Key takeaways
- The Mississippi government is increasing investment in cybersecurity education, ensuring all aspiring cybersecurity professionals can find an ideal cybersecurity college in Mississippi.
- The state is actively promoting cybersecurity through initiatives like the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security and the Mississippi Cyber Initiative.
- Not just in Mississippi, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing nationwide, but the demand-supply ratio in Mississippi is 78%, better than the national ratio of 85%.
- The state has faced numerous cyberattacks, particularly targeting healthcare systems and government agencies, highlighting the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.
- Mississippi’s colleges offer various cybersecurity programs with unique selling points like experiential learning, specializations, flexible admissions, and online degrees.
- When choosing a college in Mississippi keep location in mind as the availability of local tech companies and government agencies impacts career prospects.
- Colleges in Mississippi with a strong cybersecurity presence such as Mississippi College and Jones College can offer valuable hands-on learning opportunities.
Mississippi is one of the many states in the US whose infrastructure and essential services have been disrupted by cyberattacks. Thus, the state, colleges, and universities in Mississippi are increasing investment in cybersecurity education. Students must conduct thorough research to find the ideal cybersecurity colleges in Mississippi.
All across the United States, local and federal governments, private and public corporations, and educational institutions are investing in cybersecurity. The goal is to build a strong defense system against cyberattacks and create a strong talent pipeline.
Different colleges and universities in Mississippi have varying unique selling points. These can include experiential learning opportunities, specializations, lower admission requirements, online cybersecurity degrees, and more. In this article, we talk about how to find the ideal college in Mississippi for a bachelor’s in cybersecurity with the available data.
List of some great cybersecurity colleges in Mississippi
Whether you are looking for an associate, bachelor, or master’s degree in cybersecurity, the choices available at Mississippi colleges will not be disappointing. Here are a few of the best colleges in Mississippi offering a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Mississippi State University
A cybersecurity degree from Mississippi State University is an ideal choice for students seeking a rewarding and challenging career. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. It provides students with hands-on training, industry-relevant curriculum, and flexible learning options.
The BAS in Cybersecurity offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes the latest industry standards and practical experience. Graduates will be well-versed in both theoretical and practical aspects of cybersecurity, making them highly competitive in the job market.
Additionally, through the four-year program students will develop skills such as analytical thinking, cloud computing, cyber defense, database management, cyber ethics, communication, organization, leadership, and software development. After graduation, students can pursue roles such as cybersecurity analyst, security consultant, and information security manager.
Moreover, the BAS in Cybersecurity is offered both on the Starkville campus and online. It is ideal for students searching for online colleges in Mississippi.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Starkville, Mississippi | 2.0 | 75.2% | $9,398 (in-state)
$25,444 (out-of-state) |
The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi’s Cybersecurity program offers students a flexible and accelerated pathway to a bachelor’s degree in this in-demand field. Whether you’re a community college student, a working professional, or a member of the U.S. Military, this online program is designed to fit varying lifestyles.
Students enjoy the ability to transfer up to 60 hours of technical credits and earn their degree in less time. The program’s curriculum equips students with essential skills for cybersecurity defense and risk assessment. Additionally, students gain knowledge of operating systems, penetration testing, risk assessment, laws and policies, and ethics.
Upon graduation, you’ll be well-prepared to join a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce and contribute to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure. The B.S. Cybersecurity program is led by Dr. Nick Rahimi, a respected expert in the field, and offers internship opportunities to gain practical experience in industry or government.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Hattiesburg, Mississippi | 2.5 | 99% | $9,450 (in-state)
$11,450 (out-of-state) |
Mississippi College
A cybersecurity degree from Mississippi College provides a strong foundation in computer theory and mathematics. It aims to equip students with the tools to solve complex problems and overcome challenges in various industries.
By combining theoretical knowledge with practical problem-solving skills, Mississippi College’s Computing & Information Systems program prepares students for a rewarding career in cybersecurity. The program’s hands-on approach ensures that students have ample opportunities to apply their skills and demonstrate their learning.
