Cyber Security Degrees in North Dakota

Cyber Security Degrees in North Dakota

North Dakota is a rural state with fewer colleges than some larger, more urban states. The US Dept. of Education’s College Scorecard lists 26 colleges in the state. The colleges with cyber security degrees in ND include just four schools. These are the colleges that offer cyber degrees in the state, ranked in order based on the number of grads in 2018: 

• Rasmussen College North Dakota: 2 graduates
• Bismarck State College
• North Dakota State University
• University of North Dakota 

Online Cyber Security Programs in ND

The flexibility of online instruction helps many students earn a degree while working or taking care of family responsibilities. The digital nature of this course of study makes it a good candidate for this type of education. Students who want to learn more about network security, information systems, and other cyber topics, but need to study online, can try these programs: 

Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College offers two cyber degree programs, both of which are available fully online. This school structures its online degrees so that students can log in to live class sessions if they wish. This helps create the classroom environment for students who need to study remotely. These classes are then recorded, so students can watch them later if the class time does not work for them.

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Security and Information Technology is a four year degree in cyber. Students may graduate from this program fully equipped to work in cyber roles. The second degree is the AAS in Cyber Sec and Computer Networks. This curriculum has both a two year and a three year degree plan, depending on a student’s needs. Students that graduate may be ready to take several industry certs, including A+, Linux+, Network+, Server+, Security+, and CCENT.
Bismarck State College is recognized by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence.

University of North Dakota

UND has two online cyber programs, a BS in Cyber Sec and an MS in Cyber Sec. These flexible programs take a deep look at cyber topics, including modern threats. These programs both accept transfer credits and have flexible start dates, up to three times per year. Online students take the same classes that on campus students take, but in a more flexible format. This means the quality of the education remains high, while the students have more control over their schedules. Cyber students at UND may learn how to enter the technical workforce with cyber skills in place, so they may fulfill in demand careers in the community.

Rasmussen College North Dakota

Though Rasmussen College has a campus in Fargo, its BS in Cyber Sec is a fully online program. Students can apply at the Fargo Campus, but take their coursework online. To apply for the BS in Cyber Sec, students must have a fully completed Associate Degree from another college. The cyber program adds 90 credits in cyber, which covers 23 distinct courses in tech and security, to prepare students well for both industry certification exams and jobs in the field. 

Rasmussen College offers a unique Flex Choice program. This program allows students to take self-directed assessments in certain classes, so they can get credit for things they have already learned in their associate’s training or work experience. This allows students to test out of courses that would be redundant without losing the credits. 

Cyber Scholarships in ND

School is expensive. Students often need help paying for their college education. These may be a great resource for students seeking cyber degrees in ND as they look for ways to lower the cost of their tuition. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

ND Career and Technical Scholarship

In 2009 the state of North Dakota created the North Dakota Career & Technical Education Scholarship to help keep college students in the state. This scholarship is open to high school students who are taking hard courses to prepare to go to college in the state. They must use the money towards a two-year program. The total award amount is up to $6,000, which is $750 per semester.

ND State Student Incentive Grant

This state backed program is a non repaid grant for first time undergrad students attending a school in the North Dakota University system. Students can receive up to $1,100 per semester, and they must be enrolled at least quarter time. This grant is not specific to cyber or tech, but it is specific to students in the state. This makes it available to cyber students.

ND Academic Scholarship

This is yet another state program designed to keep students in the state. It has a total value of up to $6,000, with $750 per semester or $500 per quarter depending on how the student structures the learning. Students must have a high GPA of 3.0 or higher in high school or a score of 24 or higher on the ACT to apply.

Cyber Workshops and Conferences in North Dakota

Attending cyber events and workshops helps new grads and cyber students meet others who have a passion for the field. Both local meetup groups and large events or workshops can be beneficial in growing a professional network.

Annual Cyber Events and Conferences in North Dakota

These larger conferences give the chance to explore new products and tech while meeting and learning from cyber pros:

North Dakota Cyber Sec Conference

NDCSC is the state’s largest cyber conference. It is held at North Dakota State University each year in the winter.

CyberCon

CyberCon is put on by Bismarck State College. This fall event brings in keynote speakers and vendors to help students and grads explore the cyber world. It is a two day conference and also includes breakout sessions.

North Dakota Capture the Flag

As part of the Cyber Ed Research Center, this competition is held as part of Dakota Strike, an annual career expo. Students are able to compete in this online cyber competition to showcase their skills. 

Cyber Security Meetups and Groups in North Dakota

In addition to annual events, students can attend meetups and groups that discuss all things cyber. These meet more regularly, often monthly. They provide a more intimate networking opportunity. Some popular groups include:

Fargo 2600

2600 Magazine has chapters throughout the United States, including one in Fargo, ND. Fargo 2600 meets regularly to discuss the Info Sec world. Meetings are informal on the first Friday of the month at the West Acres Mall Food Court.

InfraGard North Dakota

This group works with the FBI field office to create a strong cyber infra structure. North Dakota has a group, but it does a poor job of advertising its events. Getting in with this group will require reaching out to its leaders to learn about upcoming events.

ISSA North Dakota Northern Plains Chapter

This local forum is a group for information security pros. It hosts regular meetings and connects members with info sec vendors.

Cyber Security Jobs in North Dakota

North Dakota has many jobs for information security professionals, and it often lacks enough to fill those positions. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics found the annual mean wage for cyber pros in ND was $79,330. To pursue a job, students need to know where to look. These companies in North Dakota may be looking for cyber pros:

Humana

With a location in Fargo, Humana often needs cyber pros. This health insurance provider needs to keep sensitive data secure, and cyber professionals can assist with this. Humana is a federal contractor.

Sanford Health

Sanford Health is the largest rural healthcare provider in the nation. It has several locations throughout North Dakota, including Bismarck. It needs cyber pros to keep its sensitive data protected.

CenturyLink

This media provider needs cyber pros to help with its efforts in the state. The federal contractor has locations in Bismarck.

General Dynamics Information Technology

Located at Minot Air Force Base, this federal contractor is one of the largest defense contractors not only in the United States, but also in the world. It often needs cyber pros to help with its tech work.

CDM Smith

CDM Smith has locations throughout North Dakota. This engineering and construction company works in the waste and water industry and is a federal contractor. It needs cyber pros often.

Verint Systems

Verint Systems works in intelligence and customer experience. They need cyber pros to help with their digital forensics work. This is a cyber contractor with a location in Bismarck.

Cyber Security Degrees in North Dakota by College

Of the colleges in North Dakota, only a handful offer cyber sec degrees. Yet students may still earn a master’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or associate degree in cyber without leaving the state. Many of these schools also offer online options. The four schools with cyber security degrees in North Dakota are as follows: