Cyber Security Degree in Minnesota

Cyber Security Degrees in Minnesota

If you plan to major in network security, cyber security degrees in Minnesota. Cyber security programs could foster vital tech skills. IT security skills are what keep data private and safe from hackers. According to the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard, there are 91 schools in MN. Of them, 12 awarded degrees in information security and digital forensics in 2018. In order of the number of cyber grads for the 2018 school year, these are:

• Capella University – 156 graduating students (2018)
• Saint Cloud State University- 122
• Metropolitan State University – 23
• Saint Paul College – 12
• Rasmussen College-Minnesota – 11
• Century College – 10
• Minneapolis Community and Technical College – 7
• Pine Technical & Community College – 6
• Riverland Community College – 5
• Minnesota West Community and Technical College – 3
• Minnesota State College Southeast – 2
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College - 1

Online Cyber Security Programs in MN

Busy adult students may prefer to earn a cyber security degree online in Minnesota. Online cyber security programs deliver classes and virtual labs via computer. Without travel time, they provide an often flexible, accessible format. If this appeals to you, these are a few online cyber security degree programs in MN.

Capella University

Capella is an online university with 100% distance learning. The school is also a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance / Cyber Defense (CAE IA/CD). Here there are information technology (IT) programs at all levels. Bachelor’s, master’s and PhDs. Students may tailor their studies with a focus on IA and cyber security.

The BS in IT is also ABET accredited. It studies key areas like cyber defense, ethical hacking and operating systems. CISSP certified students who enter the program may be eligible for a discount. Students also get hands on experience in Capella’s virtual lab. 

Graduate programs at Capella aim to grow professional skills.  For e.g. students may anchor their MS in IA and Cyber Security in one of three areas. Digital forensics, health care security or network defense. There is also a solution focused Doctor of IT. It delves into scholarly research and leadership.

Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE CDE). They offer an online Graduate Certificate in IA and IT. Unlike other certs it spans 6 classes and covers tactical security IT planning. The school does offer a BS in Cyber Security and a MS in Cyber Ops. Both include labs and are in person. 

St. Paul College

St. Paul is a community and technical college. Students here may elect an AAS in Cyber Security. It addresses basics like system design and common “hacks”. Students may also build the skills to check network traffic and spot potential risks. The school has transfer agreements with other colleges. So, it may help prepare grads to further their education or, launch a job search. 

Rasmussen College Minnesota

Rasmussen offers an online bachelor’s degree in cyber security. It features a Completer option for those who already have an associate degree or college credits.   Classes aim to prep grads for industry cyber security certification exams. Like CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) and others of its kind.

Century College

Century delivers classes in daytime, evening and online courses. They offer online cyber programs at the AAS and certificate levels. The AAS in Cyber Security studies a few key areas. Like digital forensics, network administration and system security.  

It also features classes to broaden skills in cloud computing. These skills may help students migrate a system onto the cloud. Students also take classes that aim to prep for industry certification exams. So, while not a transfer degree, it may help students begin a job search after they graduate.

Pine Technical and Community College

PTCC offers an online AAS in cyber security. It focuses on hands-on learning and industry certifications. Students in the program learn many basics. From how to watch network traffic. To being able to respond to attacks, spot security flaws and strategize.

Walden University

Walden is an online university with 100% distance learning. Here, students may choose a MS in Information Assurance and Cyber Security. It studies the methods used to detect cyber attacks and protect systems. The classes also look at the policies that businesses use to manage risks. And, at the types of cyber offenses and how to collect clues of these crimes.

Cyber Scholarships in MN

A scholarship is a kind of financial aid that could help make a cyber degree more affordable. Colleges and other providers offer them to students who qualify on the basis of need and or merit. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Many scholarships offset the cost of an associate of applied science, baccalaureate or master’s degree. Before you apply for a scholarship, it is a good idea to request information. You want to first understand if you qualify. Then, how to go about applying and the due dates.

Cyber Corps Scholarship for Service

This is an NSF funded scholarship. It aims both to educate students in cyber security and place them with the government. SFS Scholarships are available at partner schools in MN. Saint Cloud State University and Century College, for e.g.

The awards are open to eligible bachelor’s degree or master’s degree students. As long as the major pertains to cyber. And a student attends full time. Depending on the program, the funds support students for up to two or three years. While amounts may vary, the money tends to pay tuition and fees, textbooks and a stipend. 

The stipend is about $22.5K for undergrads or $34K for grad students. There may also be health ins perks and mentoring. In return, students must secure a gov’t internship during their summers. Upon graduation, students sign a work contract for a qualified cyber gov’t job. 

