Cyber Security Degree Programs in Missouri
Cyber security degree programs in MO could foster the tech skills used to protect digital assets. A very focused field, it is one that not all Missouri schools offer. The US Dept. of Ed’s College Scorecard lists 135 colleges in MO. Of them, only 8 schools offer cyber security degrees in Missouri. Based on the number of students who graduated with cyber degrees in the 2018 school year, these are:
- Lindenwood University– 63 students graduated in 2018
- University of Central Missouri – 32
- Southeast Missouri State University – 14
- Washington University in St Louis – 13
- Missouri State University-Springfield – 12
- Missouri Western State University – 9
- Saint Louis Community College – 3
- Purdue University Global – St. Louis – 2
Online Cyber Security Programs in MO
To provide a flexible option for busy adults, many MO schools offer cyber degrees online. Online programs meet in virtual classrooms and may allow you to set your own pace. These are a few to consider:
Lindenwood University
An accredited school, Lindenwood is also a Cisco Networking Academy. Here there are online cyber degree programs at both BS and MS levels. The school recently upgraded their online learning and now features 360 video conferencing. This has made it easier for Lindenwood to offer hybrid programs too.
BS students explore info sec through a broad comp sci platform. Some classes also serve as study guides for industry cyber exams. MS students study cyber security from a managerial lens. Still technical, the MS frames corporate decisions as they relate to cyber systems.
University of Central Missouri
UCM is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NSA CAE CD). It offers cyber programs at bachelor’s and master’s levels. The BS is one of two ABET accredited BS cyber programs in Missouri. It is hands on and available in operations and secure software design tracks.
MS in Cyber Security in Information Assurance. A tech focused program, it is available through UCM Online. As a student in either program, you can explore cyber outside the class too. There’s a hacking club, guest speakers and an honor society for computer majors.
Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast offers cyber degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The MS in Cyber Security is available entirely online. It covers a core of technical topics and caps with research and a thesis. To tailor their studies, one may opt to take electives or an internship. The menu of electives span machine learning, hardware security and forensics. After class, there is a Cyber Defense Club. This winning team won its 7th straight award in 2019.
Washington University in St Louis
Washington U St Louis offers two cyber focused master’s programs. Both are for at work professionals, but not fully online. One is a MS in Cyber Security Engineering. It addresses the design side of building safe systems and is quite technical. Another is a MS in Cyber Security Management. A part time program, it is for those with cyber knowledge who now want leader skills.
There is also a shorter version of this program. It covers half as many credits but still aims to elevate tactical thinking. For those who are curious about cyber but more for corporate focus, there is an option too. The Technology and Leadership Center offers a Cyber Security Boot Camp for managers and IT pros. A six month, part time program, the boot camp does not issue colleges credits. Instead it acts as a study guide for certifications. Like CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Missouri State University-Springfield
Missouri State U Springfield offers an online BS and MS in Cyber Security. There is a cyber lab on campus which students also have access to. The BS program studies ways to secure data and systems. It covers the tech aspects of protecting both hardware and software. MS students delve deeper into the tech aspects of securing data and systems. Courses also cover the managerial tactics needed by cyber leaders.
Missouri Western State University
Missouri Western offers a BS in Technology that features online courses. Students work with a BST advisor to create a custom concentration such as cyber. For grad students, there is a MS in Cyber Security, not online. In fact, the program is hands on, using labs to enhance learning. The classes frame both current and new tech tools used to safeguard data and networks. Students also study related ethical, legal and policy issues.
Saint Louis Community College
Saint Louis is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2 Year Education (NSA CAE 2Y). Here, students who pursue an AAS in Cyber Security may complete 50% of the courses online. It also features evening classes, geared to the working student. The program also uses a broad study plan that includes theory and hands on activities. These aim to build entry level skills in network safety, system design and more.
Purdue University Global – St. Louis
Purdue offers two fully online cyber degrees. Classes run for 10 weeks each and there are a six start dates during the year. The BS in Cyber Security focuses on information tech. Then also covers ethical hacking, digital forensics, policy, databases and more.
Students who plan to pursue the MSIT in Cyber Security at Purdue can also focus in Info Sec. The MS is about how to develop efficient, effective and secure systems. There is an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option too. This waives some of the MS courses for eligible grads, enabling a shorter time to complete the program.
