Minnesota

Minnesota Cyber Security Education Degrees & Requirements

Associate’s Degree

While most cyber security jobs in Minnesota require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree, some associate degree holders may be able to find entry-level positions. When combined with professional experience, this degree level can sometimes get your foot in the door.

Admission requirements:

High school diploma

Minimum high school grade point average (GPA) in more exclusive institutions

Passing grades in any necessary prerequisite courses

Depending on the institution, associate degrees are generally available on campus or online. They often consist of 60 credit hours of coursework and require two years to complete. As long as the college is properly accredited, graduates are able to transfer credits to a university for further education or find entry-level employment.

Coursework frequently covers:

Business and Professional Communication

Computer Forensics

Criminal Law

Windows Operating Systems

Bachelor’s Degree

Most people interested in a cyber security career in Minnesota start by earning a bachelor’s degree. On campus and online programs are available and both usually consist of 120 credit hours of coursework. Full-time students can expect to complete the various degree requirements in about four years.

Admission requirements:

High school diploma

Minimum high school GPA

Minimum Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) scores

Passing grades in any necessary prerequisite courses

Personal statement

Letters of recommendation

Curriculums usually include major-specific and general, liberal arts coursework. Graduates can choose to either apply to an advanced degree program or find employment.

Coursework frequently covers:

Cyber Defense

Cyber Threats

Fundamental Security Design Principles

Information Assurance Fundamentals

Information Technology Systems Components

Master’s Degree

While most entry-level positions in Minnesota do not require a master’s degree in cyber security, many employees do give preference to candidates who have one. These graduates also tend to have access to higher level positions throughout their careers and can make more money.

Admission requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in cyber security or a related field

Professional work experience

Minimum Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores (or GMAT if you attend a business school)

Passing grades in any necessary prerequisite courses

Personal statement

Letters of recommendation

On campus and online programs are available, both often consisting of approximately 60 credit hours of coursework. It usually takes a full-time student about two years to graduate.

Coursework frequently covers:

Information Security Strategy and Policy

Security Governance and Compliance

Information Security Management

E-Commerce Security

Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Analysis

Certifications in Minnesota

On campus and online certificate programs in cyber security are also available at some Minnesota institutions. They generally take less time to complete than associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Some consist of as few as 12 credit hours of coursework, which means most students can graduate in a single year.

Admission requirements:

High school diploma

Minimum high school GPA

Personal statement

Letters of recommendation

Certificate programs are usually available at undergraduate and graduate levels. They do not include general education coursework. Instead, they focus solely on the core subjects necessary for success in the field. Recipients can use them to enter the information technology field, to specialize, or to boost their careers.

Coursework varies depending on the certificate, but can include:

Cyber Law

Digital Forensics

Network Systems and Security

Security Administration

Why is Accreditation Important?

Individuals interested in earning a cyber security degree in Minnesota should keep institutional accreditation in mind. Regional accreditation is an especially useful type to look for in a program before you apply. A college or university’s accreditation status can impact the validity of the degrees they offer. While accreditation is not required, it does prove that the school adheres to important academic standards and will be important when you look for work or if you choose to earn a higher level degree. These requirements reassure students, employers, and higher level learning institutions that the education provided adequately prepares graduates for success in the field.

The US Department of Education recognizes regional accrediting agencies for cyber security degrees. This type of accreditation means that the institution meets the general academic expectations and standards of the area.

Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) program. All regionally accredited colleges and universities are eligible to apply for designation as CAE in cyber defense. These institutions are regarded as top subject matter experts in the cyber security field as they have passed rigorous standards in order to become a CAE institution.

CAE Accredited Programs in Minnesota

Capella University

CAE-CD / 2014-2021

Century College

CAE-2Y / 2019-2024

Lake Superior College

CAE-2Y / 2017-2022

Metropolitan State University

CAE-CD / 2014-2020

St. Cloud State University

CAE-CD / 2014-2021

Minnesota Colleges Offering Certificates and Associate Degrees

Minnesota students can also pursue an associate degree in computer science or a certificate in cyber security. While these degrees may not qualify graduates for employment right away, they can lead to entry-level positions or future educational opportunities in the future. Not every college and university in Minnesota offers associate degrees in cyber security, but many do have programs related to information technology.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Tuition Cost

In-State: $5,396

Out-of-State: $12,868

College Retention Rate: 52%, Full-time Students; 42%, Part-time Students

Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Tuition Cost

In-State: $5,692

Out-of-State: $10,838

Average Net Price: $10,068

College Retention Rate: 63%, Full-time Students; 40%, Part-time Students

Century College

Tuition Cost

College Retention Rate: 56% for full-time students and 47% for part-time students.

