Mississippi state colleges that are ideal for a cybersecurity degree

Key takeaways

A growing number of public colleges such as the Mississippi State College are offering a degree in cybersecurity to cater to the demand for cybersecurity experts.
Colleges in Mississippi offer a variety of cybersecurity programs, ranging from associate degrees to master’s degrees.
Mississippi state colleges, public and private, generally offer more affordable tuition compared to the national average.
Mississippi’s diverse history, its role in the American Civil War, and vibrant music and arts scene provide a unique and enriching experience for students.
The state has a significant shortage of cybersecurity experts, making it a favorable location for those pursuing a career in this field.
When choosing a cybersecurity program, it’s important to consider factors like accreditation, specialization, faculty expertise, learning opportunities, and research facilities.
Public colleges such as Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi offer affordable cybersecurity degrees.
Private colleges offering cybersecurity programs include Tougaloo College and Mississippi College.

The need for cybersecurity education has never been more prominent than it is today. Thus, investing in the cybersecurity education pipeline is the top agenda for many states including Mississippi. Several colleges in Mississippi offer great cybersecurity programs, including Mississippi State College.

On the cyber education front, Mississippi has a lot to offer. There are many exceptional public and private colleges in the state offering a degree in cybersecurity. Whether you want to pursue an associate degree, a bachelor’s, or a master’s degree in cybersecurity, you will find good colleges in Mississippi to pursue education from.

In this guide, we discuss what makes Mississippi colleges ideal for cybersecurity education and recommend some public and private colleges.

List of Mississippi state colleges for cybersecurity education

Explore Mississippi state college

Public institutions in Mississippi offer academic excellence alongside affordability. Higher education at a public Mississippi college is significantly lower than the national average. Here are just some of the options you can explore.

Mississippi State College/University

Mississippi State University offers two degrees in cyber security namely a B.S. in Cybersecurity and a B.A.S. in Cybersecurity. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity program at MSU is designed to equip students with the skills to address the growing challenges of cyber threats.

The program aligns with the National Security Agency’s requirements for the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense Education. It ensures students are prepared for government or industry roles. Graduates will be capable of serving as cybersecurity engineers on both defensive and offensive sides, with minimal additional training.

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to equip students with the expertise needed to become proficient cybersecurity analysts. The online program is designed for working adults and focuses on real-world applications, hands-on training, and ethical considerations.

Location

Minimum GPA

Acceptance rate

Tuition

Starkville, Mississippi

2.0

75.2%

$9,398 (in-state)

$25,444 (out-of-state)

The University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi is one of the most renowned institutions in the state. It is more commonly referred to as Ole Miss and it offers an excellent degree (cybersecurity) in Mississippi. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an emphasis in Computer Security.

The program aims to equip students with a strong foundation in computer science and specialized knowledge in cybersecurity. Additionally, it features a rigorous curriculum designed to enable students to solve complex computing problems, design and implement effective solutions, communicate effectively, and understand ethical and legal principles.

Graduates will be prepared to contribute to teams, adapt to technological changes, and pursue advanced studies in computer science or cybersecurity.

Location

Minimum GPA

Acceptance rate

Tuition

Oxford, Mississippi

3.2

97%

$9,220 (in-state)

$26,440 (out-of-state)

Private colleges in Mississippi for a cyber security degree

Candidates wanting to explore options other than Mississippi State colleges can look into cybersecurity programs at the following private colleges.

Tougaloo College

A computer science degree with a minor in cybersecurity from Tougaloo College provides a strong foundation for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. The computer science major equips you with essential programming skills, knowledge of data structures and algorithms, and an understanding of operating systems – all crucial for cybersecurity.

The cybersecurity minor then builds upon this base by teaching you the specific principles and practices used to protect computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. Courses like Introduction to Cybersecurity, Computer Forensics, and Data Communications will give you the expertise to identify vulnerabilities, analyze threats, and implement security measures.

This combination prepares you for entry-level cybersecurity jobs or further graduate study in the field.

Location	Minimum GPA	Acceptance rate	Tuition
Jackson, Mississippi	2.8	49%	$10,861

Mississippi College

Mississippi College is the ideal private college in Mississippi for students wanting to pursue a master’s degree in the field. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program at Mississippi College offers aspiring cybersecurity professionals the opportunity to develop the skills needed to identify, prevent, and mitigate cyber threats.

The program is designed to equip students with essential tools and knowledge to excel in various roles within the cybersecurity field, such as information security analyst and chief information security officer. It is ideal for technical professionals seeking a deeper understanding of cybersecurity.

The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills through a hybrid learning environment. Whether pursuing a full master’s degree or a graduate certificate, students can benefit from affordable coursework and a flexible online format that allows them to balance their studies with their professional commitments.

Location	Minimum GPA	Acceptance rate	Tuition
Clinton, Mississippi	2.0	40%	$21,098

Why choose Mississippi State College for a degree – cyber security?

Find the ideal Mississippi state college

There are over 20 colleges and universities in Mississippi, the Magnolia State, including renowned community colleges such as Jones College Mississippi. But a plethora of options is not all that attracts large numbers of national and international students to the state.

Southern hospitality, natural beauty, and excellent academic and research opportunities are all just some of the reasons why thousands enroll in Mississippi colleges.

Rich history

Mississippi’s long and diverse history has given the state an interesting cultural landscape. It was ruled by French, Spanish, and British settlers. The historic remnants in the state paint a detailed and beautiful picture of its rich historic landscape. These include remnants from the American Civil War, in which Mississippi played a pivotal role.

