He was an adjunct professor, Paul M. Hebert Law Center from 1989 to 1991.
He was a judge on the Baton Rouge City Court, Louisiana from 1988 to 1993.
He was a judge of the 19th Judicial District Court, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana from 1993 to 1998.
Tyson was nominated by President Bill Clinton on April 2, 1998, to a new seat reassigned from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana by 111 Stat.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 31, 1998, and received his commission on August 3, 1998.