Online Cybersecurity Programs In Minnesota
If you are interested in finding cybersecurity programs online in Minnesota there are many choices available to you. Several universities provide extensive degree programs in cybersecurity to suit various levels of learning. For instance, institutions like the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University has online undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in cybersecurity. Some of the areas that these programs usually focus on include; network security, information assurance, and ethical hacking among others.
Furthermore, you will come across certificate programs that concentrate on particular areas of expertise including penetration testing or incident response. These are perfect for those who want to increase their credentials and experience but do not have the time to attend a long course. Most of the programs also include practical labs and real life projects in order to prepare the students for the practical world.
Another important factor is the flexibility of the program and the course schedule since some courses do not have specific time requirements for learning making it possible to learn at ones own pace. Another thing that is worth considering is the networking possibilities – some programs provide students with an opportunity to get in touch with industry executives and participate in internships or job interviews.
Last but not the least, do not forget to check the financial aid options, scholarships and grants for Minnesota students. Thus, choosing an online course to study cybersecurity will be beneficial for you to start your career in this field and become indispensable in the modern world.
2026 Best Online Cybersecurity Programs in Minnesota
Hamline University
Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - hamline.edu
Master's - Cybersecurity Management
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Hamline University's hybrid Cybersecurity Management certificate equips professionals with advanced expertise to navigate complex digital security landscapes. This program uniquely bridges technical skills with management perspectives, preparing students to protect organizational infrastructure and mitigate emerging cyber threats. With competitive $792 per-credit tuition and a curriculum designed for working technology professionals, this certificate serves individuals across industries seeking to enhance their cybersecurity credentials through flexible hybrid delivery.
- Advanced cybersecurity management curriculum
- Competitive $792 per-credit tuition rate
- Designed for working technology professionals
Graduate Certificate - Cybersecurity Management Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Hamline University's online Cybersecurity Management Certificate offers a strategic pathway for professionals to develop comprehensive cybersecurity skills without requiring technical expertise. This innovative online program enables managers and business leaders to gain critical knowledge about cyber threats, security assessments, and digital forensics in just two courses over four months. With rolling admissions, $792 per credit tuition, and credits applicable to multiple master's degrees, this certificate meets growing industry demand through flexible online learning that requires a bachelor's degree with 2.5 GPA minimum but no entrance exam.
- Online graduate certificate program
- No technical expertise required
- Two courses, 8 credits total
- 4 months to complete
- $792 per credit
- Spring 2026 start date
- Rolling admissions process
- Bachelor's degree required
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 10% tuition discounts available
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN - Public 4-Year - smsu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Online Learning - Visit Website
Southwest Minnesota State University's online Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a 100% online program designed for working professionals, requiring no entrance exam. This accelerated two-year degree offers 30 credit hours at $518 per credit, totaling $15,540, and focuses on secure software development, risk management, and cybersecurity policy. With flexible full-time or part-time pacing, it accepts up to 9 transfer credits and requires a minimum 2.75 GPA, making it ideal for career advancement in fields like information security analysis without a prior computer science background.
- 100% Online Program
- 2 Years to Complete
- 30 Total Credit Hours
- $518 Per Credit Hour
- No Computer Science Degree Required
- Full-time or Part-time Pace
- Up to 9 Transfer Credits
- 10 Total Courses
- Minimum 2.75 GPA Required
- Application Fee $30
Graduate Certificate - Cybersecurity Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Southwest Minnesota State University's online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity is a compact, 12-credit hour program delivered entirely online, with no entrance exam required. This four-course certificate emphasizes systems analysis, security best practices, and legal and ethical issues, targeting professionals seeking high-demand roles in a field with 32% projected job growth and median salaries around $98,350. It provides industry-relevant skills for multiple career paths, enhancing technological capabilities in the digital landscape.
- 4 total course certificate
- 32% job growth projected
- Median salary $98,350
- Multiple cybersecurity career paths
- Focuses on systems analysis
- Covers legal and ethical issues
- 12 total credit hours
- Courses include system security
- Industry-relevant curriculum
- Multiple job title opportunities
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN - Public 4-Year - mnsu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Cyber Risk Analysis Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Minnesota State University-Mankato's online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Risk Analysis provides professionals with essential skills to analyze and manage cyber risks in technical and non-technical settings. This new 12-month program uses a project-based approach that emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning. The program requires a bachelor's degree and may mandate the GRE if the applicant's GPA falls below 3.0, featuring rolling admissions for U.S. students. Tailored for IT backgrounds, it includes a career-focused curriculum and personal statement requirement, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in digital security without concentration specifics.
- Fully online program
- 12-month completion time
- Designed for professionals
- Bachelor's degree required
- GRE required if GPA < 3.0
- Rolling admissions for U.S. applicants
- May 1 deadline for international
- Career-focused curriculum
- Targets IT-related backgrounds
- Personal statement required
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN - Public 4-Year - stcloudstate.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Information Assurance
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Cloud State University's online Master of Science in Information Assurance is a hybrid program recognized as an NSA and DHS Center of Excellence, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure. The interdisciplinary curriculum develops advanced management and technical cybersecurity skills, with flexible admission for diverse academic backgrounds. No entrance exam is required, and STEM students can access prerequisite courses and scholarships like the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program.