History buffs, in particular, enjoy all that Mississippi has to offer. Windsor Ruins, Vicksburg National Military Park, Biloxi Lighthouse, Old Capitol Museum, and USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum are just some of the historical sites that students can enjoy.

Lively music and arts scene

Mississippi has produced some timeless musicians such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters are just famous names that pop to mind. Moreover, the state is the birthplace of the genre Mississippi Delta Blues, which greatly shaped the 20th-century music landscape in America.

Famous writer William Faulkner, award-winning playwright Tennessee Williams, and America’s most popular TV host Oprah all hail from the state of Mississippi. Students interested in the liberal arts will greatly appreciate the arts scene in Mississippi.

What better place to study in than the state that gave birth to the revolutionary creatives that shaped the American culture and identity? Students who want to experience the essence of America will enjoy studying at Mississippi State College.

Outdoor activities

Students enrolled at colleges in Mississippi benefit from the availability of plenty of outdoor activities. From water sports like water skiing, boating, and river rafting to adventurous excursions such as hiking, horse riding, and cycling, students enjoy a variety of options.

Additionally, the state has several innovative games. The most recent and popular one is geocaching in which participants use GPS trackers to find hidden containers. These activities provide engagement opportunities besides offering students a chance to refresh and energize.

Great weather

Mississippi features great weather that lasts all year round to go hand-in-hand with the plenty of available outdoor activities. The average temperature range in the state capital Jackson ranges from 81°F (27°C) in summers to 48°F (9°C) in winters.

Though the temperature range varies by city, the temperature range is generally the same for major cities offering an excellent array of good colleges in Mississippi.

Affordable education

The cost of attending college in Mississippi is generally lower than the national average. Education Data Initiative reports that public 4-year institutions in Mississippi are 6.21% cheaper, while private universities are 41.12% less expensive.

The average total cost of attending a public 4-year institution for in-state students is $21,000, with tuition and fees accounting for 43.43% of this cost. Out-of-state students pay significantly more, with tuition and fees costing 80.99% more than in-state students.

Over the past two years, tuition has increased by 2.13% and 3.32% and accommodation costs have increased by 9.89% year-over-year. Despite the increase, Mississippi state colleges feature lower costs of education than 30 states in the US.

Private 4-year institutions have an average total cost of $29,234, with tuition and fees making up 68.56% of the cost. Tuition has increased by 1.45% and 1.98% over the past two years and accommodation costs have increased by 0.50%.

Job opportunities

Cybersecurity students can benefit from the state’s growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. According to Cyber Seek’s Cybersecurity workforce heatmap, the demand for cybersecurity professionals in the state is growing at a faster rate than the national average.

Currently, Mississippi has 5,015 people employed in cybersecurity in 2024, which is an increase of 63% since 2010. This growth is also faster than the national average of 56%. Despite the faster growth rate, the state still has a shortage of cybersecurity experts.

Mississippi has 2,290 cybersecurity job openings in 2024, which is an increase of 85% since 2010. This growth is faster than the national average of 68%. The statistics indicate that the demand for professionals is growing at a much faster rate than the supply.

Aspiring cybersecurity professionals can benefit from the supply shortage by pursuing a degree (cyber security) from a Mississippi college.

How to select the ideal Mississippi State college for a cybersecurity degree?

Study cybersecurity at Mississippi state college

Choosing the right college for a cybersecurity degree in Mississippi depends on several factors. By carefully considering these factors, you can select a college that aligns with your academic goals, career aspirations, and personal preferences, ensuring a successful cybersecurity education in Mississippi.

Accreditation

Ensure the college you choose is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security are the two common accrediting bodies for a cyber security degree. Ideally, students should look for a degree (cyber security) from an institute designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security/Defense.

The accreditation guarantees that the program meets specific quality standards and prepares you for professional certification. It also means the particular college is a leader in innovation in the field of cybersecurity.

Program specializations

The specialization you pursue dictates the job opportunities available to you. Thus, carefully consider the specific area of cybersecurity you want to focus on. Some colleges may offer specialized programs in areas like network security, digital forensics, penetration testing, and ethical hacking.

Other colleges in Mississippi offer specialized and niche-focused degrees such as cybersecurity engineering and security systems architecture. Ideally, students will choose a degree based on their career aspirations. Another factor to consider when choosing a specialization is the pay grade and number of available opportunities.

Faculty expertise

Look for colleges with faculty members who have strong industry experience and research backgrounds in cybersecurity. Since cybersecurity is a technical field, classroom discussions and textbook learning are not enough.

Faculty with professional experience in the field will add depth to your learning experience, providing real-world insights into the dynamic cybersecurity field. Their expertise can significantly enhance your learning experience.

Experiential learning

As we have mentioned before, cybersecurity is a practical field. Technical skills and their practical implementations must be the primary learning outcome of a cybersecurity degree. Thus, our degree advice would be to look for colleges that offer opportunities for hands-on experience, such as internships, research projects, or lab work.

Additionally, colleges and universities in Mississippi that partner with cyber security government organizations offer internship and apprenticeship opportunities. Make sure to choose a degree program that is at the center of such strategic partnerships.

Research other cybersecurity colleges

Compare colleges in Mississippi with those in states with an aggressive cybersecurity environment. Determine the research opportunities and lab facilities available at renowned institutions in other states. You can then use that knowledge to find good colleges in Mississippi with similar learning opportunities and facilities.

Here are some cybersecurity colleges by state you can explore sorted by state:

Enroll in a Mississippi state college today for a degree in cybersecurity!

Mississippi offers a vibrant student life, rich culture, great weather, and affordable education. Plus, the wide number of available colleges in the state provides students with ample choice. Make sure you conduct in-depth research before choosing a college in Mississippi for a cybersecurity degree.