Best Online Bachelor’s of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Mississippi

Badge for BEST ONLINE CYBERSECURITY BACHELOR'S IN MISSISSIPPI
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Mississippi's Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Sort by:
  1. Jackson State University
  2. Mississippi University for Women
  3. Mississippi State University
  4. University of Southern Mississippi
  5. Strayer University
  1. Mississippi State University
  2. Jackson State University
  3. University of Southern Mississippi
  4. Strayer University
  5. Mississippi University for Women
  1. University of Southern Mississippi 99%
  2. Mississippi University for Women 99%
  3. Jackson State University 89%
  4. Mississippi State University 75%
  1. Mississippi State University 16 to 1
  2. University of Southern Mississippi 15 to 1
  3. Jackson State University 15 to 1
  4. Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
  1. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  2. Mississippi State University $9,248
  3. Jackson State University $8,270
  4. Mississippi University for Women $7,866
  1. Mississippi State University $9,398
  2. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  3. Jackson State University $8,270
  4. Mississippi University for Women $7,766
  1. Strayer University
  2. University of Southern Mississippi
  3. Mississippi State University
  4. Mississippi University for Women
  5. Jackson State University
  1. Mississippi University for Women
  2. Strayer University
  3. University of Southern Mississippi
  4. Jackson State University
  5. Mississippi State University
  1. Mississippi State University 75%
  2. Jackson State University 89%
  3. Mississippi University for Women 99%
  4. University of Southern Mississippi 99%
  1. Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
  2. University of Southern Mississippi 15 to 1
  3. Jackson State University 15 to 1
  4. Mississippi State University 16 to 1
  1. Mississippi University for Women $7,866
  2. Jackson State University $8,270
  3. Mississippi State University $9,248
  4. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  1. Mississippi University for Women $7,766
  2. Jackson State University $8,270
  3. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  4. Mississippi State University $9,398

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi’s cybersecurity job market ranks among the country’s most robust in the sector.

  • The demand for cybersecurity professionals in Mississippi caused many of the state’s best schools to begin offering cybersecurity degree programs.

  • Many of these are fully accredited programs that can be completed entirely online.

Mississippi’s tech industry is not as prominent as tech hubs like Austin or Silicon Valley. Nevertheless, the state’s multiple encounters with cyber attacks led to Mississippi’s government increasing its cyber defense efforts. In fact, Bobby Freeman, the state’s first Cyber Director, had announced the creation of Mississiippi’s New Cybersecurity Unit and Leadership.

The state’s continuous efforts to counterattack cyber threats and safeguard network security equate to more opportunities for cybersecurity professionals to pursue careers from entry-level employment to advanced responsibilities.

Mississippi’s universities and colleges are expanding their cybersecurity programs and courses to address the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. In collaboration with the National Security Agency, some Mississippi colleges now offer cybersecurity degree programs via online learning.

Featured Programs

Cybersecurity: A Top Degree for the Next Decade

There’s a growing demand for cybersecurity worldwide. Job vacancies grew by 350% from 2013 to 2021, making it the fastest-growing sector. And unlike other high-paying industries, like healthcare, you don’t need to earn a PhD to pursue advanced roles. That’s why we’ve ranked cybersecurity degrees as the best degrees for jobs over the next decade.

A bachelor’s in cybersecurity education will instantly jumpstart your career in the field. However, you may need to pursue certifications, which is more convenient and cost-efficient than pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree as you would in other fields.

Bachelor’s in cybersecurity graduates can pursue various cybersecurity roles. The most common pathway is becoming an Information Security Analyst, whose employment is expected to grow by 32% over the next ten years.

Cybersecurity is also new, and its need is very widespread. In our interview with world-leading cyber security expert Isaac Ben-Israel, Ben-Israel says, “Because we understand that nowadays everyone is dependent on computers, not only military organizations, defense organizations. and therefore, the citizen, the simple citizen, needs protection as well as the big organization. and we decided to make it legitimate for education and industry... At that time 2011, it’s hard to believe, but this is true: there was not even one university in the world, neither in Israel nor in the States, in which you could go and study cybersecurity. Only ten years ago. It’s hard to believe, but this was the situation ten years ago. Today... you can learn cyber security in every university.”

If you are still wondering if a cybersecurity degree is worth it, we answer that, and we can give you the playbook for how to become a cybersecurity analyst.

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Mississippi Colleges Answering the Demand for Cybersecurity Degrees Online

We’ve identified 5 colleges with online cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in Mississippi. Online degrees offer students in Mississippi maximum flexibility and convenience so they can study while working. And you don’t have to sacrifice quality.

These programs are offered by some of Mississippi’s top ranked colleges like Jackson State University and Mississippi University for Women. For more about Mississippi colleges visit The Best Colleges in Mississippi.

Jump to Ranking

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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity

What will I learn in an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity program in Mississippi?

With an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity program, you’ll learn specific subjects like software development and systems administration while also strengthening your math and computer science skills.

