New MSU Computing Technology Degrees Enable Landing Advanced Jobs

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Exciting opportunities await individuals interested in cutting-edge roles in computing technologies, with Mississippi State launching three fresh degree tracks this autumn to pave the way for student success in the professional realm.

The recently added programs at MSU, including the Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, and Master of Science in Applied Data Science, provide students with practical training that aligns with occupations projected to experience higher-than-average growth over the next 12 years.

For students exploring computing technology options, Mississippi State currently offers programs such as a Bachelor of Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Data Science, and a Master of Cybersecurity and Operations.

“As a prominent public research institution, our goal is to ensure that all our programs instill innovative and up-to-date practices, equipping our students with the skills they need to succeed in their careers post-graduation,” stated David Shaw, MSU’s Provost and Executive Vice President. “We remain vigilant in assessing employer requirements and workforce needs to provide outstanding academic programs.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 377,500 expected job openings in computer and information technology fields until 2032, with the median annual wage as of 2023 at $104,420, significantly exceeding the average median annual wage of $48,060 across all occupations.

This fall, MSU is launching three additional bachelor’s degrees in applied science – business office technology, healthcare administration, and public management. These programs cater to individuals who have completed or are close to completing a two-year college or military Associate of Applied Science degree.

These new degrees allow options for online, in-person, and hybrid learning, providing flexibility for working adults and transfer students who possess A.A.S. technical degrees in various fields. Many programs offer students the chance to earn valuable credentials while pursuing their degree.

One of the new additions is a graduate degree program tailored for teachers – the Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Level Alternate Route. This program aims to tackle the challenge of recruiting and retaining quality teachers in Mississippi, where over 100 public school districts currently face critical teacher shortages.

New Degree Programs: Detailed Overview

—The B.A.S. in Cybersecurity equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue careers as cybersecurity analysts. This program ensures graduates are well-versed in cybersecurity theory and equipped with the practical skills needed to safeguard organizations against cyber threats.

—Students pursuing the B.S. in Artificial Intelligence receive foundational knowledge and training to design and create artificial intelligence systems. This degree program covers data analytics, machine learning, robotics, and more, preparing graduates for roles such as AI researcher and data scientist across various industries.

—The M.S. in Applied Data Science at MSU focuses on working professionals with diverse bachelor’s degrees. This program teaches fundamental data science concepts while providing hands-on experience with real-world datasets across various application domains. Data scientists can pursue careers in fields as diverse as agriculture, finance, and healthcare.

—The B.A.S. in Business Office Technology is designed for individuals with business/technology A.A.S. degrees, training them for roles like office managers, administrative supervisors, and IT administrators. This program offers online and face-to-face formats to cater to different preferences and schedules.

—Individuals with health-related A.A.S. degrees can pursue the B.A.S. in Healthcare Administration at MSU-Meridian, preparing them for management roles in healthcare settings like hospitals, private practices, and insurance companies. Students receive training in healthcare finance, law, and management.

—The new B.A.S. in Public Management at MSU is ideal for professionals with A.A.S. degrees in public safety fields like fire science, law enforcement, or emergency medical services. Graduates can pursue roles like city manager, criminal justice administrator, and fire management officer.

—A new graduate-level licensure program, the M.A. in Teaching Elementary Level Alternate Route, focuses on enhancing instruction quality for kindergarten through sixth grade students. The MSU-Meridian residency includes training in diagnosing reading problems and other essential teaching skills.