Inver Hills Community College

Tuition Cost

In-State: $5,435

Out-of-State: $10,600

College Retention Rate: 56%, Full-time Students, 41%, Part-time Students

Conferences and Workshops:

Cyber Security Summit

The Cyber Security Summit takes place every fall. In its tenth year, the event brings together a variety of technology professionals, business managers, government staff members, and academics from all over the country. Attendees have access to expert presentations and panels for two full days.

Secure360

Secure360 was created by a group of security and risk management professionals to provide education and advancement opportunities in the field. The event occurs yearly. This all-encompassing experience unites professionals at all levels in the industry for collaboration.

Security B-Sides MSP

Security B-Sides MSP is an education community event designed to bring information security professionals together. This grassroots conference takes place once a year and offers several speaker tracks and workshops. The event is two days long, but additional training is often offered the day before as well.

As you'll soon see, there's so much going on in Minnesota's distance understanding round that on-ground research as well as likewise research take something of a rear in the state. That's not to state there aren't deserving success to mention: The University of Minnesota Technological Monitoring Institute was a founding companion of the state's yearly Cyber Security Summit, which was introduced in 2011.

We have actually done the research examine right into what's offered for you: At the associate level, you'll have your choice of four online programs, every one of which are recognized by the WIOA: The 60-credit Companion of Applied Science in Cyber and Information Defense at Minnesota State University Southeast placements itself to generate pupils interested in functioning with criminal justice agencies to take a look at and stay clear of hacks.

It's a four-year level established to prepare grass for numerous CompTIA qualifications as well as also go after work as experts and additionally safety specialists. A comparable course at numerous colleges exists. Students can sign up for the BS in Computer system Information Solution level at Walden University as well as likewise concentrate on Cyber Defense for Information Solution.

Choices are still open at the master's degree, with 4 organizations giving appropriate online degrees: Minnesota State University-Mankato's Expert Scientific research Master's Degree program thoroughly Guarantee and Info Risk targets candidates with an undergraduate IT degree and aids them develop the monitoring abilities to end up being leaders at their service. Concordia University-Saint Paul's on-line MBA in Cybersecurity has concerning the precise same mission yet is structured as if an enrollee with a company background might get the technical knowledge required to shift towards danger management.

Whether you're an on the internet trainee delved in your space or an on-campus trainee pointed in the collection, you need to head out from time to time to network. It's an extremely simple as well as delightful means to create your capabilities and likewise fulfill individuals from business you could want to help. Below are 7 areas for Minnesotan cyber protection lovers, which have a tendency to cluster around Minneapolis-St.

Minnesota Stage of the Information Remedy Safety Association (ISSA): The Minnesota Stage of ISSA was selected from over 100 ISSA chapters as the globe's finest in 2016, which must enable you to recognize simply how energised it is. Wind up being a member to connect with corporate enrollers, obtain an advantage on job postings, most likely to lunches in addition to phase meetings, as well as chill out throughout its "AfterHours" mixers.

Safety And Security And Also Security B-Sides MSP: Invest a weekend break with a diverse neighborhood of Minnesota details security experts. Tickets are affordable as well as likewise the organizers coordinate hacking competitions as well as hands-on workshops while additionally taking care of establishing a number of audio speaker tracks, where you can discover relating to one of the most current advancements in the field. Remove school/work the Friday prior to for additional training workshops and likewise pleasurable events at BrrCon, an entirely cost-free side workshop.

Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand these days due to the growing threats that the Internet presents each day. There are many different types of careers that you can choose from and this article will outline some of them.

If you are interested in a career in security, you may want to consider obtaining a cybersecurity degree in order to ensure your security and protection of information. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand and there is a great job outlook for those who obtain their degrees.

You may want to take the time to secure your personal and private information from those who would be willing to hack into your computer system and obtain this personal and private information. This will be very important if you are going to work for a government agency and are looking for a job with a law enforcement agency.

