Colleges in Missouri for a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity

Key takeaways

Cybersecurity colleges in Missouri provide various learning opportunities, from traditional bachelor’s degrees to specialized master’s programs, catering to different career aspirations.
Cybersecurity is a high-demand field and the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is rising due to the increasing number and sophistication of cyberattacks.
The state of Missouri has taken proactive steps to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities through public-private partnerships and educational collaborations.
Compared to other states, Missouri has a lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for students seeking affordable higher education.
Graduates from cybersecurity programs in Missouri can benefit from abundant job opportunities and competitive salaries in the state’s growing tech industry.
The state’s increasing focus on technology and innovation has led to a higher demand for cybersecurity experts across various sectors.
Many colleges and universities in Missouri, including Lindenwood University and Fontbonne University offer abundant experiential learning opportunities providing valuable experience.

Cybersecurity is a highly technical field with great earning potential. Colleges in Missouri provide a wealth of learning opportunities in the field. The state continues to invest in improving the cybersecurity infrastructure through public-private partnerships and collaborations with educational institutes.

Ideally, aspiring cybersecurity professionals will start with a bachelor’s degree in the field and move on to a master’s degree if they want to obtain managerial roles. In this article, we provide a list of colleges and universities in Missouri offering a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. But before you start searching for colleges in Missouri, make sure you read our comprehensive guide on a cybersecurity degree.

List of colleges in Missouri with an excellent cyber security major

Study at colleges in Missouri

Colleges in Missouri have much to offer cybersecurity students. Whether you are looking for black colleges in Missouri or the best cybersecurity colleges in the US, Missouri has something to offer.

Additionally, the state offers students many other benefits. From a wide range of employment opportunities to affordable living, friendly population, natural beauty, and extracurricular activities. Here are just some of the best colleges and universities in Missouri offering an excellent cybersecurity major.

Fontbonne University

Fontbonne University’s cybersecurity program is a great choice for aspiring professionals in the field. The program focuses on the theoretical, practical, and procedural aspects of cybersecurity. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to protect networks, computers, programs, and data from unauthorized access and damage.

Upon graduation, students from this program are well-prepared to enter the cybersecurity workforce or pursue advanced studies in the field. They will have the technical expertise and leadership skills to excel in their roles, adapt to emerging technologies, and make informed decisions based on ethical and legal principles.

Targeted learning outcomes of the program include problem-solving, designing and implementing computer systems, effective communication, collaboration, and more. Graduates will be able to successfully take over a variety of cybersecurity job roles.

Location	Minimum GPA	Acceptance rate	Tuition
Clayton, Missouri	2.5	94%	$28,696

Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University’s cybersecurity program offers aspiring professionals a strong foundation in the field. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with the practical knowledge and skills needed to protect organizations from cyber threats.

Taught by experienced faculty with both academic and industry expertise, the program covers essential topics like network security, digital forensics, cybersecurity analysis, penetration testing, and ethical hacking. Students also benefit from career services, tutoring, and a capstone course that integrates their learning.

With the increasing demand for cybersecurity analysts across various industries, a BS in cybersecurity from Lindenwood University can open doors to exciting career opportunities.

Location	Minimum GPA	Acceptance rate	Tuition
Saint Charles, Missouri	3.42	74%	$19,300

Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University’s cybersecurity program offers a strong foundation for aspiring professionals in the field. Students will learn from industry experts in state-of-the-art facilities, gaining valuable hands-on experience through internships and real-world projects.

Furthermore, the program is accredited by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The accreditations and recognition by prestigious organizations validate its quality. It is one of the best cybersecurity colleges in the US and is an affordable high-quality educational institute.

Southeast Missouri University’s commitment to student success is evident in the high employment rate of graduates and the impressive achievements of its Cyber Defense team. With a cybersecurity degree from Lindenwood, students are well-prepared to launch successful careers in this in-demand field.

