Metro State seeks authorization for applied doctorate in cybersecurity; committee lays bill over

Members considered House File 2,610, a request to authorize Metropolitan State University to offer an applied doctoral degree in cybersecurity. Representative Hansen introduced the bill at the request of Minnesota State University and invited Metro State President Ginny Arthur to present.

Arthur told the committee Metro State currently operates recognized cybersecurity undergraduate and graduate programs and is designated by the National Security Agency as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and Operations. She said Metro State receives federal and private grants to support workforce development, runs a cybersecurity clinic that provides hands‑on assistance to small businesses and municipal governments, and has facilities and recent appropriations (including a secure operations center) to support doctoral‑level applied research.

Arthur cited national and state workforce statistics: an estimated 460,000 unfilled cybersecurity roles nationally and about 5,700 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in Minnesota. She argued an applied doctorate would help produce doctorally‑qualified faculty for regional institutions and support industry upskilling. Committee members, including Representative Knorr and Representative Scott, praised the program and underscored the importance of cybersecurity education in protecting state institutions and businesses.

The committee laid HF 2,610 over for possible inclusion.