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The only state in the country with parishes instead of counties, Louisiana features a distinctive culture among its famous bayous and river basins. Louisiana isn't all Mardis Gras and Spanish moss, however.
Around the state, new technology hubs are forming in cities such as New Orleans, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge. Employers seek cybersecurity professionals who can help secure data, prevent information exploitation, and investigate cybercrimes.
To fill these positions, Louisiana maintains major universities with cutting-edge research centers in cybersecurity. Students can also pursue technology-related degrees at some of Louisiana's community colleges and faith-based institutions.
Explore this guide to learn more about the cybersecurity careers and educational opportunities the Pelican State provides.
Louisiana at a Glance
| Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations | |
|---|---|
| % of Workforce in Tech | |
| Economic Impact of Tech Industry | |
| Number of Higher Learning Institutions |
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Cybersecurity in Louisiana?
Cybersecurity graduates are well-positioned for new opportunities in Louisiana's flourishing technology industry. The state's information security analysts, for example, earn an average annual wage of $87,600, and in 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a growth rate of 35% for these professionals between 2021-2031.
Louisiana's racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity makes it a great place for learning. The state's colleges include public and private institutions of all sizes, and many Louisiana schools offer online learning options.
Given Louisiana's relatively small geographic footprint, in-person learning is fairly accessible. Louisiana's higher education programs can be affordable, and students can secure state, federal, and private financial aid options.
Upon graduation, cybersecurity majors can compete for jobs in cities such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge, or in ports along the Gulf Coast.
Louisiana houses several cybersecurity companies and government agencies, including the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City and the Louisiana Cybersecurity Commission. These organizations help promote and develop the state's cybersecurity industry.
Education Statistics for Louisiana
With just over 50 two-year and four-year colleges in the state, Louisiana residents enjoy a wide variety of choices for higher education.
| Higher Education Statistics | Louisiana Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
|
Four-Year Colleges |
2,679 |
|
|
Two-Year Colleges |
1,303 |
|
|
Students Enrolled in Distance Education |
72.8% |
Sources: NCES
Accreditation for Louisiana Schools
An accredited school has approval from a recognized accrediting agency to offer specific types of academic programs.
Attending an accredited institution allows students to qualify for federal financial aid, transfer credits, and gain professional credentials.
Colleges and universities can hold institutional or programmatic accreditation. Program accreditors may approve a single department or program within the school, potentially signaling that a school values a particular department.
Several Louisiana schools also hold program accreditation with ABET, which accredits applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology programs.
Considerations for a Cybersecurity Degree in Louisiana
Several factors go into the college and program selection process.
First, determine the degree you need — associate, bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. Then, consider the program's delivery format. Does online, in-person, or a hybrid model work best for you?
Online degrees in Louisiana can offer more flexibility, but may require more self-discipline. In-person degrees provide more structure and face-to-face interaction with professors and peers. Hybrid programs provide a mix of both, but may need a larger time commitment.
Other factors to consider include the program's curriculum, accreditation, cost, location, and resources such as internship opportunities, career services, and research facilities.
To decide which program aligns with your academic and career goals, consult with academic advisors, current students, and alumni.
Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country
Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees
Louisiana companies not only seek cybersecurity experts, but also technology leaders, cloud computing specialists, and computer science generalists.
As hubs of software innovation and growth mushroom across the state, graduates can position themselves for lucrative careers. Consider these cybersecurity alternatives:
| Computer Science |
Students seeking a broad theoretical and practical background in computer programming and technology could select this major. Required math and science courses may include multivariable calculus, discrete mathematics, data structures, algorithms, and applied networking. |
|---|---|
| Cloud Computing |
Aspiring cloud computing analysts or application architects may benefit from this concentration. Students explore artificial intelligence, biometry, money and banking, the internet of things, and cryptography applications. |
| Cybersecurity Management |
Tech-savvy professionals desiring careers in management may pursue this program that combines cybertechnology applications with leadership education. Courses could include IT security auditing and monitoring along with security and cyber threats for managers. |
Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree
The sticker price of higher education in Louisiana tends to run slightly higher than the national average. However, students can take advantage of several state-specific financial aid packages.
Louisiana offers an array of scholarships and grants through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Cybersecurity majors could apply for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) if they attend a community or technical college. Four-year students may apply for the GO Grant or another scholarship.
The state's private schools offer scholarships to applicants who meet qualifying academic, religious, or racial requirements. All applicants may seek federal financial support through subsidized loans and U.S. government-sponsored grants.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Louisiana residents can participate in state-supported programs such as START and Upromise, which help families save for post-secondary education. In addition, state universities offer lower tuition costs for state residents.
Non-resident students can use tuition assistance programs. For instance, all Louisiana public colleges offer in-state tuition for veterans and active-duty military.
Non-military members from one of the 16 Southern Regional Education Board member states can also claim resident tuition rates at participating state universities.
Louisiana's Cost of Living
When planning their education, students should consider the cost of housing, transportation, and other living expenses along with tuition rates and aid packages.
The World Population Review evaluates each state's cost of living against a national average. Louisiana scores 93 against a national average of 100, slightly less expensive than South Carolina or Kentucky but a little more than Texas or Michigan.
Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in Louisiana
The 2022 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study estimates that 4.7 million people around the world work in cybersecurity. The labor force needs another 3.4 million, and the gap is growing.
Currently, Louisiana ranks 49th among 50 states in the percentage of the workforce in technology and 47th in overall economic health. Consequently, the state's residents are at high risk for cybercrime.