You will learn important but complicated topics like:

  • Cryptography
  • Software Programming
  • Data Analytics
  • Network Security
  • Information Security
  • Systems Administration
  • National Security Policy

Key learning skills for your online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity include:

  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Organization
  • Time Management
  • Self-Pacing

As an online cybersecurity bachelor, you’ll learn to:

  • Analyze network components, including software and hardware.
  • Identify system vulnerabilities through a combination of technological and analytical insight.
  • Create solutions for system vulnerabilities.
  • Navigate the ethical and policy issues related to the cybersecurity profession.
  • Provide both short-term and long-term organizational strategies for managing cybersecurity challenges.

What courses will I take with an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree in Mississippi?

As an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity student, you’ll take courses in areas like network security, risk assessment, and digital surveillance. Popular online courses in cybersecurity include:

Cyber Threat Intelligence

Learn to identify cybersecurity threats and the techniques used by bad actors to attack secure networks. Study ethical hacking methodologies, permissions management, threat assessment reporting, and more.

National Security Policy

Learn the laws, policies, and practices shaping the cybersecurity profession in the United States. Study American cybersecurity policy as well as international policy and policy approaches in other nations.

Enterprise Risk Management

Learn how to analyze security conditions for commercial enterprises to identify vulnerabilities and provide solutions. Study best practices as well as legal and ethical responsibilities in creating network security strategies.

Network Security Administration

Learn how to assess, operate and improve network security information for private, public, or non-profit organizations, including Homeland Security. Study cloud security, information security, systems auditing and more.

Digital Forensics

Learn how to investigate cybercrime and produce evidence to be used in prosecuting these crimes. Study the tools, techniques, and principles driving digital forensics investigation.

If the online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is your first experience with online education, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

For a look at some of the advantages of pursuing your bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity online, check out these 5 Ways Online Education Can Be More Effective Than Traditional Classroom Education.

What jobs can I do with an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in Mississippi?

You can do a lot of jobs in computer and network security with an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. The bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is the basic qualification for students who want to become:

Computer and Information Systems Managers As a Computer and Information Systems Manager, you will plan, coordinate and lead a wide range of computer-related activities in your organization, including network security, permissions management, database management, and more. Computer and Information Systems Managers earned a median pay of $164,070 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% rate of growth by 2032, with 46,900 new jobs added.

Computer Network Architects As a Computer Network Architect, you will design and build data communication networks. This includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and Intranets, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS also notes that computer network architects earned a median pay of $126,900 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% rate of growth by 2032, with 10,200 new jobs added.

Database Administrators and Architects As a Database Administrator or Architect, you will work within an organization to create, organize and oversee the systems used to both store data and keep this data secure. Database Administrators and Architects earned a median pay of  $112,120 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% rate of growth by 2032, with 10,200 new jobs added.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators. As a Network and Computer Systems Administrator, you are responsible for both the daily and long-term operation and oversight of internal network for your organization. This includes maintenance, updates, data management, security, and more. These professionals earned a median pay of $90,520 in 2022. The Labor Statistics Bureau projects a 2% rate of growth by 2032, with 19,800 new jobs added.

How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in Mississippi?

It typically takes four to six years, or 120 credits, to earn an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Some online programs may offer accelerated or self-paced options where you can earn your online bachelor’s degree in as little as 18 to 24 months.

Is it cheaper to get a cybersecurity degree online than a traditional degree?

It can be cheaper to get a cybersecurity degree online if you go to a public school in your state with tuition discounts for in-state students. Online students get these same in-state discounts.

Your tuition for the online degree will be the same, or slightly more, than the tuition for an in-person degree. But you will save on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees. For more, check out our Guide to the Cost of Online College vs. On-Campus College.

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Why Choose Mississippi for a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Degree Online?

One of the top reasons why plenty of people pursue an online education in Mississippi is its affordability. Mississippi’s accredited colleges and universities can compete with other major tech schools at lower sticker prices.

In addition to its low and affordable tuition and fees, students can greatly benefit from Mississippi online cybersecurity degrees that allow students to study at their own pace. This option helps students continue their careers or obligations while finishing a degree.

The state has over 2,000 vacant cybersecurity positions. Although this number is lower than the job demand in Texas and Florida, local university graduates have the advantage of a relative lack of competition.

For detailed information on accreditation, financial aid, college applications and more, check out our Complete Guide to Applying for College.

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Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Programs in Mississippi

  1. #1

    Jackson State University

    Jackson , MS
    #11 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #22 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1141/18

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Jackson State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,445
    Expenses: $21,078
    Starting Salary: $42,478
    Salary after 4 years: $55,119
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Jackson State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), provides a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities that encourage students to achieve academic success and hone their leadership abilities, including a cybersecurity readiness program. JSU collaborates with the Microsoft TechSpark Initiative to enhance its cybersecurity readiness program. The initiative aims to create economic opportunities in STEM by offering digital skills training, job prospects, and industry-specific computer science education.

    Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering primarily benefit from JSU’s cybersecurity readiness program. This undergraduate degree, accredited by the ABET, offers a curriculum emphasizing the hardware and software of computer systems.