Location

Minimum GPA

Acceptance rate

Tuition

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

2.0

86%

$9,015 (in-state)

$15,585 (out-of-state)

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University’s Bachelor of Science in Security and Strategic Intelligence program is an excellent choice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. The program offers a strong foundation in intelligence gathering, with a focus on topics like terrorism, homeland security, and cybercrime.

Students can specialize in business continuity or global corporate security, gaining practical knowledge and skills in data and facility protection. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on critical thinking and industry best practices prepares graduates for high-demand positions in the field.

Furthermore, the school offers flexibility and convenience with its 120-credit degree program. It provides a six-week accelerated, or an eight-week regular term per year. This allows working professionals to study at their own pace and balance their careers and personal lives.

Location	Minimum GPA	Acceptance rate	Tuition
Saint Louis, Missouri	3.9	84.7%	$50,644

Why consider colleges in Missouri for cybersecurity education?

Find colleges in Missouri

A number of reasons make Missouri an excellent study destination not just for cybersecurity programs but for higher education in general. These include affordability, career prospects, an excellent cybersecurity infrastructure, and so on.

Additionally, students benefit from an abundance of options. From black colleges in Missouri to the best colleges for cybersecurity in the US, the state has a lot to offer. Here are just some reasons why it is an ideal study location for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Cybersecurity initiatives

The state of Missouri began investing in the state’s cybersecurity infrastructure in 2016 when it held the first Governor’s Cybersecurity Summit. The Missouri Office of Cybersecurity holds regular conferences to ensure all stakeholders are on the same page and focused on achieving set goals, the most recent one was the Missouri Cyber Security Conference in October 2023.

The Missouri Cyber Security Center of Excellence is another organization that is promoting research and education in the field. Additionally, the organization Cyber Up is aiding aspiring cybersecurity students to access cybersecurity training and education.

Affordability

As per the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, the state has the second lowest cost of living in the United States as of August 2024. Students can obtain housing at cheaper rates as compared to other states making the overall cost of attending a 4-year college significantly lower.

Additionally, the cost of healthcare, utilities, and groceries all have a 90+ cost index. Students looking for affordable places to study in Missouri can search for ‘colleges in St. Louis, Missouri’ or ‘colleges in Maryville, Missouri’.

They can also explore online degrees in cybersecurity. Not only do they tend to have lower tuition fees, but also remove the cost of housing and transport entirely.

Career prospects

Colleges in the state of Missouri provide students with the necessary technical skills and professional training to bridge the gap between demand and supply in the cybersecurity field. Cybersecurity graduates benefit from the abundant high-paying opportunities in the state and enjoy salaries higher than the national average in most cities.

Below is a table with average salaries for different job roles in the cybersecurity field sorted by cities in Missouri as per Robert Half’s Salary Guide 2025.

Job title	Average Pay
	St. Louis	Kansas	Columbia
Systems Security Manager	$172,358	$172,358	$142,345
Security Architect	$155,775	$155,775	$128,650
Cybersecurity Engineer	$139,193	$139,193	$114,955
Cybersecurity Analyst	$122,108	$122,108	$100,845

Projected job growth

According to Cyber Seek’s cybersecurity job market heat map, Missouri falls into the third tier with over 7,000 total job openings in the state. Currently, the state has a total of 19,102 professionals employed in the cybersecurity field, and many more are needed to fulfill the state’s demand.

As of October 2024, the supply-to-demand ratio in Missouri is at 83% indicating a 27% shortfall of cybersecurity experts in the state. Job opportunities in the state have grown by 64% in the past 14 years and are expected to grow even further in the coming years.

If you are looking for colleges for cybersecurity in states ripe with professional opportunities, Missouri is a strong contender.

Growing tech industry

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry reports a higher than national average job growth in the tech industry. Realizing the importance of a diversified economy, the state has provided a favorable environment for tech industries so they may flourish in Missouri and so they have.

The Technology 2030 report by the Missouri Chamber Foundation places Missouri among the top 10 states in Tech Manufacturing job growth. As of 2022, Missouri employed nearly 159,000 individuals in its tech industry at the state’s 16,710 tech establishments.