Additionally, students benefit from the availability of state-of-the-art computing labs providing access to the latest tools and technology. Students have the opportunity to pursue individual study and research allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests.
Mississippi College offers both a B.A. and B.S. providing flexibility for students to choose the program that best aligns with their academic goals and career aspirations.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Clinton, Mississippi | 2.0 | 40% | $21,098 |
Jones College
A cybersecurity degree from Jones College Mississippi is a perfect choice for students seeking a fast track to a rewarding career. The Information Systems Technology (IST) department offers a two-year program with two tracks: Web and Programming or Computer Networking. Both options provide the skills and certifications highly valued by employers in the job market.
The Web and Programming track focuses on building websites and applications, while the Computer Networking track delves into network design and administration. Regardless of your chosen path, you’ll gain expertise in programming languages, database management, and security protocols.
Additionally, Jones College’s partnerships with industry leaders like Cisco and Microsoft ensure your education aligns with real-world demands. You will have the opportunity to pursue internships and work on projects to develop professional competencies.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be equipped with industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA’s A+ and Security+, making you a competitive candidate in the ever-growing cybersecurity field. The IST program from Jones College Mississippi IST is ideal for students seeking a kickstart to their professional careers.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Ellisville, Mississippi | 3.0 | 100% | $3,870 (in-state)
$6,157 (out-of-state) |
What makes a college in Mississippi ideal for a bachelor’s in cybersecurity?
The study location plays a crucial role in determining the available career opportunities for a cybersecurity professional. Where you study dictates what resources are available to you. Whether there are tech companies and government agencies offering apprenticeships is an essential consideration factor.
Cybersecurity is a technical field and the ability to develop a practically applicable skill set is crucial for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Thus, the current state of cybersecurity in a state is also an essential consideration. It dictates the experiential learning opportunities available to students.
Here are just a few factors that make colleges in Mississippi an ideal study location for cybersecurity graduates.
Cyberattacks in Mississippi
Mississippi is a state battling a myriad of cyber-attacks, especially on its healthcare system. At the start of 2024, it was disclosed that the Singing River Health System in Mississippi was hit by a ransomware attack in 2023, resulting in a significant loss of data. It was initially thought that over 250,000 individuals were affected and put at risk of identity theft and fraud.
However, a detailed report issued in May 2024 reveals personal and health information of over 900,000 individuals was stolen in the attack. The hospital is currently battling two lawsuits on accounts of negligence in its cybersecurity systems.
Another attack in September 2023 left Hinds County’s official website in disarray. Due to a computer systems breach, residents were unable to buy car tags, pay property tax, or make real estate transactions. In an emergency meeting, the county allocated over $600,000 towards data recovery efforts.
Additionally, county officials all unanimously voted for investment in cybersecurity. The county signed a contract with Arctic Wolf, a company providing security operations.
Cybersecurity initiatives
The state government is heavily invested in promoting and ensuring cybersecurity among all industries, sectors, and organizations. These initiatives include investments in talent pipelines and training programs.
Mississippi Office Of Homeland Security
To promote awareness about the importance of cybersecurity, the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security (MOHS) is dedicating significant efforts. On the official website, visitors can find detailed lists of resources sorted into categories. These include:
- Cybersecurity awareness
- Reporting cybercrime
- Online training
- Public sector
- Law enforcement
- Alerts
- Cyber assessment information
- Mississippi computer crime contact information
Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services
The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) plays a vital role in promoting cybersecurity across the state. Through its Enterprise Security Program, ITS oversees cybersecurity efforts for all state agencies. It ensures coordinated approaches to system protection, service delivery, and policy development.
ITS offers core security services, such as firewall and intrusion prevention system management, event correlation, authentication administration, and security assessments. Additionally, ITS provides customer-specific services like secure file transfer, guest wireless network management, cryptographic services, and VPN support.
Internships at the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services can prove valuable to aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Mississippi Cyber Initiative
The Mississippi Cyber Initiative (MCI) came into being to tackle the cybersecurity challenges in the state. The goal of the initiative is to position Mississippi as a leader in cybersecurity through collaboration among key stakeholders.