    Its coursework explores various topics necessary for cybersecurity, like Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Data Structures and Algorithms, and Computer Organization. This degree qualifies graduates for entry-level cybersecurity positions and prepares them for industry-specific certification exams for mid to higher-level roles.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Technology - Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Mississippi University for Women

    Columbus , MS
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Mississippi University for Women

    Cost of Degree: $7,866
    Expenses: $14,227
    Starting Salary: $49,032
    Salary after 4 years: $63,624
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Known for its strength in providing higher education to women, Mississippi University for Women is also known for holding one of the lowest student debt ratios in the state. In 1982, The W became a co-ed institution famous for diversity and social mobility.

    Students who want to obtain cybersecurity education but want to keep their options open for the business industry—another dominating industry—can pursue the Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems at The W. This online degree program provides students with a well-rounded education in liberal arts and technical abilities for a successful career in their chosen field, may it be in the technology or business sector.

    Students will develop critical thinking, effective communication, cultural literacy, quantitative and technological skills, and a thorough understanding of themselves, other human communities, and the natural world.

    BBA in MIS degree students undergo a curriculum combining business principles with information technology and organizational processes. Business courses they’ll explore include Economics, Accounting, Advanced Statistical Analysis, Management, and Legal Environment of Business. MIS concentration courses include Database Applications, Web Development for Business, Systems and Network Administration, Systems Analysis and Design, and Information Security Management.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    Bachelor of Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Mississippi State University

    Mississippi State , MS
    #2 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at Mississippi State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,398
    Expenses: $17,709
    Starting Salary: $59,746
    Salary after 4 years: $77,526
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Mississippi State University is one of the most prestigious universities in the country, holding an “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity” designation. With its reputation for academic excellence, students seeking an online education in the institution can be confident that research opportunities and excellent faculty members will surround them. This institution also has a general transfer policy that accepts up to 60 credit hours from an accredited community college.

    MSU offers a Bachelor of Applied Science designed for nontraditional students seeking an affordable, accelerated, and flexible online degree program. This program comprises general, core, electives, and cybersecurity courses. Students can pursue an online emphasis in cybersecurity from the Bagley College of Engineering.

    Students in this online cybersecurity degree will explore several topics that equip them with security management and policies, cyber defense and countermeasures, cyber offensive, and ethical hacking knowledge. This emphasis includes advanced subjects, such as Cryptography, Computer Forensics, Software Reverse Engineering, and Cyber Operations.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    Bachelor of Applied Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Southern Mississippi

    Hattiesburg , MS
    #3 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for Cybersecurity degree at University of Southern Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,450
    Expenses: $16,550
    Starting Salary: $53,822
    Salary after 4 years: $69,839
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Southern Mississippi is a top-ranked public research institution with over 150 degree programs, some available online through Southern Miss Online. Among its popular degree programs is the online Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity that provides a comprehensive cyber defense education with hands-on learning emphasis and access to state-of-the-art labs and technology.

    Living up to its reputation as one of the best cybersecurity degrees in Mississippi, this online program requires students to participate in cybersecurity competitions conducted online and on campus. Participants will be tasked to apply cybersecurity principles and techniques to problems, giving them practical experience that advances learning. These events also make it easier to network with business experts, which frequently results in internship and employment possibilities in the cybersecurity sector.

    Students with associate degrees from accredited community colleges can transfer up to 60 hours to reduce costs.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BAS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Strayer University

    #13 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in DC #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia #4 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024

    Strayer University has multiple campuses in the country, one located in one of the most thriving cities in Mississippi. Although known for its expensive tuition and fees, Strayer is one of the most sought-after online colleges, as its curriculum and formats are designed for working industry professionals.

    Students interested in seeking career opportunities in the cybersecurity sector can consider Strayer’s interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and pursue a Cybersecurity concentration. In this bachelor’s program, students will gain expertise in network security, covering defensive and offensive strategies. They will also investigate ethical and unethical hacking practices, including penetration tests and information security analysis.

    Online Cybersecurity Degrees

    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Cybersecurity Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Computer And Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: Mississippi (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,398
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,709
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 11 years
  • Job Growth: 11.36%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,573,500
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Database Architects10.00%$105,550
Computer and Information Systems Managers15.41%$102,710
Computer Network Architects3.55%$94,540
Computer Occupations, All Other9.72%$84,260
Managers, All Other3.35%$82,490

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$45,818$78,418$126,340

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#34 Mississippi18% higher than average$78,418
#2 Georgia13% higher than average$108,150
#3 Virginia5% higher than average$117,193
#4 North Carolina11% higher than average$105,853
#5 Texas10% higher than average$105,429
#6 Washington7% higher than average$124,389

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Database Architects$105,550
Computer and Information Systems Managers$102,710
Computer Network Architects$94,540
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Interested in an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity but not sure where to study? Mississippi isn’t the only state that has excellent degrees! Look into online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity in Alabama, Delaware, Hawaii and more!

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