Landing cutting-edge jobs becomes reality with new MSU computing technology degrees

Contact: Harriet Laird

STARKVILLE, Miss.—The future is bright for those interested in cutting-edge jobs in computing technologies, and Mississippi State is offering three new degree paths this fall to get students on their way to professional success.

MSU’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Master of Science in Applied Data Science offer students hands-on training in occupations growing much faster for the next 12 years than the average for all jobs.

Currently, the university has existing programs that include a Bachelor of Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Data Science and a Master of Cybersecurity and Operations.

“As a comprehensive public research university, we want to ensure all our programs teach innovative and current best practices and prepare our students to be career ready when they graduate,” said MSU’s David Shaw, provost and executive vice president. “Every day, we’re looking at the whole picture—analyzing employers’ needs and workforce demands to offer top-notch academic programs.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 377,500 openings through 2032, on average, in computer and information technology occupations. While many openings are due to employment growth, an aging and retiring workforce also is a contributor. The bureau reports the median annual wage at $104,420 as of 2023, significantly higher than the median annual wage of $48,060 for all occupations.

Also this fall, MSU is introducing three additional applied science bachelor’s degrees—business office technology, healthcare administration and public management. Applied science bachelor’s degree programs are ideal for those who have completed or are finishing a two-year college or military Associate of Applied Science degree.

Offering online, in-person and hybrid learning options, these degrees add flexibility for working adults and transfer students who have A.A.S. technical degrees in a variety of fields. Students in most of these programs will have the opportunity to gain credentials of value while earning their degree.

A graduate degree for teachers is a new addition as well. The Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Level Alternate Route is specifically designed to address the state’s challenge of recruiting and retaining quality teachers. More than 100 public school districts have critical teacher shortages.

New Degree Programs: A Closer Look

—The B.A.S. in Cybersecurity is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and expertise to become cybersecurity analysts. This program ensures graduates are well-versed in cybersecurity theoretical aspects and possess hands-on skills required in defending organizations against cyber threats.

—Students pursuing the B.S. in Artificial Intelligence gain core theoretical knowledge and skills training to design and develop artificial intelligence systems. Data analytics, machine learning, robotics and more are the foundation of a degree preparing graduates for careers such as AI researcher and data scientist in technology and healthcare and many other industries.

—MSU is offering the M.S. in Applied Data Science focused toward working adults who may have a variety of bachelor’s degrees. While students learn foundational data science concepts, they also gain practical skills using real world datasets in many application domains. Careers for data scientists are innumerable—from agriculture and athletics to finance and healthcare.

—The B.A.S. in Business Office Technology prepares those holding business/technology A.A.S. degrees for work as office managers, administrative supervisors, IT administrators and more. It is delivered in both online and face-to-face formats, accommodating the preferences and schedules of a diverse population interested in pursuing a BOT degree.

—Those with health-related A.A.S. degrees can pursue MSU’s B.A.S. in Healthcare Administration at MSU-Meridian, where students are prepared to become managers in such settings as hospitals, private practices, pharmaceutical agencies, insurance companies and more. The curriculum includes study and skills training in such subjects as healthcare finance, law and management.

—MSU’s new B.A.S. in Public Management is specifically to advance the education and career options of professionals with existing A.A.S. degrees in public safety areas such as fire science, law enforcement or emergency medical/management services. Jobs for graduates include city or emergency manager, criminal justice administrator, fire management officer and others.

—A new graduate-level licensure program, the M.A. in Teaching Elementary Level Alternate Route prepares students for highly competent instruction in kindergarten through sixth grade. The MSU-Meridian coursework includes planning and managing learning, assessment and serving children with special needs. A one-year residency includes diagnosing reading problems and more.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.