- NSA and DHS designated cybersecurity excellence center.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum with expert faculty.
- Multiple pathways for diverse student backgrounds.
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN - Public 4-Year - metrostate.edu
Bachelor's - Cybersecurity BS
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Metropolitan State University's Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is a hybrid online program that blends flexibility with rigorous academic training. As an NSA-designated National Center of Academic Excellence, it offers a 70-credit curriculum focused on network security, vulnerability assessment, and cyber threat management through hands-on labs. Students gain preparation for industry certifications while benefiting from projected 28% job growth and starting salaries near $100,000. This bachelor's program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission.
- NSA-designated National Center of Academic Excellence
- Practical, lab-based curriculum with industry certification prep
- High-demand career field with exceptional salary potential
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - csp.edu
Master's - Cybersecurity (MS)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Concordia University-Saint Paul's online Master's in Cybersecurity prepares professionals to defend against evolving cyber threats through a 30-credit curriculum focused on enterprise security, risk management, and networking. Students gain advanced skills in threat detection and security engineering via hands-on projects and real-world scenarios, covering domains like network security and cloud infrastructure. This program is delivered entirely online and does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for working professionals. Graduates are well-equipped to excel in technology-driven security roles.
- 30-credit comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum
- Covers enterprise security, risk management, networking
- Hands-on learning with real-world scenarios
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN - Private 4-year - smumn.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota delivers a fully online Master of Science in Cybersecurity, requiring no entrance exam for admission. This 36-credit program can be completed in 12-24 months, featuring six annual start dates and a tuition rate of $775 per credit. Students develop practical skills in cloud security, intrusion detection, and ethical hacking while preparing for industry certifications such as CISSP and CompTIA. Notably, no computer science background is needed, making it ideal for career changers and technology enthusiasts seeking to advance in cybersecurity leadership roles.
- Online program with 6 annual start dates
- Certification preparation for CISSP and CompTIA
- No computer science background required
Want to know how we came up with our rankings? Take a look at our methodology!
Comparing Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees in Minnesota
When comparing online cybersecurity programs in Minnesota, understanding the differences between a master’s degree and a doctorate degree is crucial. A master’s degree generally takes one to two years to complete. It focuses on practical skills needed for careers in cybersecurity, such as threat analysis, risk management, and network security. This degree is ideal for those looking to advance their careers quickly, stepping into roles like cybersecurity analyst or security consultant.
In contrast, a doctorate degree typically requires three to five years of study and emphasizes research and theoretical knowledge. It prepares you for high-level positions like university professor or chief information security officer. If you’re passionate about conducting original research or shaping cybersecurity policies, a doctorate might be the right choice.
Both degrees are offered online by various Minnesota institutions, providing flexibility for working professionals. When comparing programs, consider the curriculum, faculty expertise, and available resources like labs or virtual simulations. Additionally, think about your career goals. A master’s may suffice for many roles, while a doctorate can open doors to academia or specialized research positions. Ultimately, your decision should align with your professional aspirations and the time you’re willing to dedicate to your education.
Associate's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 60
-
Cost Per Credit In State: $110
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $280
Bachelor's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 120
-
Cost Per Credit In State: $136
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $238
Comparing Graduate Degrees: Master's and Ph.D.
If you are looking for online cybersecurity programs in Minnesota, it is crucial to understand the difference between master’s and doctorate degrees to chart the right course for your career.
A online cybersecurity master’s degree can be completed within one to two years of study. It emphasizes advanced technical knowledge and real world applicability and thus appropriate for positions such as information security analyst or cybersecurity manager. It will expose you to topics such as data defense, crisis management, and white hat hacking.
Therefore, if you wish to advance your career path then this is the ideal choice. Whereas, an online cybersecurity doctorate degree takes a lot of time to complete, it may take three to five years. It focuses on research and leadership in the particular field of study. If you want to become a professor or to perform research work and contribute to the advancement of knowledge then a Ph. D. is the right course for you. It will help you to understand the hard topics and you may even add new knowledge in the field of cybersecurity.
Both of the degree types are delivered online by different universities of Minnesota, which makes it convenient for working people. When selecting a program, elements to consider include; the courses provided, the instructors, and the opportunities for interactions with other people. It is also important to consider your interests and the career objectives that you have.
While a master’s degree will be enough for most positions available in the market, a doctorate degree will give one an edge in the academic field or any area that requires specialized skills. In conclusion, it is your decision but should be in line with what you want to achieve and what you are willing to sacrifice to learn.
Master's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 30
-
Cost Per Credit In State: $610
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $610
Doctorate's Degree
At a Glance-
AVG. Credits: 90
-
Cost Per Credit In State: $607
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Cost Per Credit Out Of State: $1,175
Other Degree Pathways
If you are interested in looking for other ways of how you can enroll in online cybersecurity programs in Minnesota, then there are a few things to consider. Community colleges provide their students with an associate degree and certificates which give the students basic skills in cybersecurity. These programs can also be completed in a shorter time period than a bachelor’s degree.
Furthermore, cybersecurity boot camps are also online and can be taken in both traditional and flexible formats; they help to build practical skills and may have a strong job placement record. It is also possible to gain some fundamental skills on online platforms such as edX or LinkedIn Learning, which offer courses that can be done at one’s own pace.