Information Assurance and Cyber Security Degrees in North Dakota

With a growth rate over 8%, North Dakota has one of the fastest-growing economies in the United States, with a GDP of about $52 billion. Following historical trends, agriculture remains Nebraska’s largest industry, but advances in technology have bolstered healthcare, IT, and energy sectors, all of which are joining the growing number of industries hiring cyber security professionals to protect valuable personal and business data. On that point, Rasmussen College, Bismarck State College, and North Dakota State College of Science offer programs in cyber security, with more schools expected to add IS degrees in the future.

Cyber Security Jobs in North Dakota

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean wage for North Dakota information security analysts is $45-80k, which places the state below national averages. Still, mid- and senior-level roles can still demand wages over $90k, particularly at healthcare and healthcare insurance companies like Essentia Health and BlueCross BlueShield of North Dakota. (The insurance industry ranks fifth in the country for information security employment.) Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Williston are the largest IS job hubs, and Minot includes private job openings and cyber defense opportunities at Minot Air Force Base. Other employers include University of North Dakota, First International Bank & Trust, Sanford Health, and Oil States International.

Cyber Security Degrees in North Dakota

North Dakota State College of Science offers a certificate in IT Forensics and Security that emphasizes secure network environments and IT collection and analysis.

Bismarck State College offers an associate degree in Cybersecurity & Computer Networks that includes classes in database, web design, and basic programming.

Rasmussen College offers two bachelor’s in cyber security, including a BS in Information Security and BS in Information Technology Management with a specialization in Network Security.

Cyber Security Resources in North Dakota

Cyber Security Degree Providers in North Dakota

Below we’ve included some of the most pertinent information for choosing a cyber security degree program. Affordability looked at the average in-state tuition rate (where applicable) and divided the range of tuition rates into five bins. Each bin contains a roughly $8,000 jump in tuition. So one $ contains schools from roughly $1,000 in in-state tuition to $9,000, $$’s contains schools from >$9,000 to $17,000, and so forth. Retention rate is one of the best predictors of undergraduate education quality. While the NSA/CAE designation marks programs deemed excellent by the NSA.