Cyber Scholarships in MO
Students seeking a cyber security degree in Missouri may qualify for scholarships. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.
Scholarship for Service
The SFS scholarship is a prestigious award funded by National Science Foundation (NSF). It sponsors students to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree in cyber security. Students must pursue their degree at a partner college. Missouri S & T and University of Missouri St. Louis are current partners. Scholars receive full tuition and a monthly stipend. In return, they intern with the gov’t during summers and upon graduation, work in an approved gov’t job.
KASF Midwestern Region Scholarship
The Korean American Scholarship Foundation, KASF sponsors scholarships in various regions. The Midwestern Chapter covers Missouri. KASF scholarships range from $500 to $5,000, depending on need. They go to qualified Korean American students including foreign students from Korea. To qualify, an applicant must be a fulltime student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Marguerite Ross Barnett Program
This scholarship is from the Missouri Dept of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Awards may pay from 6 to 9 credit hours. A need based award, it is for part time students 18 or older who attend a state approved school while employed. As long as it isn’t a Title IV College Work Study program. Applicants must be MO residents, US citizens or legal permanent residents. They must also fill out and file a FAFSA as part of the eligibility process.
Cyber Workshops and Conferences in Missouri
Missouri often hosts cyber conferences, workshops and other events. Taking part in these activities may expand your networks and keep skills current.
Annual Cyber Security Conferences and Workshops
St. Louis Cyber Security Conference
Hosted by FutureCon, this full day conference brings cyber pros together to discuss, learn and share ideas. Slated for the Fall, it may reschedule for a later date. There are keynote speakers, panel sessions and a networking cocktail party. Participants also get a Certificate of Attendance and 8 CPE credits.
NICE K12 Cyber Security Education Conference
Hosted by iKeepSafe, this two day conference is at the Marriott St. Louis Grand in St. Louis, MO. This year’s event will have 50 presenters, 35 exhibitors, hands on workshops and discussions. The theme is to enhance the talent pool in the cyber workforce.
BSidesKC
BSidesKC is a nonprofit educational org designed to further the body of Info Sec knowledge. Each year, they host a forum for discussion, demos and debate for security engineers and their affiliates. In 2020, the conference will take place at the PlexPod Westport in Kansas City, MO.
Secure World St. Louis, MO
The Secure World conference travels to many states and Missouri is one of them. It brings together security pros for a day of keynotes, panels, breakout and networking sessions. Attendees can also earn 6 to 16 CPE credits through 30 to 60 training elements from industry leaders.
SANS Cyber Security Training in St. Louis
An annual event, SANS offers six day training workshops in cyber skills. If you missed it this year, you can register your email to learn about the next one. Six certifications line up with SANS St. Louis training courses. So, this may be a perfect way to brush up on tactical skills. Past courses covered security leadership, digital forensics and hacker tools. Some are popular and have waitlists.
Infragard State of Cyber
State of Cyber is a St. Louis conference where you can hear current info from experts. Including the FBI, DEA, US TRANSCOM and CISA. These experts plan to talk about Intel, insider threats and incident response. CPE credits will be provided after the conference.
Cyber Security Meetups in Missouri
These meetups may provide a consistent way to network and learn. Many groups meet weekly or monthly to share ideas and trade insights.
STL Cyber Meetup
STLCYBER has over 1,000 members and gathers cyber talent and those who want to learn about it. Meetings feature an industry expert speaker, vendor demos, panels, workshops and networking. Topics vary and span security policy, forensics, Fintech security, the dark web and many others. To register, you click + Add me.
St. Louis OWASP Chapter
OWASP is the Open Web Application Security Project. A nonprofit, it aims to improve the security of software. The St. Louis group has over 400 members. They host events almost every month and have one upcoming about Blockchain.
Midwest Open Source Bro Meetup
This group of less than 50 members meets to discuss Zeek (formerly Bro). Zeek is an open network security monitoring tool. Expect short talks that focus on the product and how to use it.
Claim Academy Coding Community
Claim Academy is a 30 member public group. It offers advice and support to get aspiring software engineers into careers in tech.