As a result, Louisiana universities are developing sophisticated research centers for cybercrime awareness and resistance. Researchers at Louisiana State University, for example, have developed HookTracer, an AI tool that helps track cybercriminals faster.
The state's information security career options tend to cluster around Louisiana's major metro areas — New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport.
Remote workers, however, may be able to live in one of Louisiana's culturally distinctive rural areas while working online — as long as there is wifi.
Select Cybersecurity Careers in Louisiana
Security Engineer
Security engineers build digital structures that protect data from cyber threats or leaks. These professionals test existing cybersecurity infrastructure, assess their findings, and recommend new approaches to data security.
Average Salary for Security Engineers: $97,800, as of March 2023
Security Analyst
Security analysts identify weaknesses in security structures and design structures and protocols to address these weaknesses. In Louisiana, security analysts may work in the state's marine logistics, oil and gas, or chemical industries.
Average Salary for Security Analysts in Louisiana: $87,600, as of 2021
Job Outlook in Louisiana (2020-30): +28%
Security Architect
Security architects design security systems for computer networks. They may work in testing, incident response, or protocol development. Louisiana-based security architects may help develop tactical network architecture for the state's burgeoning research and development sector.
Salary for Security Architects: $133,400, as of March 2023
Job Outlook in Louisiana (2020-30): +7.1%
Discover additional technology career trends in the chart below.
Louisiana Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Hardware Engineers |
||
|
2020 Employment |
150 |
66,200 |
|
2030 Projected Employment |
150 |
67,300 |
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
0% |
+1.7% |
|
Computer Network Architects |
||
|
2020 Employment |
420 |
165,200 |
|
2030 Projected Employment |
450 |
174,200 |
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+7% |
+5.4% |
|
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
||
|
2020 Employment |
2,630 |
1,847,900 |
|
2030 Projected Employment |
3,250 |
2,257,400 |
|
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+23.6% |
+22% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Louisiana Employment | Louisiana Annual Mean Wage | National Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
1,930 |
$121,191 |
$159,010 |
|
Computer Hardware Engineers |
400 |
$83,050 |
$128,170 |
|
Computer Network Architects |
300 |
$87,840 |
$120,520 |
|
Computer Network Support Specialists |
1,520 |
$64,830 |
$62,760 |
|
Computer Programmers |
1,240 |
$78,650 |
$93,000 |
|
Computer Systems Analysts |
2,290 |
$84,490 |
$99,270 |
|
Information Security Analysts |
690 |
$87,600 |
$102,600 |
|
Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
1,600 |
$74,400 |
$80,600 |
|
Software Developers |
2,370 |
$93,670 |
$109,020 |
|
Web Developers |
370 |
$54,300 |
$78,300 |
Source: BLS OEWS
The data above suggests that Louisiana will add significant numbers of software development professionals at a salary close to the national average. Computer science and engineering majors may be able to find high-paying developer jobs in Louisiana after graduation.
Cybersecurity Employers in Louisiana
Cox Communications: One of the largest private broadband providers in the United States, Cox Communications also provides digital cable and telephone services. The company hires network security analysts and engineers at offices around the country, including in Louisiana.
Venture Global, LNG: Venture Global provides customers with clean, reliable energy through innovative designs that are safe for people and the environment. This global liquified natural gas company supports four export projects in Louisiana and employs cybersecurity engineers and application developers.
U.S. Department of Energy: This federal agency is charged with supporting and protecting the U.S. nuclear, environmental, and energy sectors. It maintains a large presence in Louisiana, due in part to the state's large oil and gas and chemical industries. The department hires many cybersecurity professionals to help secure its defense-critical information.
Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Louisiana
-
ISACA — Greater New Orleans Chapter: New Orleans-based cybersecurity professionals can network with peers and work toward ISACA certifications such as the certified information security manager. -
NolaCon: Offered in New Orleans, NolaCon brings together cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts for training workshops and talks. The site includes an archive of each year's previous conference. -
SANS Security Leadership: SANS provides extensive online and in-person educational experiences on cyber defense, cloud security, digital forensics, and related topics. -
Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Exchange: Part of the state's Department of Public Safety & Corrections, the fusion exchange is a collaboration among law enforcement agencies. The site offers information about law and crime, including cybercrime. -
Cloud Security Alliance Louisiana Chapter: Chapter members can network with cloud security experts, participate in educational experiences, and brainstorm solutions to cloud vulnerabilities. The alliance hosts conferences and events around the state.
Schools With Cybersecurity Degrees in Louisiana
Questions About Cybersecurity in Louisiana
-
Can I get an online cybersecurity degree in Louisiana?
Several Louisiana universities offer online cybersecurity degrees. In addition, Louisiana residents may enroll in online cybersecurity programs at schools headquartered in other states.
-
Are the best cybersecurity schools in Louisiana expensive?
The cost of attending any college or university in Louisiana depends on the particular school and the program level. Often, Louisiana's top cybersecurity schools are not overly expensive. Tuition costs in Louisiana largely mirror the national trends.
-
What cybersecurity jobs can I get with a degree from Louisiana?
With a degree from a Louisiana-based school, you can pursue a variety of cybersecurity jobs, including security analyst, security engineer, security architect, cybersecurity manager, penetration tester, incident responder, and cybersecurity researcher.
-
Do Louisiana colleges offer digital forensics science degrees?
Colleges and universities frequently add or eliminate programs. Prospective applicants should research Louisiana-based universities themselves to discover which ones, if any, offer this particular major. Of course, Louisiana residents can also pursue online degrees from forensic science colleges in Louisiana.
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