With the growing cyberattacks across the United States, tech companies, government, healthcare, and other industries are increasingly hiring cybersecurity experts. In fact, the report states there are over 200,000 tech jobs in non-tech companies.

Thus, aspiring cybersecurity students must explore colleges in St. Louis, Missouri, and colleges in Maryville, Missouri to study in cities with employment opportunities.

Need for cybersecurity professionals.

In June 2024, Kansas City Star, a local news organization, reported a series of cyberattacks on local government networks in Missouri. A ransomware attack on Jackson County’s computer network left multiple county offices closed for two weeks. In another attack, traffic cameras were left inoperable.

In May 2024, an attack on the healthcare network Ascension in Missouri interrupted access to some systems. With over 140 hospitals and 40 adult living facilities under its umbrella, even the slightest disruption caused a major hindrance to the dispersion of healthcare services. Thankfully, no data was stolen.

In 2023, there was a cyber-attack in Ballwin Missouri, a town in the suburbs of St. Louis forced authorities to close official systems. It was later revealed that infiltration took place a month prior to discovery. Officials launched an investigation and coordinated with insurance providers and forensic investigators to restore systems to their full potential.

As the attacks continue to become increasingly more advanced and cybercriminals develop a level of sophistication, never seen, innovation in the cybersecurity field becomes a must. And the state of Missouri does not disappoint being home to some of the best colleges for cybersecurity.

How to select the best colleges in Missouri for cybersecurity?

Discover colleges in Missouri

There are several factors to consider when selecting the best colleges for cybersecurity in Missouri. By carefully considering the following factors, you can review cybersecurity programs at different colleges to find one that aligns with your career goals and provides a strong foundation for a successful career in cybersecurity.

Program accreditation

Look for colleges with cybersecurity programs accredited by the National Security Agency (NSA) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This indicates that the program meets industry standards and prepares students for successful careers.

Curriculum and specializations

Evaluate the curriculum to ensure it covers a broad range of cybersecurity topics, including network security, cryptography, incident response, and ethical hacking.

Consider if the college offers specialized tracks or concentrations in areas of interest, such as digital forensics, cloud security, or cybersecurity management.

Faculty expertise

Best colleges for cybersecurity house experienced faculty members. The knowledge that practical work in the cybersecurity field such as combating cybercrime and finding innovative solutions to persistent problems brings to the classroom is invaluable. Look for professors with industry experience and publications in cybersecurity-related fields.

Hands-on experience

Cybersecurity is a technical field and even entry-level jobs require a professional portfolio with demonstrated experience in certain areas. The ideal cybersecurity major will provide students with the opportunities and facilities needed to build professional competencies.

Before selecting one of the colleges in the state of Missouri, inquire about opportunities for hands-on experience, such as internships, research projects, or competitions. Practical experience is truly invaluable in cybersecurity careers.

Job placement programs

Colleges in Missouri with cybersecurity programs that are designated as Centers of Academic Excellence in the field have private and public partnerships. Students at said institutions benefit from access to internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.

Before you select one of the colleges in Missouri, assess the college’s career services office and its ability to assist students with job placement, networking, and resume building.

Research other colleges by state

To get a better understanding of what colleges in other states are offering, we suggest you review colleges by state. A careful perusal will help you understand the value other colleges offer cybersecurity students and what you should be looking for in colleges in Missouri.

Enroll at cybersecurity colleges in Missouri today!

Cybersecurity education promises a fulfilling and financially rewarding career. If you are passionate about problem-solving and enjoy challenges, a degree in cybersecurity is ideal for you. Missouri has a growing tech sector, and a significant cybersecurity workforce demand and supply gap.

Enroll at cybersecurity colleges in Missouri today to avail the promising career opportunities in the state. However, if Missouri is not for you, search for the ‘best Florida college for cybersecurity’ or ‘colleges in California’.