Cyber Security Jobs in Missouri
In Missouri, cyber security jobs tend to pay above average wages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for Info Sec pros in MO was $91,210 in May 2018. There may be cyber security careers in MO for different skill sets and education levels. To start you out, these are some possible employers.
Leidos
A federal contractor with expertise in four key markets. Civil, defense, health and intelligence.
Honeywell
A federal contractor, they offer safety and productivity solutions through hardware and software.
Chenaga Corp
An Alaskan owned business and federal contractor. Also named in 2020 as Military Friendly Employer – Military Friendly Spouse Employer.
ManTech
A federal contractor that works in Defense, Intel and Federal Civilian markets. A focus area is on cyber offense informed defense solutions.
World Wide Technology
A federal contractor, WWT delivers modern IT infrastructures to its client base. Their services include strategic staffing and consulting.
Capgemeni
A French multinational org that is also a federal contractor. They provide consulting, technology, professional, and outsourcing services.
Cyber Security Degrees in Missouri by College
There are a range of cyber security colleges in Missouri. At them, students major in areas like forensics, operations and info security. To narrow it down, we compiled a list of 8 schools. The method we use sorts these schools by number of reported cyber grads for the 2018 school year.
BS in Cyber Security
Lindenwood had the highest number (63) of cyber grads in Missouri for the 2018 school year. This program devotes 66 of 120 credits to the major. With its broad base, it covers many tools, tests and methods to keep systems and networks secure. Sample classes are:
- Digital Forensics – A guide to investigate civil and criminal matters that relate to law and tech
- Cyber Security Analysis – Study the duties of a security analyst. Prep for the EC Council Certified Security Analyst exam
- Ethical Hacking – About computer incident response and computer forensics. Prep for the EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker exam
- Web Based App Security – Learn about web safety, browser risks, privacy and the tools to program servers
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- BS in Information Technology – App Development
- MS in Cyber Security Management
Scholarships:
- Boren Scholarship
- Sibley Scholarship
- Academic Merit Scholarship
- Endowed Scholarships
- Need Based Grants
School Features:
- Online BS, MS Cyber Security Degrees
- Cisco Networking Academy
BS in Cyber Security – Cyber Operations
UCM had the second highest number of cyber grads (32) in Missouri for the 2018 school year. This ABET accredited program entails 120 credits. It stresses analysis and tech solutions to cyber issues. Embedded in some courses there are hands on computer labs. Sample classes are:
- Usable Privacy and Security – A look at the human factors of info sec with side topics like HCI design, passwords and privacy tools
- Ethical Hacking – An intro to hacking methods and ways to use it for ethical reasons. Side topics include pen testing, scoping and password attacks
- Systems Security – Explores data base security and operating systems. Topics frame topics like SQL, backups, virtual memory
- Forensics – An overview of digital forensics for computers, mobile devices and network traffic
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- BS in Cyber Security – Secure Software Development
- MS in Cyber Security and Information Assurance
- Cyber Security Graduate Certificate
Scholarships:
- Cyber Security Achievement Award
- UCM Scholarships
School Features:
- Cyber Mules Student Club Chapter of NCSA
- Association of Computing Machinery Student Chapter
- Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society
- ABET accredited BS
- NSA CAE – CD (Cyber Defense)
BS in Cyber Security
Southeast had the third highest number of cyber grads (14) in Missouri for the 2018 school year. This 120 credit ABET accredited program is technical. It aims to teach students to use tech to secure and defend cyber enabled systems. Sample classes are:
- Computer Science – An intro to hardware, software, programming and operating systems
- Networks – Learn how info travels and how to keep these channels protected from attacks
- Info Security – About the tools, techniques and tech that keep online data safe, private and whole
- Cloud Computing – Study the systems and protocols used in virtual networks and cloud storage
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- BS in Applied Technology
- BS in Computer Information Systems
- MS in Technology Management – Cyber Security
- MS in Cyber Security
Scholarships:
- Copper Dome Scholarship
- Academic Scholarship
- Endowed Scholarship
School Features:
- Statewide Missouri Collegiate Cyber
Defense Competition Champions - ABET Accredited BS
MS In Cyber Security Management
Wash U St Louis has the fourth highest number of cyber grads (13) in Missouri for the 2018 school year. This program entails 30 credits and may take 2.5 years to complete. It aims to build the tactical leader skills needed to solve security driven problems. Sample classes are:
- Cyber tech basics – An overview of the basic issues in computer security
- Oversight – About cyber management and governance
- Operations – Learn about efficient and effective measures that a company can take to secure systems and processes
- The Hacker Mindset – Basics of cyberattacks like hacking
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- BS in Computer Science
- MS in Cyber Security Engineering
- PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering
- Cyber Security Boot Camps
Scholarships:
- Washington University Alumni Scholarship
- Wash U Need Based and Merit Scholarships
School Features:
- Many student orgs
- Online cyber MS
MS in Cyber Security
Missouri State U has the fifth highest number (12) cyber grads in Missouri for the 2018 school year. This 30 credit program focuses on how to secure and defend info systems from hackers. To graduate, students choose either an IT / cyber internship or to work on a research project. Sample classes are:
- Management of Info Security – Topics include ways to lessen risk, set up security policies, auditing and compliance
- Legal Issues in Cyber Security – An overview of the cyber space laws and legal processes related to e commerce, forensics, and intellectual property
- Principles of Info Sec – About protecting information assets, what level of security to plan for, detecting and reporting issues
- Foundations – An intro to the basic issues in computer security
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- BS in Cyber Security (campus)
- MS in Information Technology
- Cyber Security Graduate Certificate
- Homeland Security and Defense Graduate Certificate
Scholarships:
- Information Technology and Cyber Security Outstanding Student Award
- Dr. Neil E. Swanson Memorial Scholarship
- IT and Cyber Security Dept. Scholarship
- Woodfin C. Garrett Scholarship
School Features:
- Online cyber MS
MS In Cybersecurity (ITAA-Information Technology Assurance Administration)
Missouri Western has the sixth highest number (9) cyber grads in Missouri for the 2018 school year. This 33 credit program provides a technical base while also looking at practical business needs. Students may learn how to apply models of data protection, network security and computer forensics. Sample topics are:
- Applied Cryptography – About ways to provide security services for info systems and the methods used to conceal data
- Ethical Hacking – Explores security policy, port scanning, pen testing, WIFI hacking, foot printing and other key concepts
- Technical Analysis – A statistics course that looks at the role of data analysis in decision making
- Cloud Computing Security – Learn what cloud security is from a business and technical lens
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- BS in Technology
- BS in Computer Science
Scholarships:
- Global Achievement Scholarship
- Global Griffon Scholarship
School Features:
- Online classes
AAS In Cyber Security
St. Louis Community College has the seventh highest number (3) cyber grads in Missouri for the 2018 school year. This 65 credit program follows NSA – DHS course guidelines. Part theory, part hands on, it supports the skills that safeguard digital files and networks. Students also study a wide range of computer classes including programming and system design. Sample topics are:
- Cisco Networking I – An intro to networks and part of a series that aims to prep for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam
- Secure E Commerce – The main ideas and methods to secure online shopping. Topics include policies, biometrics and digital signatures
- Intro to Cyber Security – About the people, products and processes that protect and secure electronic data
- Digital Forensics – Learn the practices that gather data from digital crime scenes, decryption, recovery and more
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- Cyber Security Certificate of Proficiency
Scholarships:
- St Louise Community College Foundation Scholarships
School Features:
- NSA CAE – CD2Y (Cyber Defense, 2 Year)
- Online classes
BS in Cyber Security
Purdue has the eighth highest number (2) cyber grads in Missouri for the 2018 school year. This program entails 180 quarter credits. One of its goals is to prep students to take industry certification exams. As a result, it covers basic tools, tech and processes used to solve real security issues. Sample classes are:
- Cyber Policies – Teaches students how to defend business’s digital assets through suitable policies
- Computer Networks – Local and wide area networks, voice and wireless networks and overall internet security
- Digital Forensics – Topics span investigation methods, tools, processes and problem solving
- Ethical Hacking – Learn about the security experts who attack a system on behalf on the system’s owners
More Cyber Degree Programs:
- Post Bac Certificate – Cisco Networks
- BS in Cloud Computing
- MS in Information Security
- MS in Cyber Security
Scholarships:
- Academic Tuition Grants
School Features:
- Online cyber degrees