MCI aims to promote unparalleled collaboration among the private sector, state, local, and federal government and agencies. Additionally, the program aims to promote academic excellence, and innovation in the field of cybersecurity.
Mississippi Cyber Initiative has three primary goals:
- Guiding Mississippi’s cybersecurity and workforce needs.
- Attracting innovative cyber and tech industries.
- Meeting the cybersecurity training demands of Keesler AFB and the Mississippi Army National Guard
Through the MCI collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including a strategic partnership between educational institutes and government and military organizations, aspiring professionals can gain experiential learning opportunities. Additionally, they can benefit from an increasing number of job opportunities as the cybersecurity network grows.
Cybersecurity employers in Mississippi
There are nearly 3,000 cybersecurity job openings in Mississippi as of October 2024, according to Cyber Seek. The following are just some of the IT firms in the state employing cybersecurity professionals.
- Pileum Corporation in Jackson
- Our IT Department in Leland
- NETSECURIS LLC in Olive Branch
- Business Communications in Ridgeland
- BECLOUD in Jackson
- Business Communications in Ridgeland
- TECHSYSTEMS USA in Jackson
- SKINNER TECHNOLOGY GROUP in Hernando
Additionally, students can explore job opportunities in government and military organizations such as the MOHS, Mississippi Army National Guard, and so on.
Predicted job growth
According to Cyber Seek, the projected job growth for cybersecurity professionals in the state is positive. Currently, the state has a supply-demand ratio of 78%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. The ratio indicates that the state has a steadier than the national average supply of cybersecurity experts to cater to the demand.
Since 2010, job openings in Mississippi have grown by 85% In comparison, the job market for cybersecurity professionals across the United States has grown by 68%. The figures indicate that Mississippi’s cybersecurity job market is growing a lot faster than the national average.
Thus, aspiring cybersecurity professionals should seek out the best colleges in Mississippi for a degree in cybersecurity.
How to find the ideal cybersecurity college in Mississippi?
Not every college and program will be ideal for all cybersecurity students. Whether a student pursues a B.S. in Cybersecurity or a B.S. in Cybersecurity Engineering depends largely on their career aspirations. Other factors such as experiential learning opportunities, job placement programs, and mode of delivery also play an important role in determining the relevance of a degree in cyber security.
Here are a few things to search for when browsing Mississippi colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Program curriculum
A typical bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity requires the completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours. Students undertake a combination of core, concentration-specific, and elective courses. Additionally, they have to complete internships, and capstone projects to fulfill experiential learning requirements.
Students should also look at available specializations. Since cybersecurity is a technical field, it is best to find a specific niche to specialize in and build expertise in. Doing so will greatly increase the employability of a cybersecurity professional.
Admission criteria
Aspiring cybersecurity students should browse through different colleges and universities in Mississippi to determine their admission requirements. Some colleges give preference to students with mathematics and computer science backgrounds. While other colleges don’t even have minimum GPA requirements and take a holistic approach to the admissions process.
In any case, it is best to be prepared beforehand than to be surprised during the college application process.
Online colleges in Mississippi
Choosing online colleges in Mississippi for a degree in cybersecurity might be a better option for some students. An online cybersecurity degree is oftentimes a more affordable option than an on-campus degree. They also offer students the flexibility to pursue employment alongside their education and build professional competence.
Cybersecurity colleges in other states
Lastly, students should browse through cybersecurity colleges in other states, especially those with a thriving cybersecurity job market. It will help students determine the prevalent trends in the education sector and compare them to the programs at some of the best colleges in Mississippi.
Here are a few states where you can explore cybersecurity programs:
Enroll in a cybersecurity degree at Mississippi colleges today!
Colleges in Mississippi have much to offer students. The well-connected cybersecurity infrastructure in the state is helping bridge the gap between demand and supply for cybersecurity professionals. By enrolling in a degree in cybersecurity at the ideal Mississippi college, you can fast-track your cybersecurity career to success.