Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree in North Dakota

North Dakota is the fourth-smallest state by population, but still experiences 5.6 million attempted cyberattacks each month. Recently, the state’s Information Technology Department noted the need for more trained cybersecurity professionals to work in North Dakota. The state’s public school system is now teaching cybersecurity to students at the K-12 level, with 1000 teachers statewide trained to teach this curriculum. It is hoped that starting cybersecurity education early will create a more trained workforce and spark a desire in students to take their cybersecurity studies further. All teachers agree that having a more cyber-educated workforce is important no matter what a student’s ultimate job turns out to be.

Many other states are now looking at North Dakota as a model in cybersecurity education at the elementary and secondary levels. Cybersecurity is clearly important to everyone, despite one’s profession, as it affects us all. Attempted cyberattacks increased 300 percent in 2019, according to the state’s Chief Information Officer of Information Technology, Shawn Riley. This equates to about 15 million cyberattacks each month. He noted that the state’s cybersecurity team was increased by 80 percent from 2019 to 2020. It is hoped with this expansion that North Dakota can continue to successfully fight off cyberattacks before they occur.

If you have an interest in cybersecurity, you might consider getting a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in North Dakota. Jobs are plentiful, and expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. Keep reading to discover how you can set upon this pathway towards a new career in North Dakota.

Cybersecurity in the News in North Dakota

In December 2019, it was announced that North Dakota, like many other states, was building its own Cyber Operations Center. The North Dakota Information Technology Department received a $15.4 million grant to expand the Cyber Operations Center, prompted by the passage of a new Cybersecurity Bill in April 2019. Senate Bill 2110 empowers the Information Technology Department to define cybersecurity statewide, creating a single strategic framework for all state agencies and businesses to approach cybersecurity in a unified way. This is the first time that a state has unified its cybersecurity approach across all branches of government.

Additionally, in 2020, North Dakota launched its Statewide Technology Access for Government and Education Network (STAGEnet). This connects 181 K-12 school districts in the state with 112,000 students. Cybersecurity becomes more important than ever when dealing with this number of users. The North Dakota State Telecommunications Network (NDSTN) includes 19 universities and community colleges, four non-profit research institutions, 439 K-12 schools, 94 libraries, 52 healthcare institutions, 190 museums and other public facilities, 44 public media stations, and 331 state and local government buildings.

North Dakota Cybersecurity Positions

If you obtain a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in North Dakota, you may become eligible for positions such as these recently available ones:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst – North Dakota University System, Grand Forks
  • Cyber Security Analyst – RAKS International Pte. Ltd., Bismarck
  • Cyber Security Analyst – State of North Dakota, Bismarck
  • Cybersecurity Threat Intel Analyst – State of North Dakota, BIsmarck
  • Cybersecurity Analyst- Beacon Systems, Bismarck
  • Information Security Analyst II – Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Fargo
  • Digital Information Security Analyst – Gate City Bank, Fargo
  • Cyber Security Analyst – Niyama Global, LLC, Burleigh County
  • Cybersecurity Analyst – Dickinson State University, Grand Forks
  • Cyber Security Software Engineer- Surevine, West Fargo

North Dakota Cybersecurity Undergraduate Degree Programs

Make sure that the college or university you choose to pursue your bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in North Dakota holds regional accreditation through an agency in the directory of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) .

Names of Cybersecurity Degrees in North Dakota

Bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity in North Dakota go by these names:

  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity & Information Technology
  • Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Emphasis on Cybersecurity
  • Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science – Emphasis on Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs in North Dakota

Bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity in North Dakota include:

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

1500 Edwards Ave.

Bismarck, ND 58506

Nicklos See, Contact

(701) 224-5528; [email protected]

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4012 19th Avenue South

Fargo, ND 58103

(800) 817-0009

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7500 University Drive

Bismarck, ND 58504

(701) 355-8030

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Grand Forks, ND 58202

(701) 777-3000

Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Program Coursework in North Dakota

Although coursework will vary from one college program to another, typically, in a North Dakota bachelor’s in cybersecurity program, you will take the following classes:

  • Intelligent Decision Systems
  • Computer Networks Communications
  • Network Architectures
  • Cryptography Techniques
  • Emerging Threats and Defenses
  • Advanced Cyber Security Principles
  • Data Operations and Security
  • Communication Protocols
  • Intrusion Detection Algorithms
  • Wireless Sensor Networks

Cybersecurity Certifications Found in North Dakota

Besides getting a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, you should pursue certain professional certifications that will help you to become eligible for more job opportunities. Popular certifications in cybersecurity in North Dakota include:

  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

Job Prospects for Cybersecurity in North Dakota

According to North Dakota Labor Market Information, from 2018 to 2028, occupational projections for the state show that job opportunities for computer systems analysts (including cybersecurity analysts) are expected to increase by 11 percent. This is good news for those who are seeking a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in North Dakota. It is expected that, as the North Dakota state government increases its cyber operations and facilities, jobs within this sector will continue to multiply.