As a cybersecurity professional, your job is to protect information and your computer system against hackers and other potential attacks. You must also know how to protect a system and its data from unauthorized users. Many people choose to specialize in a certain area of the industry and the only way to do that is to earn a degree in the subject.

Some people want to specialize in network security, information security, or any other area that requires a lot of computer skills. Some people who are in the security industry also have a love for the law and want to pursue legal careers. Some of the positions that the legal profession is in today are in the area of cyber crime and the FBI.

Becoming a legal professional can be done through law schools and colleges. The most popular law school courses include criminal justice and white collar criminal defense. This is a career that will require you to defend attorneys and people who have been accused of various crimes including computer crimes and identity theft.

There are cybersecurity degrees and careers in Minnesota that allow you to specialize in an area of expertise that you already possess. If you are interested in the medical field, you may want to pursue a degree in nursing technology, and you may want to become a registered nurse.

A career as a cyber security industry professional is a great way to secure a career that will pay well, have a variety of options, and offer you the ability to advance your knowledge and skills. as your career progresses.

Depending on what you want to specialize in, you can get a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity Technology, Cybersecurity Law or Cybersecurity Policy, or Cybersecurity Management. You can also earn a Master's degree or even a PhD in Cybersecurity. and this option may be a little more challenging for people who are not so educated in the field. However, the rewards of earning your degree are worth it.

A Master's degree can take up to five years to complete. It is possible for you to get your associate's degree in Cybersecurity Management. or Cybersecurity Policy without having to take as many classes as a Bachelor's degree. The associate's degree is typically only two years.

When you first enter the workforce after completing an associate's degree, you will be employed on a part-time basis. After that first year is up, you will then be on full-time salary. You can expect your salary to rise over the next two years. Your salary is based on the position that you are working in at the time you get your degree.

Jobs in the industry are available in many different areas. The jobs are not just for people who are skilled in the information security field. However, the demand for people in the industry has been on the rise over the last few years.

These jobs are in demand because the job market for cybersecurity professionals is always growing. Even though jobs are always available for people who are knowledgeable in the field of Cybersecurity, there is always a need for these professionals. They are in high demand because of the nature of their field.

Minnesota Cyber Security Jobs and Salary

Most professionals in computer-related security occupations work as information security analysts, computer system analysts, computer programmers, database administrators, and network and computer systems administrators. In 2018, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported there were 35,740 of these positions in Minnesota, with the highest employment levels in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Bloomington. As these individuals are responsible for planning and carrying out security measures intended to protect company, organizational, and government computer systems, demand for their skills is high. Employment in this field is projected to grow between up to 32% from 2018 to 2028, with information security analysts experiencing the best job outlook. This is much faster than the average for all other occupations.

Overall, the earning potential for individuals involved with cyber security is decent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for information security analysts in Minnesota was $94,040 in 2018. Even the lowest paying of these positions, network and computer systems administration, still reported a median annual wage of $85,620 in 2018. These salaries are significantly higher than the median annual wage reported for all occupations in the United States, which is $37,690.

It is worth noting that salaries will vary significantly depending on the position and years of experience a professional has. For example, computer programmers in the bottom 10% of the profession’s pay scale made less than $48,790, whereas those in the top 10% of the information security analysts pay scale made more than $156,580.

Resources

(ISC)2 Twin Cities – Minnesota Chapter

The Minnesota Chapter of the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC) is a membership organization that covers an area including Greater Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Bloomington. They strive to create a safe environment for information security practitioners to openly share their expertise and ideas.

Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) – Minnesota Chapter

The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is a not-for-profit, international organization made up of information security professionals and practitioners. The Minnesota Chapter provides a wide variety of forums, publications, peer interaction opportunities, events, and resources to the local community.

OWASP Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP)

The OWASP MSP is a professional, non-profit association that is open to individuals interested in software security. While the association is made up of global members, local chapters are run independently. Their goal is to provide unbiased, practical, cost-effective information about application security.

Minnesota Cyber Careers Consortium – Mn (C)3

The Minnesota Cyber Careers Consortium was built to address the many needs of the state’s cyber security workforce, as well as assist businesses dealing with cyber risks. They accomplish this by providing Minnesota college and university students with the resources needed to transition into professional careers, advancing awareness of cyber security issues, and facilitating continuing education and training for the existing workforce.