Minnesota State Grant

This is from the MN Office of Higher Education. State Grants fund in need students aged 17 or more who attend eligible MN colleges.  They aim to provide equal opportunity to students from lower income families. Eligible schools are those that take part in the Grant program. They include state college like Minnesota State College, public community and technical colleges.

Students must fill out and file a FAFSA to know if they qualify. And, for how much. To receive the full amount of the State Grant, the applicant must be a full time student. The max award for 2018-2019 was about $7,845 at a public two year college. And went up to $12,345 at a private four-year college.

MN Academic Excellence Scholarship

The MN Office of Higher Education funds these merit scholarships. They are open to high school grads, enrolling full time to earn a four year degree. Scholarships are only available at nonsectarian schools that take part in the program. Amounts vary as the funds depend on the sale of special collegiate license plates.

At public colleges, (e.g. University of Minnesota), the scholarship may cover up to one year tuition and fees. For private colleges, the amount may cover the actual tuition and fees charged by that school. Or, the tuition and fees at a comparable school, whichever is less. 

Korean American Scholarship Foundation – Midwestern Regional Chapter

KASF scholarships are for eligible Korean American students. Minnesota colleges are part of the Midwestern region. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $5,000. Applicants may be college or grad students as long as they meet criteria. The criteria include financial need and merit. Merit means grades as well as community service. And applicants also furnish an essay and letters of reference.

Minnesota Technology Association Scholarships 

MnTech Foundation funds STEM Scholarships. The awards are for MN undergrads who study science, tech, engineering or math. Award amounts are $2,500 and $5,000 sums. They may include the chance to intern at an MnTech member company. The program is open to high school sophomores to seniors. Applicants must also enroll in an accredited MN school. And preferably, plan to work in MN after they graduate.

Cyber Workshops and Conferences in Minnesota

 One of the ways to nurture professional development is to attend an event outside school. There are many cyber security professionals who meet to share ideas and network. Sometimes, after you go to a conference, you may be eligible for credits. The credits often count towards an industry cyber security certificate. 

Cyber Security Summit- Minneapolis

This two day summit unites professors, IT execs and gov’t interests. Apart from keynotes and networking events, there are technical sessions and workshops. One slated for it’s second season is WiCyS (Women in Cyber Security) luncheon. Once registered for the summit, many of the daily offerings are free. 

Minnesota Virtual Digital Government Summit 2020

The Minnesota Digital Government Summit is an annual event. Put on by Government Technology, it offers a series of sessions. Talks and practices focus on Minnesotans’ digital experience with state services.

Secure360 Conference 2021- Prior Lake, MN

A group of security and risk management pros started this annual event. Past talks revolved around all things information security. This year’s roster has yet to be unveiled. But there will be a virtual trade show as the next conference will be online.

Cyber Meetups in MN

Meetups are a less formal way to network. They can be a fun way to share ideas and meet people from local tech companies.

Twin Cities Identity & Access Management User Group

A vendor neutral user group with almost 700 members. Their get togethers often blend dinner with discussions. 

OWASP MSP Meetup

A Chapter of the Open Web Application Security Project. Chapter meetings tend to bring in speakers from the app security industry. 

ISSA Minnesota Chapter

The Information Systems Security Association is a nonprofit.  ISSA hosts regular forums and has a blog which you might find insightful. They also have an AfterHours format which is a casual way to interact with peers. 

Cyber Security Jobs in Minnesota

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for Info Sec Pros in May 2018 was $97,040. When looking for a cyber job in MN, there may be options for a range of skill sets. Here are a few possible sources and Fortune 500 companies that may recruit in SC.

Deloitte

As a gov’t contractor, Deloitte provides services for cyber risk, forensics, assurance and internal audits. They may hire in Minneapolis, MN.

Humana Inc

A health insurance company and gov’t contractor that may hire skilled cyber pros to protect health data. They may hire in Duluth, MN.

Wells Fargo

A large financial services company and gov’t contractor with vested interests in data security. They may post jobs for Minneapolis, MN.

Target

A national retail chain founded in Minneapolis to initially grow the Midwest markets. Their HQ is still in the Twin Cities and they may recruit for Brooklyn Park, MN.

IBM

An American multinational tech company and gov’t contractor that offers cloud services, security and more. They may recruit for Minneapolis, MN.

General Mills

A U.S. based food company famous for Cheerios and more. They may hire for their HQ ins Golden Valley, Minnesota which is a suburb of Minneapolis.

Cyber Security Degrees in Minnesota by College

Public and private colleges across Minnesota offer cyber security degree programs. Some of these schools are Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE). CAE schools have a stamp of approval from two U.S. security agencies. The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). To make it easier for you to assess MN cyber colleges, we compiled a list of 12 schools. It puts them in order of the number of students who graduated in the 2018 year.