptist University
- Missouri State University
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Missouri Western State University
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Saint Louis Community College
- Saint Louis University
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Southwest Baptist University
- St. Charles Community College
- University of Arkansas Grantham
- University of Central Missouri
- University of Missouri
- University of Missouri - St. Louis
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Webster University
- William Woods University
Questions About Cybersecurity in Missouri
Can I get a cybersecurity degree in Missouri?
Yes. You can choose from many Missouri state cybersecurity programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees. Several schools also offer certificate programs and continuing education courses in Missouri.
Are the best cybersecurity schools in Missouri expensive?
On average, Missouri state cybersecurity schools have lower tuition rates than most states. Learners can still consider the potential advantages of attending pricier programs, such as improved facilities, faculties, or industry partnerships. Some expensive private schools have substantial financial aid packages to offset tuition costs.
Is a cybersecurity degree worth it in Missouri?
Yes. In general, Missouri postsecondary students enjoy a low cost of living and relatively low tuition rates. Many Missouri state cybersecurity degrees have partnered with local organizations to address state labor shortages and industry focal points.
Is Missouri State University's master's degree in cybersecurity program hard?
Missouri State University's master's in cybersecurity can be challenging. The program tackles advanced topics in security management, security applications, and legal issues. Fortunately, the school offers flexible learning options, including online and accelerated paths. Students can also access academic support and organizations for assistance.
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